The use of individualized speed and intensity thresholds for determining the distance run at high-intensity in professional soccer

Lovell, Ric; Abt, Grant

Abstract

As with other match analysis systems, ProZone® uses an absolute speed threshold to identify running speeds at "high-intensity". In this study, we examined the use of an individualized high-intensity speed threshold based on the speed at the second ventilatory threshold (VT 2speed ) for assessment of the distance run at high-intensity during matches. Ten professional soccer players completed a maximal treadmill test to determine VT 2speed . Match data were identified by means of the ProZone® match analysis system. The distances run at high-intensity during matches were calculated using the default value (19.8 km·h -1 ) and VT 2speed . Differences between VT 2speed and the default were analysed using a non-parametric median sign test. The distances run at high-intensity were compared with a paired t-test. The median VT 2speed was 15 km·h -1 (range 14-16 km·h -1 ), which was less than the default (P < 0.01). Mean distance run at high-intensity based on the default and VT 2speed was 845 m (s = 296) and 2258 m (s = 707), respectively [mean difference 1413 m; P < 0.001 (95% CI: 1037-1789 m)]. The high-intensity running speeds based on the second ventilatory threshold are substantially less than that used as the default within the ProZone® match analysis system, thus the distance run at high-intensity can be substantially underestimated.

Citation

Lovell, R., & Abt, G. (2009). The use of individualized speed and intensity thresholds for determining the distance run at high-intensity in professional soccer. Journal of sports sciences, 27(9), 893-898. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410902998239

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 27, 2009
• Online Publication Date: Jul 23, 2009
• Publication Date: Sep 14, 2009
• Journal: JOURNAL OF SPORTS SCIENCES
• Print ISSN: 0264-0414
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 9
• Article Number: PII 913335466
• Pages: 893-898
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410902998239
• Keywords: ProZone; Soccer; Exercise intensity
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/396000
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640410902998239