The peak velocity of Carminatti’s Test for aerobic-fitness training in male soccer players

Aerobic energy transference is highly required and accounts for more than 90% of total energy consumption during a soccer match. In addition high aerobic fitness contributes to recovery from high-intensity intermittent exercise, specific to performance in soccer. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the peak velocity in the Carminatti’s test (PVT-CAR) for prescribing interval-training drills is effective in eliciting aerobic-fitness development intensities in male soccer-players. Fifteen Brazilian male elite soccer-players (U20) were tested for T-CAR and monitored for heart rate (HR) during PVT-CAR prescribed interval-training drills (i.e., 4x4min with 3min passive recovery). Drills were performed with a 1:1 work-to-rest ratio with either straight-line (6/6s) or 180° shuttle running (12/12s). The interval training performed at PVT-CAR elicited HR above 90% of HRmax and lactate above 4m.mol.l-1. In the shuttle-running drills, HR and lactate (93.3±2.1% HRmax; 7.7±1.4 m.mol.l-1) were significantly higher than in the straight line drills (vs 90.3±2.6 %HRmax; 4.5±0.9 m.mol.l-1). The coefficient of variations showed low inter-subject variability in HR (CV 2.3 and 3.0% for 12/12 and 6/6 respectively). The results of this study demonstrated that PVT-CAR can be successfully used to individualize high-intensity interval running training in players with different aerobic profiles, while shuttle-running drills presented higher values at intern load than straight line. The physiological and time-motion profiles resemble the most demanding phases of the match, especially for the fittest players.