Physical fitness components associated with performance in a multiple-sprint test

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Human Performance

Background:

• The 5-meter repeat-sprint test (5-m RST) is a key assessment for evaluating fatigue resistance during repeated high-intensity efforts.
• Understanding the physiological determinants of 5-m RST performance is crucial for optimizing training in athletes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the specific fitness components that are most strongly associated with performance on the 5-m RST.
• To determine the predictive power of various fitness measures on fatigue resistance.

Main Methods:

• Evaluated speed (10-m and 40-m sprints), strength (bench press), agility, strength endurance (pull-ups, push-ups), and aerobic power (20-m shuttle-run test).
• Collected data from a diverse group of male athletes across rugby, hockey, and soccer disciplines (n=224).

Main Results:

• High fatigue resistance in the 5-m RST was associated with lower body mass, better agility, and superior strength and aerobic power.
• A predictive model incorporating body mass, 1RM bench press, and 20-m shuttle-run test performance explained 66% of the variance in 5-m RST results.

Conclusions:

• 5-m RST performance is multifactorial, best predicted by a combination of body mass, muscular strength, and aerobic capacity.
• No single fitness attribute alone accurately predicts 5-m RST outcomes; a holistic assessment is recommended.