Comparing the maximal aerobic speed assessed with laboratory and field tests in soccer players

Investigating the differences between field tests used in practice and laboratory tests is important for accurate performance assessment in soccer players. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) obtained from the VAM-EVAL and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (YYIR1), with an incremental (1km.h^-1 per min) treadmill test in soccer players. Eighteen amateur male soccer players, were evaluated with the following tests: a) a treadmill test to directly determine values of maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and MAS (Treadmill); b) an indirect VAM-EVAL Test; c) an indirect YYIR1. The results demonstrated that the last speed, distance, and test duration values are significantly different among the tests .  (p<0.05)]. The highest MAS value was recorded during the treadmill test (17.10 ± 1.38 km.h^-1) which was significantly different from YYIR1 and VAM-EVAL tests (15.82 ± 0.66 and 14.33 ± 0.69 km.h-1, respectively; p<0.001).  The analysis also showed that treadmill MAS value was significantly correlated with YYIR1 MAS (r = 0.656) and VAM-EVAL MAS values (r = 0.625), also YYIR1 MAS value was significantly correlated with VAM-EVAL MAS value (r = 0.662). It was concluded that the MAS and the VO₂max values are significantly different among YYIR1, VAM-EVAL and selected treadmill protocol, and support the idea that they should not be used interchangeably. From a practical perspective, MAS seems to be more important for coaches than VO2max. Both laboratory and field tests can be useful for assessing MAS; however, field tests should be preferred for training purposes.