Rampinini E¹, Sassi A¹, Azzalin A¹, Castagna C², Menaspà P¹, Carlomagno D¹, Impellizzeri FM^3,4

1, Human Performance Laboratory, MAPEI Sport Research Center, Castellanza;2, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy;3, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Schulthess Clinic, Zurich, Switzerland,4; CeBiSM, Research Centre for Bioengineering and Motor Sciences, Rovereto, Italy

The physiological determinants of performance in two Yo-Yo intermittent recovery tests (Yo-YoIR1 and Yo-YoIR2) were examined in 25 professional (n = 13) and amateur (n = 12) soccer players. The aims of the study were (1) to examine the differences in physiological responses to Yo-YoIR1 and Yo-YoIR2, (2) to determine the relationship between the aerobic and physiological responses to standardized high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIT) and Yo-Yo performance, and (3) to investigate the differences between professional and amateur players in performance and responses to these tests. All players performed six tests: two versions of the Yo-Yo tests, a test for the determination of maximum oxygen uptake (VO_2max), a double test to determine VO₂ kinetics and a HIT evaluation during which several physiological responses were measured. The anaerobic contribution was greatest during Yo-YoIR2. VO_2max was strongly correlated with Yo-YoIR1 (r = 0.74) but only moderately related to Yo-YoIR2 (r = 0.47). The time constant (tau) of V(O)(2) kinetics was largely related to both Yo-Yo tests (Yo-YoIR1: r = 0.60 and Yo-YoIR2: r = 0.65). The relationships between physiological variables measured during HIT (blood La^–, H⁺, HCO₃ ^– and the rate of La^– accumulation) and Yo-Yo performance (in both versions) were very large (r > 0.70). The physiological responses to HIT and the tau of the V(O)(2) kinetics were significantly different between professional and amateur soccer players, whilst VO_2max was not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, VO_2max is more important for Yo-YoIR1 performance, whilst tau of the VO₂ kinetics and the ability to maintain acid-base balance are important physiological factors for both Yo-Yo tests.

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2010 Jan;108(2):401-9.

PMID: 19821121     DOI: 10.1007/s00421-009-1221-4