Abstract des Autors

Submaximal field tests are especially recommended when repeated testing is warranted. This study aimed at assessing the validity of the submaximal versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent tests in male recreational football players in untrained and trained status. The participants‘ (n = 66; age 39.3 +/- 5.8 years, VO2max 41.2 +/- 6.2 mL/kg/min, body mass 81.9 +/- 10.8 kg, height 173.2 +/- 6.4 cm) heart rate after 2 minutes (HR2min) during the level 1 (YYIE1HR2min) and 2 (YYIE2HR2min) versions of the Yo-Yo intermittent endurance test and the level 1 version of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1HR2min) was plotted against individual VO2max values. Thirty-two participants performed all the tests after a 12-week recreational football intervention for test responsiveness. Associations between VO2max and YYIE1HR2min were large to small (P = .0001). Large to trivial associations were found between YYIE2HR2min, YYIR1HR2min, and VO2max (P < .01). Maximal Yo-Yo performances were large, significant, and inversely related to HR2min (-0.68 to -0.49, P < .0001). Pre- to post-intervention ICC values were good for YYIE1HR2min and YYIE2HR2min, and excellent for YYIR1HR2min. Post-intervention associations between HR2min and Yo-Yo maximal performances were large to very large (-0.55 to -0.72; P < .002, n = 32). Training-induced changes in VO2max moderately correlated with YYIR1HR2min (-0.48; P = .007; n = 32). HR2min lower than 89%, 98%, and 91% HRmax for YYIE1HR2min, YYIE2HR2min, and YYIR1HR2min, respectively, may be considered as signs of good to excellent VO2max levels. Since in the YYIE1HR2min, the participants attained 84% HRmax and test specificity increased for HR2min values <89%, this test may be the preferred choice when repeated assessment of aerobic fitness, using submaximal intermittent Yo-Yo tests, is considered in recreational football.