Familiarization and reliability of multiple sprint running performance indices.
The aims of this study were to evaluate the time-course of the familiarization process associated with a test of multiple sprint running performance and to determine the reliability of various performance indices once familiarization had been established. Eleven physically active men (mean age: 21 +/- 2 years) completed 4 multiple sprint running trials (12 x 30 m; repeated at 35-s intervals) with 7 days between trials. All testing was conducted indoors, and times were recorded by twin-beam photocells. Results revealed no apparent learning effects as evidenced by no significant (p > 0.05) between-trial differences in measures of fastest or mean 30-m sprint time. Within-subject test-retest reliability determined over 4 trials by coefficient of variation (CV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed excellent reliability for measures of fastest and mean sprint times (CV range: 1.34-2.24%; ICC range: 0.79-0.94). Pre- and posttrial blood lactate concentrations showed good reliability when judged in context with typical values (CV range: 12.08-18.21%; ICC range: 0.72-0.78). In contrast, and in line with previous research, fatigue data showed much greater variability (CV: 26.43%; ICC: 0.66). The results of this study suggest that high degrees of test-retest reliability can be obtained in many multiple sprint running indices without the need for prior familiarization.
Glaister
Mark
M
St. Mary's University College, Strawberry Hill, Twickenham, United Kingdom. Glaistem@smuc.ac.uk
Howatson
Glyn
G
Lockey
Richard A
RA
Abraham
Corinne S
CS
Goodwin
Jon E
JE
McInnes
Gillian
G
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D018763:Muscle Fatigue / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*
D007773:Lactates