Sport-specific field tests vs. lactate threshold velocity: practical application for aerobic evaluation in badminton athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v81.119223Keywords:
Aerobic Capacity, Physiology, Physical Fitness, Racquet Sports, Specific TestingAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship and agreement between aerobic fitness assessed through specific field tests and the velocity associated with lactate threshold (vLT) in male badminton athletes. The second aim was to compare the physiological and psychophysiological variables between specific field tests and the vLT.
Methodology: Sixteen national-level male badminton athletes completed an incremental treadmill test to determine vLT, followed by the three specific field tests (Abian Intermittent Recovery Badminton Test – AIR-BT; Badminton Specific Incremental Test – BST; and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 – Yo-Yo IR1) in randomized order. The blood lactate concentration was assessed to obtain the [La] peak (Lapeak), the heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored to determine mean and maximum HR (HRmean and HRmax), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was recorded to determine maximum value (RPEmax).
Results: Physiological and psychophysiological responses differed between protocols, with lower HRmax, HRmean, LApeak, and RPEmax observed in the BST. The AIR-BT showed a very large correlation with vLT (r = 0.79), whereas the BST and Yo-Yo IR1 demonstrated moderate correlation with vLT (r = 0.49 and 0.42, respectively). The AIR-BT, BST, and Yo-Yo IR1 showed a mean bias of -0.001, -0.03, and -0.04 km·h⁻¹, with limits of agreement ranging from -0.91 to 0.90, 0.003 to 1.168, and -1.345 to 1.354 km·h⁻¹, respectively.
Conclusions: The AIR-BT presents the highest correlation and agreement with vLT compared to other field tests, highlighting the importance of this specific test in assessing aerobic fitness in badminton.
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