An analysis of the relationship between critical velocity and anaerobic speed reserve with match running profile in football

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: >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<0.05). A significant and negative correlation was found between ASR and all match running profiles (p<0.05). Both CV and ASR were significant predictors of high intensity running, maximum running speed and total running distance during match (p<0.05). However, while CV was a significant predictor of sprint running, ASR significantly predicted walking (p<0.05). Conclusions. Consequently, it may be concluded that in football, aerobic fitness is positively correlated to CV and negatively to ASR.