Relationships between Strength and Step Frequency with Fatigue Index in Repeated Sprint Ability

Abstract

Force−velocity profile (FVP) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) tests are indicators of physical capacities in most team sport players. The purpose of this study was to examine the stride kinematics during a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test and to analyze the relationship between Bosco’s force−velocity profile (FVP) and RSA performance in elite female field hockey players. Thirteen elite-female players performed both RSA (six 30 m maximal sprints) and jumping (CMJ weighted and body weight) tests. Sprinting time fatigue indexes during a 30 m RSA test were correlated with step frequency fatigue indexes (r > 0.7; p < 0.01). CMJ50 showed a large relationship with sprint time fatigue indexes. FV50 showed a very large relationship with sprint time fatigue indexes (r > 0.7; p < 0.01), and a large relationship with the step frequency fatigue indexes (r > 0.5; p < 0.05). This study highlighted two possible ways to improve fatigue indexes in RSA, with the aim of maximizing the distances covered at high-intensities during the matches: (a) strength training and (b) focusing on step frequency during speed training.