The prediction of repeated sprint and speed endurance performance by parameters of critical velocity models in soccer

Abstract

Purpose: The prediction of running anaerobic sprint test and 800 m performance by parameters of critical velocity was examined in this study. Material: The participants of study were consisted of thirteen amateur soccer players (n=13, age=22.69 +/- 5.29 years, weight=72.46 +/- 6.32 kg, height=176.92 +/- 6.73 cm). The 800 and 2400 m running tests were performed for determination of critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity. The critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity were determined by three mathematical models (linear total distance, linear velocity, non-linear two parameter model). The repeated sprint and sprint endurance ability was determined by running anaerobic sprint test and 800 m running test. The simple and multiple linear regression analysis was used for prediction of dependent variables (running anaerobic sprint test and 800 m running performance) by independent variables (critical velocity and anaerobic distance capacity) of study. The correlation between variables was determined by Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: It was found that anaerobic distance capacity was a significant predictor of running anaerobic sprint test and 800 m running performance (p<0.05). However, it was determined that critical velocity predicted significantly only time parameters of running anaerobic sprint test and 800 m test (p<0.05). Also, the parameters of 800 m test (except for average velocity) were significantly predicted by running anaerobic sprint test parameters (p<0.05). Conclusions: It may be concluded that anaerobic distance capacity is an indicator of repeated sprint and speed endurance ability in soccer and may be used in improvement of sprint endurance performance.