title: Individualisation of time-motion analysis: a method comparison and case report series.
abstract: This study compared the intensity distribution of time-motion analysis data, when speed zones were categorized by different methods. 12 U18 players undertook a routine battery of laboratory- and field-based assessments to determine their running speed corresponding to the respiratory compensation threshold (RCT), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), maximal oxygen consumption (vV˙O2max) and maximal sprint speed (MSS). Players match-demands were tracked using 5 Hz GPS units in 22 fixtures (50 eligible match observations). The percentage of total distance covered running at high-speed (%HSR), very-high speed (%VHSR) and sprinting were determined using the following speed thresholds: (1) arbitrary; (2) individualised (IND) using RCT, vV˙O2max and MSS; (3) individualised via MAS per se; (4) individualised via MSS per se; and (5) individualised using MAS and MSS as measures of locomotor capacities (LOCO). Using MSS in isolation resulted in 61% and 39% of player's % HSR and % VHSR, respectively, being incorrectly interpreted, when compared to the IND technique. Estimating the RCT from fractional values of MAS resulted in erroneous interpretations of % HSR in 50% of cases. The present results suggest that practitioners and researchers should avoid using singular fitness characteristics to individualise the intensity distribution of time-motion analysis data. A combination of players' anaerobic threshold, MAS, and MSS characteristics are recommended to individualise player-tracking data.
authors.affiliation: Medical and Sports Science Department, Southampton Football Club, Southampton, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bray
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Towlson
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Health, The University of Western Sydney, Penrith, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barrett
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Madden
authors.affiliation: Department of Sport, Health and Exercise Science, The University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abt
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Health, The University of Western Sydney, Penrith, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lovell
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015308:Anaerobic Threshold; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology*; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology; D013996:Time and Motion Studies