Cardiorespiratory responses to Yo-yo Intermittent Endurance Test in nonelite youth soccer players

This study examined the validity of the Yo-yo Intermittent Endurance Test (Level 1; YYIET) as indicator of aerobic power in youth soccer players. Cardiorespiratory responses were determined in 18 moderately trained nonelite youth soccer players (age, 16.6 ± 0.8 years; height, 178.7 ± 6.2 cm; body mass, 69.8 ± 6.0 kg; V̇O2peak, 52.8 ± 7.4 ml·kg-1·min-1) while performing the YYIET and an incremental treadmill test. Maximal heart rate (HRmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), O2 pulse, V̇O2peak, and maximal ventilation (V̇Emax) were measured. Group YYIET V̇O2peak, HRmax, RER, and O2 pulse were not significantly different from treadmill responses (p > 0.05). V̇Emax was significantly lower (p < 0.05) during the YYIET compared to the treadmill condition. No significant correlation was found between treadmill V̇O2peak and YYIET performance (p > 0.05). This study showed that the YYIET elicits peak V̇O2 and HR responses. However, YYIET performance results were not related to V̇O2peak measured in laboratory. Furthermore, the individual V̇O2peak reached during the TM did not reflect the V̇O2peak obtained during the YYIET, as shown by the large limits of agreement. As a consequence, compared to other shuttle run field tests, YYIET seems to be a weak indicator of aerobic power in youth moderately trained youth soccer player. © 2006 National Strength & Conditioning Association.