Role of energy systems in two intermittent field tests in women field hockey players

The energetics of 2 field tests that reflect physical performance in intermittent sports (i.e., the Interval Shuttle Sprint Test [ISST] and the Interval Shuttle Run Test [ISRT]) were examined in 21 women field hockey players. The ISST required the players to perform 10 shuttle sprints starting every 20 seconds. During the ISRT, players alternately ran 20-m shuttles for 30 seconds and walked for 15 seconds with increasing speed. Anaerobic and aerobic power tests included Wingate cycle sprints and a (V)over dot O(2)max cycle test, respectively. Based on correlation and regression analyses, it was concluded that for the ISST, anaerobic energetic pathways contribute mainly to energy supply for peak sprint time, while aerobic energetic pathways also contribute to energy supply for total sprint time. Energy during the ISRT is supplied mainly by the aerobic energy system. Depending on the aspect of physical performance a coach wants to determine, the ISST or ISRT can be used.