Familiarization and reliability of multiple sprint running performance indices

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Science
• Human Performance

Background:

• Assessing multiple sprint running performance requires understanding the familiarization process.
• Establishing reliable performance metrics is crucial for accurate training and testing.
• Previous research indicates variability in fatigue measures during repeated sprint protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the familiarization period for multiple sprint running tests.
• To determine the reliability of various performance indicators after familiarization.
• To assess the test-retest reliability of sprint times, blood lactate, and fatigue indices.

Main Methods:

• Eleven physically active men completed four multiple sprint running trials (12 x 30 m) separated by 7 days.
• Indoor testing utilized twin-beam photocells for precise timing of sprint intervals.
• Measures included fastest and mean 30-m sprint times, pre- and post-trial blood lactate, and fatigue indicators.

Main Results:

• No significant learning effects were observed, indicating no need for prior familiarization.
• Excellent within-subject test-retest reliability was found for fastest and mean sprint times (CV: 1.34-2.24%; ICC: 0.79-0.94).
• Good reliability was observed for blood lactate (CV: 12.08-18.21%; ICC: 0.72-0.78), while fatigue data showed higher variability (CV: 26.43%; ICC: 0.66).

Conclusions:

• High test-retest reliability for multiple sprint running performance indices can be achieved without familiarization.
• Sprint times and blood lactate measurements demonstrate robust reliability in this protocol.
• Fatigue measures exhibit greater variability, suggesting caution in their interpretation without familiarization.