The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results

Abstract

Background: Although Yo-Yo intermittent tests are frequently used in a variety of sports and research studies to determine physical fitness, no structured reference exists for comparison and rating of test results. This systematic review of the most common Yo-Yo tests aimed to provide reference values for test results by statistical aggregation of published data.Methods: A systematic literature search for articles published until August 2017 was performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Original reports on healthy females and males ≥16 years were eligible for the analysis. Sub-maximal test versions and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 Children's test (YYIR1C) were not included.Results: 248 studies with 9,440 participants were included in the structured analysis. The Yo-Yo test types most frequently used were the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (YYIR1, 57.7%), the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 2 (YYIR2, 28.0%), the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 2 (YYIE2, 11.4%), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 1 (YYIE1, 2.9%) test. For each separate test, reference values (global means and percentiles) for sports at different levels and both genders were calculated.Conclusions: Our analysis provides evidence that Yo-Yo intermittent tests reference values differ with respect to the type and level of sport performed.The presented results may be used by practitioners, trainers and athletes to rate Yo-Yo intermittent test performance levels and monitor training effects.

Submaximal field testing validity for aerobic fitness assessment in recreational football

“…The field tests considered were the level 1 (YYIE1) and 2 (YYIE2) versions of the Yo‐Yo intermittent endurance test and the level 1 version of the Yo‐Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1). The current popularity of these tests in recreational and competitive football, and their associated feasibility, validity, and reliability, warranted their inclusion in this study design …”

“…The Yo‐Yo intermittent tests are the most popular field tests option for the assessment of aerobic fitness in different football competitive levels . Their feasibility (capability for testing large number of participants at the same time), validity, and reliability are the main reasons for their popularity …”

“…Reliability and some form of validity of Yo‐Yo intermittent submaximal versions have been addressed in schoolchildren and young professional footballers . Unfortunately, no study has investigated the validity and applicability of submaximal versions of the Yo‐Yo intermittent tests in adult (ie, 30‐50 years) recreational football players, despite their suitability for health and motivational issues . The low cost and popularity of heart monitors further promotes the interest of the Yo‐Yo intermittent tests in their submaximal versions for controlling recreational football training‐induced progression in aerobic fitness in untrained healthy adults …”

“…[11][12][13] The Yo-Yo intermittent tests are the most popular field tests option for the assessment of aerobic fitness in different football competitive levels. 14 Their feasibility (capability for testing large number of participants at the same time), validity, and reliability are the main reasons for their popularity. 14,15 The published research on recreational football reports widespread use of Yo-Yo tests, mainly the intermittent endurance level 1 (YYIE1) and 2 (YYIE2) versions.…”

“…14 Their feasibility (capability for testing large number of participants at the same time), validity, and reliability are the main reasons for their popularity. 14,15 The published research on recreational football reports widespread use of Yo-Yo tests, mainly the intermittent endurance level 1 (YYIE1) and 2 (YYIE2) versions. 1,4 Their maximal nature discourages the use of YYIE1 and 2 for repeated estimation of players' aerobic fitness in order to optimize training implementation (ie, training intensity and or volume/density).…”