Functional threshold power is defined as the highest power output a cyclist can maintain in a quasi-steady state for approximately 60 min (FTP). In order to improve practicality for regular evaluations, FTP could theoretically be determined as 95% of the mean power output in a 20-min time trial (FTP). This study tested this assumption and the validity of FTP and FTP against the individual anaerobic threshold (IAT). Twenty-three trained male cyclists performed an incremental test to exhaustion, 20- and 60-min time trials, and a time to exhaustion at FTP. Power output, heart rate and oxygen uptake representing FTP, FTP and IAT were not different (p>0.05), and large to very large correlations were found (r=0.61 to 0.88). Bland-Altman plots between FTP, FTP and IAT showed small bias (-1 to -5 W), but large limits of agreement ([-40 to 32 W] to [-62 to 60 W]). Time to exhaustion at FTP was 50.9±15.7 min. In conclusion, FTP and FTP should not be used interchangeably on an individual basis and their validity against IAT should be interpreted with caution.

The aim of this study was to assess the validity (Study 1) and reliability (Study 2) of a novel intermittent running test (Carminatti's test) for physiological assessment of soccer players. In Study 1, 28 players performed Carminatti's test, a repeated sprint ability test, and an intermittent treadmill test. In Study 2, 24 players performed Carminatti's test twice within 72 h to determine test-retest reliability. Carminatti's test required the participants to complete repeated bouts of 5 × 12 s shuttle running at progressively faster speeds until volitional exhaustion. The 12 s bouts were separated by 6 s recovery periods, making each stage 90 s in duration. The initial running distance was set at 15 m and was increased by 1 m at each stage (90 s). The repeated sprint ability test required the participants to perform 7 × 34.2 m maximal effort sprints separated by 25 s recovery. During the intermittent treadmill test, the initial velocity of 9.0 km · h(-1) was increased by 1.2 km · h(-1) every 3 min until volitional exhaustion. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between Carminatti's test peak running velocity and speed at VO(2max) (v-VO(2max)). Peak running velocity in Carminatti's test was strongly correlated with v-VO(2max) (r = 0.74, P < 0.01), and highly associated with velocity at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (r = 0.63, P < 0.01). Mean sprint time was strongly associated with peak running velocity in Carminatti's test (r = -0.71, P < 0.01). The intraclass correlation was 0.94 with a coefficient of variation of 1.4%. In conclusion, Carminatti's test appears to be avalid and reliable measure of physical fitness and of the ability to perform intermittent high-intensity exercise in soccer players.

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test (T-CAR) (PV) and physical match performance in young soccer players. Thirty-three youth soccer players were recruited from 2 non-professional clubs. Friendly matches and small-sided game were performed. Physical match demands were assessed using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. On a separate occasion, the players were submitted to the T-CAR. Players were categorised into 3 groups based on their T-CAR performance: Low (PV ≤ P33), Intermediate (P33 > PV < P66) and High (PV ≥ P66). The PV (15.5 ± 0.7 km·h) was significantly related to high-intensity activities (HIA; r = 0.78, P < 0.001), high-intensity running (HIR; r = 0.66, P < 0.001), sprinting (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and total distance (TD) covered (r = 0.47, P < 0.01) during friendly matches. The PV was strongly correlated with the amount of HIA (r = 0.81, P < 0.001), HIR (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and TD covered (r = 0.81, P < 0.001) during small-sided game. No significant correlation was observed between the PV and distance of sprinting (r = 0.49, P = 0.067) during small-side game. Furthermore, players in the High group covered significantly more TD (10%) and did more HIA (42%), sprinting (31%) and HIR (25%) during friendly matches compared to the players classified as having Low performance on the T-CAR. These differences still remained after adjusting for chronological age (CA), maturity and body size. In conclusion, the current study gives empirical support to the ecological and construct validity of this novel field test (T-CAR) as an indicator of match-related physical performance in young soccer players during pubertal years.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 2 generic aerobic training models, based on peak running velocity in Carminatti's test (PVT-CAR) in U-20 elite soccer players. Seventeen soccer players (age: 17.9 ± 1.0 years; 178.6 ± 5.0 cm; 73.6 ± 6.6 kg; 11.1 ± 1.3%) from a team competing in a national junior league took part in the study. The athletes performed a series of pre- and posttraining tests (incremental test on a treadmill to determine the maximal oxygen uptake [(Equation is included in full-text article.)], velocity at maximal oxygen uptake [(Equation is included in full-text article.)], the lactate threshold [LT], and T-CAR). The interval training models applied were with 180° direction change (T12:12; n = 9) and without direction change (T6:6; n = 8). No significant interaction (time vs. group) was observed for the majority of variables analyzed (p > 0.05), although significant main effects in time were evident regarding peak treadmill velocity (PVTREAD) (F = 56.3, p < 0.0001), (Equation is included in full-text article.)(F = 35.8, p < 0.0001), LT (F = 57.7, p < 0.0001), and PVT-CAR (F = 52.9, p < 0.0001). Moreover, there was no significant change in (Equation is included in full-text article.)between pre and posttraining period (F = 4.26, p = 0.056) in both training groups. Thus, it can be concluded that the prescribed training with and without direction change in the intensity of the PVT-CAR increases the PVTREAD, the (Equation is included in full-text article.), the LT, and the PVT-CAR similarly.

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the effects of two shuttle-run interval training (SRIT) models with one and three directional changes per running bout on the aerobic and anaerobic performances of elite female futsal players. Sixteen players competing in the Brazilian National Division League took part in the study. The training protocols consisted of shuttle-run intervals organized in four sets of 4-min bouts with 3- min of rest intervals between the sets. The SRIT models were composed of one (7.5 s running and 7.5 s pause [SRIT7.5x7.5]; n=7) or three (15 s running and 15 s pause [SRIT15x15]; n=9) directional changes. The athletes performed the following tests before and after a 5-week training period: incremental treadmill test (ITT), Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) [with respective peak speeds (PS)] and a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test. After the training period, PSFIET and speed at the second lactate turnpoint were very likely and almost certainly increased in both training regimens, respectively. SRIT15x15 induced possibly greater improvements in PSITT (+3.28%, 90%CL -0.16 to 6.82) and RSAmean (+1.17%, 90% CL -0.68 to 3.05) than SRIT7.5x7.5. In addition, SRIT15x15 resulted in a likely greater improvement in running economy (+4.33%, 90% CL -0.35 to 9.23) compared with SRIT7.5x7.5. In elite female futsal players, SRIT15x15 is a promising strategy to enhance performance-related physical fitness attributes in a shortterm period (5 weeks) during the preseason, due to its superior effects on these important aerobic and anaerobic qualities than a protocol with fewer directional changes.