Relationships among repeated sprint tests and aerobic fitness in adolescent tennis players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the performance indices (ideal sprint time – IS, total sprint time – TS, and performance decrement – PD) of two repeated sprint test (RST) and to examine their relationships with the aerobic fitness of young tennis players. Fifteen young (age 14.7±1.0 yrs) tennis players performed three tests: an aerobic power test (20 m shuttle run), and two different RST protocols (12×20 m and 12×10 m runs). Peak heart rate was significantly higher in the 20 m protocol compared to the 10 m protocol while no significant difference was found in the PD of the two RST protocols. Significant positive correlations were found between the ISs and the TSs (r=0.946 and r=0.932, respectively), but not between the PDs of the two RST protocols. Significant negative correlations were found between TS and IS and aerobic fitness during the 10 m protocol (r=–0.594 and r=–0.595, respectively) and the 20 m protocol (r=–0.757 and r=–0.716, respectively), but not between PD and the aerobic fitness in both RST protocols. Both short and long RST protocols represent similar anaerobic capabilities. In addition, the aerobic energy system serves as a significant factor in both RST protocols. However, it seems that the involvement of the aerobic system is more significant in the long than in the short repetition RST protocol.