On-sight and red-point climbing: changes in performance and route-finding ability in male advanced climbers

Aim: In lead climbing, the ascent of the route can be defined as on-sight or red-point. On-sight is the more challenging style since it demands greater physiological and psychological commitment. The differences between the two modes in advanced climbers have not been studied much. Two essential skills needed to optimize performance, in both on-sight and in red-point climbing, are route interpretation (RI) ability and movements sequence recall. Therefore, this study aimed to compare performance between on-sight and red-point ascent in advanced climbers and evaluate how a climber’s RI ability and movement sequences recall might change before and after on-sight and red-point climbing. Methods: Eighteen advanced male climbers (age 29.2 ± 4.7 years, body mass 67.8 ± 3.6 kg, stature 175.2 ± 2.4 cm, best red-point and on-sight grades 7b+/8a and 7a+/7b+, respectively) were video-recorded during the route ascent in on-sight and red-point modes to evaluate performance and to measure static and dynamic action times. RI ability and movement sequence recall were assessed before and after each climb. Level of anxiety was evaluated via a self-report questionnaire. Heart rate (fH), lactate concentration, ([La–]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were detected during and after each climb. Results: Compared to on-sight, an improvement in performance was observed in a red-point climb: the ascent was faster (148.7 ± 13.6 s and 179.5 ± 12.5 s, respectively, P < 0.05), smoother (significant reduction in exploratory moves and in stops times, P < 0.05), less demanding physiologically (lower fHpeak and [La–]peak, P < 0.05), and psychologically (lower RPE, cognitive and somatic anxiety and higher self-confidence, P < 0.05). The RI ability was improved in red-point versus on-sight and, in the same mode, between pre and post ascent. Conclusion: Red-point climbing was found to be less demanding than on-sight, both physiologically and psychologically, under the conditions investigated by this study. Our findings suggest that RI is a trainable skill and underscore the importance of including specific techniques in training programs designed to improve interaction between perceptual, psychological, and physiological factors

Comparative grading scales, statistical analyses, climber descriptors and ability grouping: International Rock Climbing Research Association position statement

The research base for rock climbing has expanded substantially in the past 3 decades as worldwide interest in the sport has grown. An important trigger for the increasing research attention has been the transition of the sport to a competitive as well as recreational activity and the potential inclusion of sport climbing in the Olympic schedule. The International Rock Climbing Research Association (IRCRA) was formed in 2011 to bring together climbers, coaches and researchers to share knowledge and promote collaboration. This position statement was developed during and after the 2nd IRCRA Congress which was held in Pontresina, in September 2014. The aim of the position statement is to bring greater uniformity to the descriptive and statistical methods used in reporting rock climbing research findings. To date there is a wide variation in the information provided by researchers regarding the climbers’ characteristics and also in the approaches employed to convert from climbing grading scales to a numeric scale suitable for statistical analysis. Our paper presents details of recommended standards of reporting that should be used for reporting climber characteristics and provides a universal scale for the conversion of climbing grades to a number system for statistical analysis

EXAMINATION OF THE VALIDITY OF MEASUREMENT TOOLS FOR CONTROLLING THE PHYSICAL TRAINING PROCESS IN SOCCER

Il processo di allenamento pu\uf2 essere descritto attraverso i risultati ottenuti dalle valutazioni funzionali (i test) ma anche attraverso il continuo monitoraggio del carico di allenamento. Gli obiettivi della seguente tesi sono di condurre degli studi che possono fornire maggiori indicazioni sia nella valutazione del processo di allenamento attraverso l\u2019uso dei test (studio 1, 2) sia nel controllo del carico di allenamento (studi 3,4,5). Molti dei test utilizzati secondo quanto suggerito da Impellizzeri e Marcora non sono appropriatamente validati. Un test per essere considerato valido deve soddisfare alcuni criteri senza i quali non pu\uf2 essere utilizzato: il modello concettuale o teorico, la validit\ue0, la ripetibilit\ue0, la responsivit\ue0 e l\u2019interpretabilit\ue0. Lo Yo-Yo Intermittent recovery test (YYIRT) \ue8 probabilmente il test da campo pi\uf9 utilizzato nel calcio e anche quello pi\uf9 supportato scientificamente. Lo YYIRT \ue8 un test intermittente incrementale, \ue8 correlato con la capacit\ue0 di percorrere distanza ad alta intensit\ue0 (> 15 km/h-1) durante la partite, differenzia tra diversi livelli competitivi, posizioni di gioco e cambia in seguito ad allenamento. Di questo test sono state proposte due versioni: una pi\uf9 aerobica il livello 1 (YYIRTL1) e una pi\uf9 anaerobica (YYIRTL2). Inoltre \ue8 stata proposta una versione sottomassimale del livello1 (YYIRTL-sub) che potrebbe essere utile durante il processo di recupero nei giocatori infortunati o quando non \ue8 possibile fare test massimali. Il carico di allenamento \ue8 spesso identificato con il numero di ripetizioni effettuate di un determinato esercizio, con la durata dell\u2019allenamento o con le distanze percorse. Tuttavia questi sono indicatori di carico esterno quindi lo stimolo che allenatore e/o preparatore hanno voluto dare alla squadra. L\u2019effetto che questo stimolo unitamente alle condizioni individuali (per esempio genetiche, psicologiche, etc.) ha avuto sui giocatori \ue8 il carico interno ed \ue8 quest\u2019ultimo che fornisce indicazione per gli adattamenti che potranno alterare la forma fisica dei giocatori. Sommariamente, lo stesso il carico esterno \ue8 proposto a tutti i giocatori (per esempio 4\u2019 x 4 ripetizioni di 1000 m di corsa) ma non fornisce lo stesso stimolo allenante al livello individuale. Gli indicatori di carico interno sono il consumo di ossigeno, la frequenza cardiaca, il lattato ematico e la percezione dello sforzo. La percezione dello sforzo (RPE) \ue8 un indicatore d\u2019intensit\ue0 molto utilizzato anche perch\ue9 \ue8 estremamente vantaggioso sia in termini economici sai in termini di tempo richiesto per l\u2019analisi. La session-RPE \ue8 il metodo per la quantificazione del carico interno utilizzato nel calcio in cui si moltiplica il volume (minuti) per l\u2019intensit\ue0 (RPE) della seduta, la sua validit\ue0 \ue8 stata dimostrata in molti studi. La RPE \ue8 misurata utilizzando la scala di Borg (CR10). Recentemente Elisabet Borg ha prodotto e validato un\u2019altra scala la CR100 avente le stesse propriet\ue0 psicofisiche della precedente ma con la peculiarit\ue0 di essersi dimostrata pi\uf9 finemente graduata. Lo scopo della seconda parte della tesi \ue8 quello di condurre alcuni studi sul controllo del carico interno di allenamento misurando la percezione dello sforzo con la CR100. Lo scopo dello studio1 della tesi \ue8 di confrontare le versioni dello YYIRT in base a ripetibilit\ue0, responsivit\ue0 e intercambiabilit\ue0. I risultati mostrano come i due test hanno simile ripetibilit\ue0 assoluta (standard error) e relativa (ICC), anche se differente responsivit\ue0. I cambiamenti indotti dall\u2019allenamento e di conseguenza anche il rapporto segnale (cambiamenti) rumore (errore della misura) sono stati superiori nello YYIRTL1. Il cambiamento minimo considerato (SWC) importante nei due test mostra come entrambi siano poco adatti a misurare piccole variazioni a livello individuale. Inoltre, anche se i due test sono correlati, misurano aspetti differenti come mostrato dalla bassa correlazione tra i cambiamenti dopo un periodo di allenamento e quindi non sono intercambiabili. Quindi i test dovrebbero essere utilizzati entrambi. Dovendo scegliere lo YYIRTL1 fornisce informazioni pi\uf9 utili. Lo scopo dello studio2 \ue8 di misurare la validit\ue0 longitudinale, verificare la validit\ue0 di costrutto e la responsivit\ue0 interna dello YYIRTL1 nella versione massimale e sottomassimale. La versione massimale dello YYIRTL1 ha mostrato validit\ue0 longitudinale (anche chiamata responsivit\ue0 esterna) quindi i cambiamenti nel test dopo allenamento riflettono la possibilit\ue0 percorrere maggior alta intensit\ue0 nelle competizioni (attributo indispensabile di ogni test). Inoltre come precedentemente sottolineato in altri studi, lo YYIRTL1 ha mostrato di avere sia validit\ue0 di costrutto sia responsivit\ue0 interna. La versione sottomassimale dello YYIRTL1 non ha soddisfatto gli attributi richiesti di validit\ue0 sia longitudinale sia di costrutto e responsivit\ue0 interna. Da un punto di vista pratico la versione sottomassimale dovrebbe essere utilizzata con molta cautela data l\u2019assenza di validit\ue0 longitudinale. Negli studi 3,4,5 gli scopi sono stati di approfondire alcuni aspetti nel controllo del carico interno misurato con session-RPE nel calcio. Nello studio3 la scala di Borg CR100 \ue8 stata validata come strumento di misura per calcolare la session-RPE (carico interno) in un gruppo di giocatori di alto livello professionistico (serie A). Inoltre le due scale sono intercambiabili e i dati raccolti con la CR10 possono essere convertiti sulla CR100. I rating forniti con la CR100 sono meno raggruppati sulle ancore verbali rispetto alla CR10. La CR100 quindi pu\uf2 essere utilizzata nel controllo del carico di allenamento nel calcio. Tuttavia altri problemi si possono verificare nella pratica quotidiana. La RPE (secondo istruzioni) dovrebbe raccolta 30 min dopo la fine della seduta per evitare che sia influenzata dalla intensit\ue0 percepita nella ultima parte del allenamento. Tuttavia questo possibile effetto non \ue8 stato studiato negli sport di squadra, inoltre dopo 30 min alcuni giocatori potrebbero aver gi\ue0 lasciato la struttura di allenamento. Nello studio4 si dimostra come non vi sia effetto delle differenti distribuzioni d\u2019 intensit\ue0 sulla RPE e quindi sul carico interno della seduta, inoltre la RPE \ue8 risultata uguale indipendentemente dal fatto che il rating sia raccolto a fine allenamento o dopo 30 min. Questi risultati mostrano come sia possibile progettare sedute di allenamento in cui attivit\ue0 ad alta intensit\ue0 sono posizionate all\u2019inizio, al centro o a fine allenamento senza per questo influenzare il carico interno. Un altro aspetto pratico riguardante il controllo del carico interno riguarda la raccolta del rating dopo la gara, dove solitamente i giocatori sono poco predisposti e collaborativi soprattutto se il risultato e la prestazione non sono stati in linea con le aspettative. Una possibile soluzione potrebbe essere quella di chiedere il rating al primo allenamento utile dopo la partita, solitamente dopo 48 ore. Lo stesso problema di raccolta del rating di RPE si potrebbe presentare in allenamento, anche se per cause differenti. Per rispondere a queste domande \ue8 necessario indagare due aspetti come il \u201cresponse shift\u201d (RS) e il \u201crecall bias\u201d (RB). Il RS \ue8 un fenomeno complesso spesso indagato in studi clinici longitudinali e che riguarda il cambiamento della percezione riferita al un construtto di interesse dopo un periodo di tempo dovuto a ri-concettualizzazione, ri-prioritizzazione, ri-calibrazione. Il RB riguarda la capacit\ue0\u2019 di ricordare il rating fornito e potrebbe influenzare il RS. Nello studio5 \ue8 stata verificata l\u2019 assenza di RS e RB tramite differenti design in due sottostudi. Il RS \ue8 stato indagato sia tramite il \u201cthen test\u201d che \ue8 un metodo molto utilizzato in studi clinici basato sul rating retrospettivo, sia tramite un cross-over design. I risultati mostrano come non sia presente RS e RB e quindi la RPE pu\uf2 essere raccolta anche 48 dopo senza influenzare il carico di allenamento.Training can be described as its outcomes (tests) and process (training load control). The training process involves the repetitions of exercises in order to improve technical skills, tactical situations and develop the ability to cope with physical requests of the competitions. Coaches, physical trainers and sport scientists generally use physiological tests to evaluate the fitness of players and to assess training outcome. The daily monitoring of training load is important to control all the process and to allow the achievement of optimal physical condition. This model requires the quantification of both training loads and outcomes. The aims of this thesis were to fully validate one of most used soccer test (the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test, YYIRT) and to examine some measurement properties and methodological issues of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) method to measure the training load (TL). As suggested by Impellizzeri and Marcora the tests used in soccer are probably not appropriately validated, at least not to the same extend like in other field such as medicine, psychology and social sciences. Indeed, the tests should be developed and validated using a rigorous approach and methods such as those derived from psychometrics or clinimetrics (an area focusing on the quality of clinical measurements). The Scientific Advisory Committee of the Medical Outcomes Trust for Health Status and Quality of Life instruments have proposed eight attributes by which instruments would be reviewed. In sport science at least five should be verified: conceptual and measurement model; validity; reliability; responsiveness; interpretability. The Session-RPE is frequently used to monitor and control the training process, as a valid measure of internal training load in soccer. Nevertheless some important aspects that could influence the session-RPE are not studied yet: a) the validity of the new Borg CR100 Scale and its interchangeability with the most used CR10, b) the effect of collection, c) the presence of response shift and recall bias in RPE. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT) is certainly the most valid soccer-specific endurance test; it is correlated to the high-intensity activity performed during a match, differentiates between competitive levels and playing positions, and is responsive to training. In addition, it is the only test for which some evidence of external validity has been provided. There are two versions of this test suggested to assess different physiological characteristics: the level 1 (YYIRTL1, more aerobic) and the level 2 (YYIRTL2, more anaerobic). In addition there is also a sub-maximal version of the YYIRTL1, that may be useful during rehabilitation process in injured players or when it is not possible to evaluate athletes with maximal tests such as during congested competitive period. The aim of the first part of the research project is to conduct two studies to examine the redundancy of these YYIRT versions by comparing their reliability, responsiveness and interchangeability (convergent validity) (first study) and to assess the longitudinal validity or external responsiveness (second study). The absolute and relative reliability of the two tests (YYIRTL1 and YYIRTL2) was found similar, but the improvement induced by training was higher for YYIRTL1 compared to YYIRTL2, therefore the signal-to-noise ratio of YYIRTL1 is better than YYIRTL2 for detecting training changes. However, the minimal detectable change values in both tests suggested a limited ability to detect substantial changes at individual level. The two tests are correlated but they measure different physical characteristics (low convergent validity) and therefore they are not interchangeable. Therefore, the two tests could be both used, although the YYIRTL1 appears to be superior in terms of measurement properties. In the second study the YYIRTL1 showed longitudinal validity (external responsiveness) and therefore it is able to detect changes in the potential to run at high intensity in a match after training. In addition the construct validity of the YYIRTL1 was confirmed. The sub-maximal version of the YYIRTL1 seems to be less responsive to training effect compared to YYIRTL1. Unfortunately the YYIRTL1-sub did not show adequate longitudinal and construct validity. Therefore, its use cannot be recommended and other studies are necessary before its use in the routine assessment. The second part of this project focused on the control of the training load and some studies were conducted to examine some methodological aspects of session-RPE assessed with the new Borg CR100 scale\uae. The rating of perceived exertion has been showed to be a valid indicator of intensity and it is used to assess training loads in sport by multiplying its value for the duration of the session (session-RPE). The most used scale to assess RPE in research and routine practice is the Borg CR10 scale but a new scale has been recently developed. The new Borg CR100 has been suggested to be more fine-graded and to provide ratings less clustered around the verbal anchors. However, the CR100 has not been validated in soccer players and therefore before its validity should be verified. The CR100 (third study) was found to be valid and can thus be used for calculating the S-RPE in top-level soccer players. The two scales are interchangeable and, importantly from a practical point of view, the data collected with the previous scale can be appropriately converted on a CR100 score. In addition, the scores given using the CR100 tended to cluster less on the verbal anchors suggesting this scale may allow more accurate training load determination given it is more fine-graded than the CR10. As a consequence the new CR100 scale can improve the quality of monitoring the training process. The session-RPE was suggested to be assessed 30 min after the end of the session to avoid the influence of the exercise intensity of the activities performed. However the effect of different intensity distributions and time delay on session-RPE has not been examined. The results of the fourth study showed that session-RPE was not influenced neither by exercise intensity distribution nor by the time delay (the rating given immediately after is the same as the one given 30 min after the end of the exercise irrespectively from the intensity distribution of the session). Another methodological aspect that is important in the routine use of session-RPE is the possibility to collect RPE after 48 hours instead of immediately after the training or match, particularly when players are not too collaborative as can happen after a match. To answer this question, it is needed to investigate two attributes: response shift and recall bias (fifth study). Response shift is a complex factor concerning the change in perception due to reconceptualization, reprioritization, scale recalibration after a period of time. Recall bias concern the ability to remember the RPE given and can influenced the retrospective assessment of RPE. The session-RPE provided after 48 hours was not influenced by response shift and recall bias. Therefore it is possible to collect RPE also after 48 hours in both matches and training sessions

Prediction: the modern day sports science/medicine 'quest for the Holy Grail'

In high performance sport, science and medicine practitioners employ a variety of physical and psychological tests, training/match monitoring and injury screening tools for a variety of reasons; mainly to predict performance, identify talented individuals and flag when an injury will occur. The ability to 'predict' outcomes such as performance, talent or injury is arguably the sports science/medicine modern day equivalent of the 'Quest for the Holy Grail'. The purpose of this invited commentary is to 1) highlight the common misinterpretation of studies investigating association to those actually analysing prediction and 2) provide practitioners with simple recommendations to quickly distinguish between methods pertaining to association and those of prediction

Factors influencing session rpe in soccer: exercise intensity distribution and time delay

Introduction Session-RPE is a valid wide spreading measure of internal training load (TL) used in soccer [1, 2]. Nevertheless some aspects can influence the measure of perceived exertion: intensity distribution and timing in the collection of RPE. The first aim of this study was to examine the effect of different position of high-intensity activities within a training session on the overall session RPE (RPE-end). The second aim was to examine the effect of different delay on session RPE. Methods Nineteen junior players (age 15±0.7 yrs, height 172±4.3 cm, weight 61.9±5.1 kg) of a Switzerland soccer team were involved in the study. Heart rate (HR), RPE (Borg CR100©) were collected in 4 standardized training sessions. Total quality of recovery scale (TQR) and Visual Analogical Scale (VAS) for pain of lover limbs were used to avoid presence of fatigued players. Every session was made up by 3 blocks of 20 min different intensity: high (80-100% HR max), light (50-80% HR max) and moderate intensity (60-90% HR max), randomized in the order. RPE was collected after every block (RPE5), immediately after the session (RPE-end), after 30 min (RPE30) and 4 hours (RPE4h). Results RPE5 of each block were different depending on the distribution sequence (significant time x condition interaction p0.05). Delay in the RPE collection did not show effect on RPE (p>0.05). Discussion TQR and VAS showed similar pre-training conditions and the presence of tired players was excluded. Different intensity distribution was expected by our design and showed no effect on TL. Similarly TL was not influenced by time delay. Therefore training sessions can be designed without being afraid of the influence of distribution intensity on TL. Coaches can confide in the ability of their players to give the same perception even at the end of the session or later without affecting T

Influence of pitch size and goalkeepers on external and internal load during small-sided games in amateur soccer players

Purpose: To analyse the influence of goalkeepers during 4-a-side small-sided games, played in pitches of two different sizes (small: 30 7 20 m, large: 40 7 30 m). Methods: Total distance covered (TD), distance covered at low- (LSD), moderate- (MSD), high- (HSD) and very high-speed (VHSD), average and maximal speed, Edwards\u2019 training load (Edw-TL), time spent above 90% of maximal heart rate (T90%) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored, in 18 amateur soccer players. Results: Higher TD (mean difference: + 181 m, Hedge\u2019s g: 0.93 and + 400 m, 3.37), MSD (+ 85 m, 0.79 and + 146 m, 1.64), HSD (+ 101 m, 1.41 and + 179 m, 3.26), VHSD (+ 30 m, 1.89 and + 35 m, 1.26), average speed (+ 0.65 km h 121, 0.88 and + 1.47 km h 121, 3.31) and maximal speed (+ 3.60 km h 121, 1.40 and + 3.58 km h 121, 1.40) were found in large than small pitch, without and with goalkeepers, respectively. Goalkeeper\u2019s presence increased Edw-TL (+ 8.4 AU, 0.70) and reduced TD ( 12 141 m, 0.75), HSD ( 12 54 m, 0.75) and average speed ( 12 0.54 km h 121, 0.76) in small pitch and maximal speed (1.59 km h 121, 0.60 and 1.61 km h 121, 0.66) in both small and large pitches, respectively. RPE was higher (+ 20, 1.52) in the large than small pitch when the goalkeepers were present. Conclusion: Implementing small-sided games, coaches should be aware that lower external load with similar internal load could be provided using small pitch with goalkeeper rather than either small goals or larger pitch. Furthermore, large small-sided games without goalkeeper may be the best choice for eliciting high training load

Validity of the online athlete management system to assess training load

Purpose: The aim of this study was to validate the quantification of training load (s-RPE) in an Australian Olympic squad (women’s water polo), assessed with the use of a modified RPE scale collected via a newly developed online system (Athlete Management System, AMS). Methods: Sixteen elite women water polo players (age 26 ± 3 y, height 1.78 ± 0.05 m, body mass 75.5 ± 7.1 kg) participated in the study. Thirty training sessions were monitored, for a total of 303 individual sessions. Heart rate was recorded during training sessions using continuous heart-rate telemetry. Participants were asked to rate the intensity of the training sessions on the AMS-RPE scale, using an online application within 30 min of the completion of the sessions. Individual relationships between s-RPE and both Banister TRIMP and Edward’s Method were analysed. Results: Individual correlations with s-RPE ranged between r=0.51 to 0.79 (Banister TRIMP), and r=0.54 to 0.83 (Edward’s Method), respectively. The percentages of moderate and large correlation were 81% and 19% between s-RPE method and Banister TRIMP, and 56% and 44% between s-RPE and Edward’s Method. Conclusions: The use of the online AMS application for assessing s-RPE was shown to be a valid indicator of internal training load and can be used in elite sport

Mental health and well-being during COVID-19 lockdown: A survey case report of high-level male and female players of an Italian Serie A football club

ObjectivesTo describe high-level footballers’ levels and changes in mental health and well-being throughout a 8-week period of lockdown and restricted training during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodOne-hundred and one players belonging to four teams (women's and men's, first and U19 teams) of the same Italian Serie A club participated in the study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, and administered at 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9 weeks after the start of the lockdown . Well-being, positive and negative affects measurements were examined.ResultsAcross the five measures, 36% of players reported clinical levels in depressive symptoms (scores ≤50) on at least one occasion. Thirteen percent of the players reported clinical levels on > 50% of the occasions. There was a decrease in depressive symptoms and negative affects over the period. No change was found in positive affects.ConclusionsHigh number of players reported clinical levels of depressive symptoms compared to what was found previously in high-level athletes. The number decrease during the 8-week period. A similar trend was found for negative affects.Despite a higher prevalence in depressive symptoms earlier during lockdown, this improved as players progressed towards fewer restrictions

Determining the relationship between internal load markers and non-contact injuries in young elite soccer players

PURPOSE: To examine the association and predictive ability of internal load markers with regards to non-contact injuries in young elite soccer players. METHODS: Twenty-two soccer players (18.6 \ub1 .6 years) who competed in the Spanish U19 League participated in the study. During a full season, non-contact injuries were recorded and, using session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE), internal weekly load (sum of load of all training sessions and matches for each week) and acute:chronic workload ratio (typically, acute = current week and chronic = rolling 4 week average) were calculated. A Generalized Estimating Equation analysis was used to examine association of weekly and acute:chronic load ratio markers with a non-contact injury in the subsequent week. Load variables were also analyzed for predictive ability with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: No association was found for weekly load (CI 1.00, .99 to 1.00) and acute:chronic load ratio (CI .16, .01 to 1.84) with respect to injury occurrence. In addition, the analyzed load markers showed poor ability to predict injury occurrence (AUC<.50). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that internal load markers are not associated with non-contact injuries in young soccer players and present poor predictive capacity with regards to the latter

External responsiveness of the Yo-Yo IR Test Level 1 in high-level male soccer players.

The aim of this study was to assess the external responsiveness, construct validity and internal responsiveness of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 and its sub-maximal version in semi-professional players. Tests and friendly matches were performed during the preseason and regular season. The distance covered above 15 km·h−1 was considered as an indicator of the physical match performance. Construct validity and external responsiveness were examined by correlations between test and physical match performance (preseason and regular season) and training-induced changes. Internal responsiveness was determined as Cohen’s effect size, standardized response mean and signal-to-noise ratio. The physical match performance increased after training (34.8%). The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 improved after training (40.2%), showed longitudinal (r=0.69) and construct validity (r=0.73 and 0.59, preseason and regular season) and had higher internal responsiveness compared to its sub-maximal version. The heart rate at the 6th minute in the sub-maximal version did not show longitudinal (r=−0.38) and construct validity (r=0.01 and −0.06, preseason and regular season) and did not significantly change after training (−0.3%). The rate of perceived exertion decreased in the sub-maximal version (− 29.8%). In conclusion, the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 is valid and responsive, while the validity of its sub-maximal version is questionable