Purpose:We examined the validity and reproducibility of a squash-specific test designed to assess change-of-direction speed. Methods: 10 male squash and 10 male association-football and rugby-union players completed the Illinois agility run (IAR) and a squash change-of-direction-speed test (SCODS) on separate days. Tests were repeated after 24 h to assess reproducibility. The best time from three attempts was recorded in each trial. Results: Performance times on the IAR (TE 0.27 s, 1.8%, 90% CI 0.21 to 0.37 s; LOA −0.12 s ± 0.74; LPR slope 1, intercept −2.8) and SCODS (TE 0.18 s, 1.5%, 90% CI 0.14 to 0.24 s; LOA 0.05 s ± 0.49; LPR slope 0.95, intercept 0.5) were reproducible. There were no statistically significant differences in performance time between squash (14.75 ± 0.66 s) and nonsquash players (14.79 ± 0.41 s) on the IAR. Squash players (10.90 ± 0.44 s) outperformed nonsquash players (12.20 ± 0.34 s) on the SCODS (P < .01). Squash player rank significantly correlated with SCODS performance time (Spearman's  = 0.77, P < .01), but not IAR performance time (Spearman's  = 0.43, P = .21). Conclusions: The results suggest that the SCODS test is a better measure of sport-specific capability than an equivalent nonspecific field test and that it is a valid and reliable tool for talent identification and athlete tracking.

Purpose: This study examined the validity of a squash-specific test designed to assess endurance capability and aerobic power. Methods: Eight squash players and eight runners performed, in a counterbalanced order, incremental treadmill (TT) and squash-specific (ST) tests to volitional exhaustion. Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake was determined by a portable analyzer and heart rate was assessed telemetrically. Time to exhaustion was recorded. Results: Independent t tests revealed longer time to exhaustion for squash players on the ST than runners (775 ± 103 vs. 607 ± 81 s; P = .003) but no difference between squash players and runners in maximal oxygen uptake (Vo 2max ) or maximum heart rate (HR max ). Runners exercised longer on the TT (521 ± 135 vs. 343 ± 115 s; P = .01) and achieved higher Vo 2max than squash players (58.6 ± 7.5 vs. 49.6 ± 7.3 mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ; P = .03), with no group difference in HR max . Paired t tests showed squash players achieved higher Vo 2max on the ST than the TT (52.2 ± 7.1 vs. 49.6 ± 7.3 mL·kg −1 ·min −1 ; P = .02). The Vo 2max and HR max of runners did not differ between tests, nor did the HR max of squash players. ST and TT Vo 2max correlated highly in squash players and runners (r = .94, P < .001; r = .88, P = .003). Conclusions:The ST discriminated endurance performance between squash players and runners and elicited higher Vo 2max in squash players than a nonspecific test. The results suggest that the ST is a valid assessment of Vo 2max and endurance capability in squash players.

Purpose:We examined the reproducibility of performance and physiological responses on a squash-specific incremental test. Methods: Eight trained squash players habituated to procedures with two prior visits performed an incremental squash test to volitional exhaustion on two occasions 7 days apart. Breath-by-breath oxygen uptake (Vo 2 ) and heart rate were determined continuously using a portable telemetric system. Blood lactate concentration at the end of 4-min stages was assessed to determine lactate threshold. Once threshold was determined, test speed was increased every minute until volitional exhaustion for assessment of maximal oxygen uptake (Vo 2max ), maximum heart rate (HR max ), and performance time. Economy was taken as the 60-s mean of Vo 2 in the final minute of the fourth stage (below lactate threshold for all participants). Typical error of measurement (TEM) with associated 90% confidence intervals, limits of agreement, paired sample t tests, and least products regression were used to assess the reproducibility of scores. Results: Performance time (TEM 27 s, 4%, 90% CI 19 to 49 s) Vo 2max (TEM 2.4 mL•kg −1 •min −1 , 4.7%, 90% CI 1.7 to 4.3 mL•kg −1 •min −1 ), maximum heart rate (TEM 2 beats·min −1 , 1.3%, 90% CI 2 to 4 beats·min −1 ), and economy (TEM 1.6 mL•kg −1 •min −1 , 4.1%, 90% CI 1.1 to 2.8 mL•kg −1 •min −1 ) were reproducible. Conclusions: The results suggest that endurance performance and physiological responses to a squash-specific fitness test are reproducible.