Validity and Reliability of a New Specific Parkour Test: Physiological and Performance Responses

Abstract

Main aim of this study was examining validity and reliability of using a new specific Parkour repeated sprint ability test (SPRSA) for assessing repeated sprint ability while facing obstacles and establishing between-day reliability and sensitivity of SPRSA related to its physiological and performance responses. Thirteen high-level traceurs (three females) performed in random order and twice eight tests for assessing a total of 23 variables: SPRSA (a typical maximal-speed shuttle run interspersed with four Parkour competition-common fundamentals) and seven established fitness tests, core stability, hand-grip, vertical-jump, long-jump, pull-up, 300-m shuttle run (as a field test for anaerobic capacity), and Leger test. Except for muscular elasticity index of vertical jump test (intra-class Correlation Coefficient model 3,1 [ICC3,1] = 0.54 [fair]), fitness tests’ ICC3,1s resulted excellent (ICC3,1: 0.93–1.00). SPRSA total time and time of its fastest sprint (SPRSA peak time) were significantly correlated with the majority of core stability (r: −0.79 to 0.59; P < 0.01–0.05), jumping (r: −0.78 to 0.67; P < 0.01–0.05), pull-up tests (r: −0.86; P < 0.01), 300-m shuttle run test total time (r: 0.77–0.82; P < 0.01), and Leger test-estimated VO2 max (r: −0.78; P < 0.01). Principal component analysis (PCA) of the 23 variables led to extraction of four significant components (each due to different variables’ combinations), which explained 90.2% of 23 variables’ total variance. SPRSA (i.e., total and peak time) showed high reliability (ICC3,1: 0.991–0.998 and standard-error-of-measurement %: 0.07–0.32). Finally, SPRSA showed high sensitivity (smallest-worthwhile-change %: 0.29–0.68). Considering its excellent logical and strong ecological validity, SPRSA may serve as a valid specific field test for Parkour sport. In addition, thanks to its high reliability and sensitivity, this test is suitable for monitoring, evaluating, and programming training processes for Parkour practitioners in repeated sprint ability involving crossing obstacles.

What Makes Parkour Unique? A Narrative Review Across Miscellaneous Academic Fields

“…1) and thus it is a standard test that represents a good starting point to compare traceurs' to other athletes' performances. This comparison has shown that, despite a less controlled and structured training, traceurs could achieve similar or even better performances than other athletes (Table 2) [38,57,62,66,67]. In fact, the average performance of traceurs in SLJ is 248.0 ± 28.1 cm (mean values extrapolated from the studies presented in Table 2), which is comparable or greater than the performance of other high-level athletes (gymnastics SLJ = 251.1 ± 13.5 cm ; various sports SLJ = 223.8 ± 14.9 cm), notwithstanding that the variability is large enough that one should make sure not to draw any definitive conclusion (Table 2).…”

How is parkour new and singular? A narrative review across miscellaneous academic fields.

“…Rather than developing maximum power as in track and field disciplines, parkour involves producing the right amount of power in order to reach accurately the targeted distance [70]. Since tests from other sports are not adapted to fully evaluate the multiplicity of parkour skills, specific tests are starting to be developed [71][72][73].…”

Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Motor Competence and Physical Performance in Young Female Volleyball Players

“…Plank test was modified according to Padulo et al [32]. This test aimed at holding an elevated position for as long as possible.…”