Reliability of a repeated-sprint test for field-hockey

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability of a repeated-sprint test, specifically designed for field-hockey, as it was based directly on the time–motion analysis of elite level competition. The test consisted of 6 × 30-m over-ground sprints departing on 25 s, with an active recovery (∼3.1–3.3 m s−1) between sprints. Ten highly trained, male, field-hockey players (mean ± S.D.: age, 23 ± 3 years; body mass, 78.1 ± 7.1 kg) participated in this study. Following familiarisation, the subjects performed the repeated-sprint test on two occasions, 7 days apart. The reliability of the test variables was assessed by the typical error of measurement (TE). The total sprint time was very reliable (T1: 26.79 ± 0.76 s versus T2: 26.83 ± 0.74 s), as the TE was 0.7% (95% CL, 0.5–1.2%). However, the percent sprint decrement was less reliable (T1: 5.6 ± 0.9% versus T2: 5.8 ± 1.0%), with the TE being 14.9% (95% CL, 10.8–31.3%). In summary, it is suggested that this field-hockey-specific, repeated-sprint test is very reliable when the results are presented as the total sprint time.