Comparison of two anaerobic tests in assessment of anaerobic performance in soccer trained and untrained girls U12

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the usefulness of the Running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) in anaerobic performance estimation in trained and untrained girl U12, and the effect of an 8-week training period in female U12 soccer players on anaerobic performance. Fourteen female soccer players (FSP) and twelve untrained girls (UNT) participated in the study. The anaerobic performance was evaluated twice, within 8-weeks period, using the traditional Wingate test (WAnT) and the RAST. FSP in that time were subjected to soccer training, and UNT participated only in school’s physical education classes. A significant increase in the anaerobic performance of the FSP was noted. In both tests peak, average, and relative power were significantly improved (p <0.005). Nevertheless, strong, statistically significant (p <0.05) correlation coefficients (0.50< r <0.70) were found for pre-training measurements between the WAnT and the RAST power parameters in absolute values. In UNT group significant improvement was found in peak, average and min power (p <0.05) in the RAST. The improvement in anaerobic performance after training along with the strong correlation noted between the WAnT and the RAST power parameters prove the usefulness of the RAST in assessing anaerobic capacity in female youth athletes. Its simplicity encourages its use in monitoring anaerobic capacity in both trained and untrained girls.