The effect of slope on repeated sprint ability in young soccer players

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to describe a gradient repeated sprint ability (RSA) test in comparison with a standard level one by investigating performance, metabolic demand and muscular jumping performance as a proxy for running mechanics. Eighteen athletes performed two level RSA tests (40 m × 6) – for reliability evaluation – and one ±5% gradient RSA test, second leg downhill (RSAgrad). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood lactate concentration (BLa) concentration, vertical jump heights were assessed as well. Level test measures resulted highly reliable (Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) ≥0.96). RSAgrad worsened only first sprints’ performance (−2%) but not overall test performance (~45 s). RSAgrad resulted to be less deteriorating in terms of fatigue index (FI) (−36%), BLa (−23%), RPE (−11%), jumping performance (RSAgrad post-/pre-squat jump, countermovement jump heights (CMJh): −3%, −6%, respectively). RSAgrad could be used to diversify common training protocol without stressing excessively athletes’ current metabolic-anaerobic capacity. Such physical conditioning procedures could improve acceleration/braking capability.

KEYWORDS:

• Repeated bout effect
• soccer
• exercise performance
• metabolism
• shuttle running

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the players who volunteered within this study. This work was supported by the Italian Olympic Committee, Sardinia Committee under Grant 2013 Project. The authors declare no conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Italian Olympic Committee, Sardinia Committee 2013 Project.