Research article - (2015)14, 62 - 68
A Self-Paced Intermittent Protocol on a Non-Motorised Treadmill: A Reliable Alternative to Assessing Team-Sport Running Performance
Paul J. Tofari1,, Blake D. McLean1,2, Justin Kemp1, Stuart Cormack1
1School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
2Sport Science Department, Collingwood Football Club, Melbourne, Australia

Paul J. Tofari
✉ Australian Catholic University, Locked Bag 4115, Fitzroy, MDC, Victoria, Australia, 3165
Email: Ptofari@gmail.com
Received: 01-09-2014 -- Accepted: 14-10-2014
Published (online): 01-03-2015

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the reliability of a ‘self-paced’ 30-min, team-sport running protocol on a Woodway Curve 3.0 non-motorised treadmill (NMT). Ten male team-sport athletes (20.3 ± 1.2 y, 74.4 ± 9.7 kg, VO2peak 57.1 ± 4.5 ml·kg-1·min-1) attended five sessions (VO2peak testing + familiarisation; four reliability trials). The 30-min protocol consisted of three identical 10-min activity blocks, with visual and audible commands directing locomotor activity; however, actual speeds were self-selected by participants. Reliability of variables was estimated using typical error ± 90% confidence limits expressed as a percentage [coefficient of variation (CV)] and intraclass correlation coefficient. The smallest worthwhile change (SWC) was calculated as 0.2 × between participant standard deviation. Peak/mean speed and distance variables assessed across the 30-min protocol exhibited a CV < 5%, and < 6% for each 10-min activity block. All power variables exhibited a CV < 7.5%, except walking (CV 8.3-10.1%). The most reliable variables were maximum and mean sprint speed (CV < 2%). All variables produced a CV% greater than the SWC. A self-paced, team-sport running protocol performed on a NMT produces reliable speed/distance and power data. Importantly, a single familiarisation session allowed for adequate test-retest reliability. The self-paced design provides an ecologically-valid alternative to externally-paced team-sport running simulations.

Key words: Exercise test, athletic performance, running, reproducibility of results

Key Points
  • Self-paced team-sport running protocols on a curved NMT that closely match the locomotor demands of competition deliver reliable test-retest measures of speed, distance and power.
  • Such protocols may be sensitive to changes in running profile following an intervention that may not be detectable during externally-paced protocols.
  • One familiarisation session is adequate to ensure test-retest reliability.








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