Maximal shuttle running over 40 m as a measure of anaerobic performance

Over the last decade increasing interest has been shown in the measurement of anaerobic power and capacity in athletic men. These physiological characteristics have been determined predominantly using cycle ergometry and treadmill sprinting. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between 40-m maximal shuttle run times and performance indices obtained during treadmill sprinting and cycle ergometry. Moderate correlations were found between 10-m split times (the time taken to cover the initial 10 m of the shuttle course) and treadmill peak power outputs (r = -0.67; P < 0.05). Similar relationships were also found between the fastest 40-m time and mean power outputs generated on both the treadmill and cycle ergometer (r = -0.67; P < 0.05) and (r = -0.75; P < 0.05) respectively. The correlations remained unchanged when the values were adjusted for body weight (W kg-1). The results of the present study suggest that maximal 40-m shuttle running ability may reflect anaerobic indices of power and capacity, determined using standard laboratory procedures.