Performance prediction and athlete categorization using the anaerobic speed reserve in 400m sprinters.

This study aimed to assess relationships of acute responses to short-format high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) of adolescent runners. Pre-post intervention design. Eighteen highly-trained youth runners (15.83 ± 0.86 years) underwent maximal sprinting speed (MSS) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS) assessments to determine ASR (MSS minus MAS) and a standardized HIIT protocol (2 × (20 × 15 s/15 s @110 % MAS)) was administered. Pre/post-HIIT assessments included biochemical (i.e., creatine kinase (CK)), neuromuscular (countermovement jump, CMJ; reactive strength index, RSI), cardiac (i.e., heart rate recovery (HRR)), and athlete-reported outcome measures (e.g., single item for fatigue). Pearson's r was calculated to assess relationships between acute responses and ASR, MSS, MAS, and relative intensity of the HIIT (%ASR). Athletes' ASR and %ASR were significantly associated with the pre/post difference of CK (r = -0.75; p < 0.001; r = 0.74; p < 0.001, respectively), CMJ height, and RSI (r ≥ 0.69; p ≤ 0.002; r ≤ -0.49; p ≤ 0.04, respectively). However, HRR did not correlate significantly with ASR or %ASR (r ≤ 0.37, p ≥ 0.131, r ≥ -0.31; p ≥ 0.22, respectively). The pre/post difference of RSI correlated with MAS (r = -0.54; p = 0.02), and the pre/post difference of CK (r = -0.50; p = 0.034) and of CMJ height (r = 0.76; p < 0.001) with MSS. Regarding athlete-reported measures, ASR and %ASR showed significant associations with most fatigue and recovery variables (r ≥ 0.57; p ≤ 0.014, r ≥ 0.57; p ≤ 0.013, respectively). The pre/post difference of the single item for fatigue showed a positive relationship with MSS (r = 0.49; p = 0.037). Acute biochemical, neuromuscular, and athlete-reported responses to short-format HIIT showed strong relationships with ASR and MSS, indicating higher internal load in athletes with a lower ASR and MSS by using a higher %ASR, compared to athletes with a higher ASR and MSS. These findings can help to tailor training programs to individual needs and avoid possible overload.

Locomotor profiling using anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) enables insights into athletes' physiological and neuromuscular contributing factors and prescription of high-intensity training beyond maximal aerobic speed (MAS). This systematic review aimed to determine the validity and reliability of different methods to assess the characteristics of ASR, i.e., MAS and maximal sprinting speed (MSS). A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported data on validity and/or reliability for methods to assess MAS or MSS. 58 studies were included with 28 studies referring to MAS and 30 studies to MSS. Regarding MAS, different methods for cardiopulmonary exercise testing yielded different values (four out of seven studies) of MAS (Cohen's d (ES) = 0.83-2.8; Pearson's r/intraclass correlation coefficient (r/ICC) = 0.46-0.85). Criterion validity of different field tests showed heterogeneous results (ES = 0-3.57; r/ICC = 0.40-0.96). Intraday and interday reliability was mostly acceptable for the investigated methods (ICC/r>0.76; CV<16.9%). Regarding MSS, radar and laser measurements (one out of one studies), timing gates (two out of two studies), and video analysis showed mostly good criterion validity (two out of two studies) (ES = 0.02-0.53; r/ICC = 0.93-0.98) and reliability (r/ICC>0.83; CV<2.43%). Criterion validity (ES = 0.02-7.11) and reliability (r/ICC = 0.14-0.97; CV = 0.7-9.77%) for global or local positioning systems (seven out of nine studies) and treadmill sprinting (one out of one studies) was not acceptable in most studies. The criterion validity of incremental field tests or shuttle runs to examine MAS cannot be confirmed. Results on time trials indicate that distances adapted to the participants' sporting background, fitness, or sex might be suitable to estimate MAS. Regarding MSS, only sprints with radar or laser measures, timing gates, or video analysis provide valid and reliable results for linear sprints of 20 to 70 m.

This study aimed to compare the effects of individualized versus non-individualized HIIT programming, based on players' locomotor profiles, on the magnitude of adaptations in aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular capacities. A randomized, controlled, parallel-group design was conducted with 46 male youth soccer players (age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years), who were allocated into four groups: individualized HIIT (HIITind), long-interval HIIT only (HIITlong), repeated sprint training only (RST), and a control group that maintained regular training without any HIIT intervention. In the HIITind group, players were assigned to either HIITlong or RST based on their locomotor profile - endurance or speed-oriented - determined by the difference between maximal sprint speed (MSS) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS), respectively. In contrast, players in the HIITlong and RST groups followed the same protocol regardless of their profile. The training intervention lasted six weeks, with sessions conducted twice per week. Players were assessed at baseline and post-intervention for countermovement jump (CMJ), MSS over 30 meters (km/h), repeated sprint ability (RSA), and MAS, using the 5-minute running test. Significant improvements were found in all training groups compared to the control. RST showed greater improvements in CMJ (p < 0.001), MSS (p < 0.001), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) (p < 0.001), and RSAmean (p < 0.001) compared to HIITind and HIITlong. No significant differences were observed between HIITind and HIITlong. Locomotor profiles influenced MSS (p < 0.001) and ASR (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that while both individualized and non-individualized HIIT protocols improve physical capacities, RST offers superior benefits for anaerobic and neuromuscular adaptations, whereas both HIITind and long are more effective than RST for enhancing aerobic capacity, with no significant differences observed between them.

Physiological characteristics such as VO2max, running economy (RE), maximal aerobic speed (MAS), maximal sprinting speed (MSS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR), and player profiling (based on MSS and MAS) have been proven to be important for training prescriptions in football. However, previous studies on player profiling have neglected the absolute values of MSS and MAS. The objectives of this study were to compare the aforementioned physiological variables among player roles, create benchmarks, and provide normative data to help coaches categorize players, ultimately proposing a new player profiling method. We analyzed 195 male professional football players (50 forwards, 59 midfielders, 44 full-backs, and 42 center-backs). Multivariate analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc tests revealed positional differences. Center-backs exhibited lower VO2max than midfielders and full-backs. Both center-backs and forwards showed poorer RE and MAS compared to midfielders and full-backs. Full-backs achieved higher MSS than midfielders and center-backs, and forwards outperformed center-backs. Finally, midfielders demonstrated lower ASR than all other positions. Benchmarks based on T-scores for all variables were provided. Finally, in the new profiling method proposed—also based on T-scores—players were classified as “speed”, “endurance”, or “hybrid” if their MAS and/or MSS T-score exceeded 60, “in development” if both were below 45, and “average” if both scores were between 45 and 60 without any value above 60. The normative data provided can assist coaches in identifying specific areas for improvement in players’ physical conditioning—particularly valuable for youth athletes or those returning from injury. Additionally, the new profiling method offers insights into individual player characteristics, enabling more tailored and effective training interventions.

Short-track speed skating race distances of 500, 1000, and 1500 m that last ∼40seconds to ∼2.5minutes and require a maximal intensity at speeds beyond maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Recently, the anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) has been applied by scientists and coaches in middle-distance sports to deepen understanding of 1- to 5-minute event performance where different physiological profiles (speed, hybrid, and endurance) can have success. World-class (women, n = 2; men, n = 3) and international-level (women, n = 4; men, n = 5) short-track speed skaters completed maximal aerobic speed and maximal skating speed tests. ASR characteristics were compared between profiles and associated with on-ice performance. World-class athletes raced at a lower %ASR in the 1000- (3.1%; large; almost certainly) and 1500-m (1.8%; large; possibly) events than international athletes. Men's and women's speed profiles operated at a higher %ASR in the 500-m than hybrid and endurance profiles, whereas in the 1500-m, endurance profiles worked at a substantially lower %ASR than hybrid and speed profiles. Women's 500-m performance is very largely associated with maximal skating speed, while women's maximal aerobic speed appears to be a key determining factor in the 1000- and 1500-m performance. World-class short-track speed skaters can be developed in speed, hybrid, and endurance profiles but achieve their performance differently by leveraging their strongest characteristics. These results show nuanced differences between men's and women's 500-, 1000- and 1500-m event performance across ASR profile that unlock new insights for individualizing athlete performance in these disciplines.

Background and Study Aim. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) with match running profile in football. Material and Methods. The research group consisted of fifteen young male football players (n=15, age=16.60±0.51 years, height=177.40±5.25 cm, weight=67.20±5.52 kg, body mass index=21.32±0.96 kg/m2). Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test (Yo-Yo IRT) was performed to determine maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Maximal sprint speed (MSS) was determined by 30-meter sprint test. CV and ADC parameters were obtained by linear regression model (Lin-TD: linear total distance model) between the covered distance and running duration in 800-meter and 2400-meter running tests. A 90-minutes football match was played to determine the subjects’ match running profile (covered distance in every running category), which was examined by means of a global positioning system (GPS) device in five running categories (walking: 0-6.9 km/h, low intensity running: 7-12.9 km/h, middle intensity running: 13-17.9 km/h, high intensity running: 18-20.9 km/h, sprint: &gt;21 km/h). Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. Results. It was found that CV was significantly and positively correlated with total running distance as well as low and middle intensity running (p&lt;0.05). A significant and negative correlation was found between ASR and all match running profiles (p&lt;0.05). Both CV and ASR were significant predictors of high intensity running, maximum running speed and total running distance during match (p&lt;0.05). However, while CV was a significant predictor of sprint running, ASR significantly predicted walking (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. Consequently, it may be concluded that in football, aerobic fitness is positively correlated to CV and negatively to ASR.

Background: This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship between training load and aspects of physical fitness in English Premier League (EPL) U23 soccer players. Materials and Methods: Seven male EPL U23 outfield soccer players (age 20.1±1.1 years) participated in this study and performed the Bronco test on five occasions within one season. Individualised running thresholds were employed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) and maximal sprint speed (MSS) values utilising a GPS system. Results: No significant differences in the Bronco performance between the tests (p &gt; 0.05, ES = 0.101) were observed. Distance covered above 30% ASR (r = -0.51) and time spent above 30% ASR (r = -0.54) over a 2-week period displayed a moderate negative linear relationship with Bronco performance. Conclusions: ASR-based training load variables displayed the highest correlations with Bronco results. These findings support practitioners to individualise high-speed running thresholds.

Anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) allows us to measure an athlete's metabolic and neuromuscular capacities and to profile the different types of middle-distance runners. The main objective of this systematic review was to investigate the relationship between ASR and performance in middle-distance events. Five databases were consulted, and after the screening and selection process, 7 studies were selected. The results show that ASR has no relationship with performance. However, it may do so when one of its variables is equalized or considered as an interaction with its edges. Nonetheless, both maximal sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed influence performance in 800 and 1500 m, with major implications for pacing behavior or tactical decisions.

The aim of this study was to investigate physiological and performance adaptations to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) prescribed as a proportion of anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) compared to HIIT prescribed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Twenty-four highly trained sprint kayak athletes were randomly allocated to one of three 4-weak conditions (N = 8) (ASR-HIIT) two sets of 6 × 60 s intervals at ∆%20ASR (MAS-HIIT) six 2 min paddling intervals at 100% maximal aerobic speed (MAS); or controls (CON) who performed six sessions/week of 1-h traditional endurance paddling at 70%–80% maximum HR. A graded exercise test was performed on a kayak ergometer to determine peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), MAS, V̇O2/HR, and ventilatory threshold. Also, participants completed four consecutive upper-body wingate tests to asses peak and average power output. Significant increases in V̇O2peak (ASR-HIIT = 6.9%, MAS-HIIT = 4.8%), MAS (ASR-HIIT = 7.2%, MAS-HIIT = 4.8%), ASR (ASR-HIIT = −25.1%, MAS-HIIT = −15.9%), upper-body Wingate peak power output and average power output (p < 0.05 for both HIIT groups) were seen compared with pre-training. Also, ASR-HIIT resulted in a significant decrease in 500-m , and paddling time. Lower coefficient of variation values were observed for the percent changes of the aforementioned factors in response to ASR-HIIT compared to MAS-HIIT. Overall, a short period of ASR-HIIT improves 500-m and 1,000-m paddling performances in highly trained sprint kayak athletes. Importantly, inter-subject variability (CV) of physiological adaptations to ASR-HIIT was lower than MAS-HIIT. Individualized prescription of HIIT using ASR ensures similar physiological demands across individuals and potentially facilitates similar degrees of physiological adaptation.

The aim of this study was to examine the differences in anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) values in young football play ers according to player positions. Young football players playing in the local amateur league participated in the study voluntarily (n = 48; age = 16.99 ± 1.61 years, height = 177.25 ± 5.51 cm, body weight = 67.75 ± 7.96 kg, BMI = 21.53 ± 1.96 kg/m2). Maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and maximal anaerobic speed (MAnS) values were determined by the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YIRT1) and the 10 and 30 meter sprint tests, respectively. Anaerobic speed reserve was calculated using MAnS and MAS values. The normality of the data was examined with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Dif ferences between player positions and pairwise comparisons between groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Scheffe test respectively. According to the analysis results, there was a significant differ ence between the player positions in terms of covered distance, MaxVO₂, and MAS values in the YIRT1 test (p &lt; .05). It was determined that midfielders had the highest MAS and MaxVO₂ values, while goalkeepers had lower values than defenders and midfielders. However, no significant difference was found between player positions in terms of ASR and MAnS values (p &gt; .05). Consequently, it could be stated that ASR values in young football players did not show significant differences between player positions, while goalkeepers had lower aerobic endurance levels than other playing positions due to the characteristics of their positions. The findings suggest that considering the physical demands of player positions in the training planning process may be beneficial for performance. Cite this article as: Çetindemir, A., Arı, E., &amp; Cihan, H. (2025). Futbolda anaerobik hız rezervinin oyuncu mevkilerine göre İncelenmesi. Research in Sports Science, 15, 0090, doi:10.5152/rss.2025.25090.

Objectives To explore the differences in training and match load in English Premier League (EPL) 1st team and U23 players. Identifying differences in relative and absolute physical outputs in relation to Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) and Maximal Sprint Speed (MSS) and how this informs monitoring and training prescription. Methods Two groups of full-time professional football players (1st team, n = 24 and U23 squad, n = 27) participated in this study. Training and match data were categorised into weekly blocks from Monday to Sunday. Each player's weekly total was then averaged to provide a squad average for each metric examined. Results Match analysis identified significantly higher distance covered above 120% MAS and distance between 120% MAS and 85% MSS ( p = .04, effect size [ES] = 0.64; p &lt; .01, ES = 1.13) for the 1st team. Distance above 85% MSS was significantly higher for the U23's ( p &lt; .01, ES = 2.92). Training and match data during one-match weeks displayed significantly higher differences in all high-speed variables for 1st team players compared to U23 players ( p ≤ .05, ES = 0.82–1.78). Analysis of training and match data during a two-match week displayed no significant differences for all physical variables ( p &gt; .05). Conclusions Practitioners should consider the utilisation of individual relative thresholds to identify differences between physical performance variables during training and matches for 1st team and U23 players. Utilising these comparisons to inform training design, could maximise players physical development and potential for successful transition. Importantly, these findings relate to only one EPL club and therefore practitioners should assess their own players’ relative training and game outputs.

The aims of this study were to: a) examine the relationships between high-intensity distances covered above generic and relative speed thresholds in English Premier League (EPL) matches across two consecutive seasons and b) analyze the effects of playing position and team possession. Sixteen elite male soccer players (seven defenders, six midfielders and three forwards) participated in this study (age 27.8 ± 3.5 years, height 183.7 ± 5.4 cm, body mass 83.9 ± 7.1 kg). An Optical Tracking System was used to collect the following variables: total distance covered; high-speed running distance (HSRD) (> 5.5 m/s); high-intensity running distance (HIRD) (5.5-7 m/s); sprint distance (> 7 m/s); total distance covered above Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS); distance covered > 85% peak speed (PS); and distance > 30% Anaerobic Speed Reserve (ASR). All measures were analyzed as whole match totals and as distances covered in the periods of the team in possession (TIP), opponent team in possession (OTIP), and ball out of play (BOP). Analysis by position based on defenders, midfielders and forwards was also performed. Distance > 30% ASR was almost perfectly correlated with HSRD (r = 0.98), while distances > MAS were highly correlated with both HIRD (r = 0.91) and HSRD (r = 0.91), and distance > 85% PS were highly correlated with SD (r = 0.70). Although the generic and relative speed thresholds show almost perfect correlation, the differences between HSRD, HIRD and distance > MAS indicate that players may be exposed to more HIRD when using relative thresholds.

The purpose of this study was to show the relationship between oxygen deficit and the time to exhaustion (tlim) at maximal aerobic speed (MAS). The minimum speed that elicits V?O 2max was assumed to be the maximal aerobic speed (MAS). Fourteen subelite male runners (mean (SD: age = 27 ± 5 yrs: V?O 2max = 68.9 ± 4.6 ml kg –1. min –1 ; MAS = 21.5 ± 1 km h –1) participated in the study. Each subject performed an incremental test to determine and MAS. The subjects ran to exhaustion at velocities corresponding to 100 and 120 % MAS. Oxygen deficit was measured during the period exercise to exhaustion at 120% of MAS and was calculated from the difference between O 2 demand and the accumulated O 2 uptake. The tlim values at 100% MAS were correlated with the values of tlim at 120% MAS (r = 0.52). The results reveal that the oxygen deficit was related to the time to e xhaustion at MAS and indicate that the greater the oxygen deficit, the greater the time to exhaustion at MAS. It was also noted that the adjustment of oxygen consumption is related to the oxygen deficit. In other words, the subjects who have an important anaerobic capacity are the most efficient during an exercise time to exhaustion at MAS. The time limit values can beexpressed by a linear regression making intervene MAS and anaerobic capacity. This conclusion could be of great interest in the training of middle distance runners.

The aims of this study were (1) to establish the best fit between ventilatory and lactate exercise performance parameters in running and (2) to explore novel alternatives to estimate the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) in well-trained runners. Twenty-two trained male athletes (O2max 60.2 ± 4.3 ml·kg·min−1) completed three maximal graded exercise tests (GXT): (1) a preliminary GXT to determine individuals' MAS; (2) two experimental GXT individually adjusted by MAS to record the speed associated to the main aerobic–anaerobic transition events measured by indirect calorimetry and capillary blood lactate (CBL). Athletes also performed several 30 min constant running tests to determine the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Reliability analysis revealed low CV (<3.1%), low bias (<0.5 km·h−1), and high correlation (ICC > 0.91) for all determinations except V-Slope (ICC = 0.84). Validity analysis showed that LT, LT+1.0, and LT+3.0 mMol·L−1 were solid predictors of VT1 (−0.3 km·h−1; bias = 1.2; ICC = 0.90; p = 0.57), MLSS (−0.2 km·h−1; bias = 1.2; ICC = 0.84; p = 0.74), and VT2 (<0.1 km·h−1; bias = 1.3; ICC = 0.82; p = 0.9l9), respectively. MLSS was identified as a different physiological event and a midpoint between VT1 (bias = −2.0 km·h−1) and VT2 (bias = 2.3 km·h−1). MAS was accurately estimated (SEM ± 0.3 km·h−1) from peak velocity (Vpeak) attained during GXT with the equation: MASEST (km·h−1) = Vpeak (km·h−1) * 0.8348 + 2.308. Current individualized GXT protocol based on individuals' MAS was solid to determine both maximal and submaximal physiological parameters. Lactate threshold tests can be a valid and reliable alternative to VT and MLSS to identify the workloads at the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism in well-trained runners. In contrast with traditional assumption, the MLSS constituted a midpoint physiological event between VT1 and VT2 in runners. The Vpeak stands out as a powerful predictor of MAS.

Establish test re-test reliability of three tests assessing hamstring function during hip extention and investigate their associations with maximal sprinting speed. Cross-sectional. Biomechanics laboratory. Twenty healthy, physically active men (age=26±5 years; height=1.81±0.07m; body mass=81±7kg). Participants performed a maximal sprinting speed test on a non-motorised-treadmill (NMT) and three tests assessing hamstring function (hamstring scooter, hamstring push and hamstring switch), during test and re-test sessions seven days apart. Hamstring scooter peak horizontal force was measured using the NMT, while hamstring push and hamstring switch peak hip extension forces were measured using force plates (ForceDecks Lite, Vald Performance, Brisbane, Australia). We calculated each test's intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) within (ICC2,1) test and re-test sessions, respectively, and between (ICC2,k) test and re-test sessions, along with Pearson's correlation coefficient (r-value) with maximal sprinting speed. Test re-test reliability ranged from moderate to excellent for all tests. The hamstring scooter was the only test with a statistically significant association (p<0.01; r=0.76) with maximal sprinting speed. The tests described in this study all had moderate to excellent test re-test reliability, but only the hamstring scooter was associated with maximal sprinting speed.