title: Repeated Sprints: An Independent Not Dependent Variable.
abstract: The ability to repeatedly perform sprints has traditionally been viewed as a key performance measure in team sports, and the relationship between repeated-sprint ability (RSA) and performance has been explored extensively. However, when reviewing the repeated-sprint profile of team-sports match play it appears that the occurrence of repeated-sprint bouts is sparse, indicating that RSA is not as important to performance as commonly believed. Repeated sprints are, however, a potent and time-efficient training strategy, effective in developing acceleration, speed, explosive leg power, aerobic power, and high-intensity-running performance--all of which are crucial to team-sport performance. As such, we propose that repeated-sprint exercise in team sports should be viewed as an independent variable (eg, a means of developing fitness) as opposed to a dependent variable (eg, a means of assessing fitness/performance).
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Science Dept, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Tom W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Macpherson
authors.forename: Iain R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Spears
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weston
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012420:Running; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors