Repeated Sprint Test

These tests are used to assess an athlete’s ability to repeat high-intensity sprints during the execution of technical and tactical actions arising from the game.

The tests can be performed in different sports disciplines where the repetition of technical actions during play may be a determining factor in the outcome.

To this end, repeated high-intensity actions are performed to assess the athlete’s ability to maintain an optimal level of performance. This type of test can be carried out either on a cycle ergometer or an indoor trainer, performing series of short-duration sprints (e.g. 30 seconds) at maximum speed, in order to determine the athlete’s anaerobic capacity and obtain performance parameters.

The following equipment is available to carry out these tests:

• Bike Med cycle ergometer (Technogym, Italy)
• 839E cycle ergometer (Monark, Sweden)
• Kickr indoor trainer (Wahoo, UK)

The assessment is supervised throughout by a specialist technician/researcher (graduate in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences).

These assessments are accompanied by a technical report, which is provided to the athlete or athletes after completion of the testing protocol, together with recommendations aimed at improving athletic performance.

This type of service is requested by athletes whose performance requirements include the ability to perform repeated short-duration, high-intensity efforts. It therefore assesses the maximum power or speed generated during each repetition, as well as the loss of power or speed over successive repetitions.

This type of test can be requested either individually by an athlete or collectively by a team or sports organisation in any discipline interested in assessing the anaerobic capacity of its athletes, such as athletics, cycling, football, etc.

The advantage of this test is that it assesses this capacity through a short, non-invasive test that evaluates different parameters of an athlete’s anaerobic capacity, such as maximum sprint capacity and fatigue index.

The research team’s extensive experience with this type of test and its application across different sports disciplines has made it possible to establish reference values that are used to define performance ranges based on the results obtained. These values are used to individualise training loads and adapt them to the athlete’s response to the loads applied.

The technology and RSA protocols are fully validated and routinely used. The research team has an established track record in anaerobic and intermittent sports, supported by scientific studies on the validity of the tests.

• Sports Clubs and Federations (Football, Basketball, Handball, Rugby, etc.).
• High-Performance Centres and Sports Development Schools.
• High-Level Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Personal Trainers.
• Individual Athletes Competing in Endurance Disciplines with Speed Components.

Manuel Moya Ramón – University Institute for Research, Sports Research Centre