Asymmetry of the modified Illinois change of direction test impacts young elite soccer players` performance

(Einfluss der Asymmetrie des modifizierten Illinois change of direction test auf die Leitung junger Spitzenfußballspieler)

Background: The modified Illinois change of direction test (MICODT) is an asymmetrical test because the numbers of changes of direction performed to the right and to the left are unequal. Therefore, it is possible that the asymmetry of this test may influence agility performance testing.. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare two opposite/mirrored versions of the modified Illinois change of direction test.. Patients and Methods: Forty-six right-footed soccer players (17.2 ± 1.6 years-old) participated in the study. Players performed a modified Illinois change of direction test and a mirrored version of this test "inverted modified Illinois change of direction test" (I/MICODT) in a randomized and counter-balanced order. Paired t-test was used to determine whether significant differences existed between time performances of the tests as a within-subjects measure. Players were thereafter stratified into MICODT group or I/MICODT group according to their best performance and independent t-tests were used to determine differences between groups.. Results: The analysis revealed no significant difference in time performance between the two versions of test as a within-subjects measure (P > 0.05, ES = 0.05). However, significant better time performances among inverted modified Illinois change of direction group (52% of players) were found when compared to the modified Illinois change of direction group (48% of players) (P < 0.04, ES = 0.66).. Conclusions: The modified Illinois change of direction test must be considered as an asymmetrical test because it underestimates more than half of the players` agility performances. Therefore, fitness coaches should take these results into account when using this test..
© Copyright 2016 Asian Journal of Sports Medicine. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Sports Medicine Research Center. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Schlagworte: Fußball Leistungsdiagnostik Test Schnelligkeit Beschleunigung Nachwuchsleistungssport Relation Leistung Richtungswechsel Bewegungshandlung
Notationen: Spielsportarten
DOI: 10.5812/asjsm.33598
Veröffentlicht in: Asian Journal of Sports Medicine
Veröffentlicht: 2016
Jahrgang: 7
Heft: 2
Seiten: e33598
Dokumentenarten: Artikel
Sprache: Englisch
Level: hoch