Assessment of Movement and Acceleration Capacity

These assessment tests make it possible to determine sprinting and acceleration speeds under different running conditions, using both linear tests and change-of-direction tests (Illinois, T-test, modified T-test and linear sprint).

The following equipment is available to carry out these tests:

Infrared photocells with transmitter and receiver units (Witty photocells).
Timing console with dedicated software.
The test is supervised throughout by a sports science specialist.

Once the tests have been completed, a report will be prepared detailing the results obtained for the different variables analysed.

This service is in high demand among recreational and elite athletes seeking to assess acceleration capacity over distances of 15, 20 and 30 metres, maximum speed over distances of 40, 50 and 60 metres, speed endurance over distances of 100, 200 and 400 metres, and approach speed before the take-off board in the triple jump and long jump.

These tests can be requested by individual athletes, as well as by sports clubs or organisations interested in assessing their athletes’ sprinting capacity and acceleration under different running conditions.

Most centres offering this type of testing take split-time measurements every 5 metres in 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60-metre tests, or every 10 metres in 80, 100 and 400-metre tests. These measurements provide parameters such as total sprint time, split times every 5 or 10 metres, overall average speed in kilometres per hour and metres per second, average split speed in kilometres per hour and metres per second, overall average acceleration in metres per second squared, and average acceleration for each split in metres per second squared.

In this regard, the research group has gone a step further by offering assessments of the horizontal force–velocity profile in intermittent-sport athletes, which can support the individualisation of training loads aimed at improving performance.

The research group has extensive experience both in research and in the application of knowledge through these types of assessments, which are widely used in various intermittent sports.

The technology and assessment protocols are fully operational and available. The group has extensive experience applying these tests in high-performance sports environments.

• Sports Clubs and Organisations (football, basketball, rugby, handball, etc.).
• Elite Athletes and Recreational Athletes specialising in sprinting and jumping.
• High-Performance and Sports Development Centres.
• Strength and Conditioning Coaches and Personal Trainers.
• Preparation Academies for Competitive Examinations (Security and Law Enforcement Forces).

José Manuel Sarabia Marín – University Institute for Research, Sports Research Centre