ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana-Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2009 June;168(3):157-67

Copyright © 2009 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The multistage shuttle run: the influence of verbal cues

Hafekost K. ¹, Dawson B. ¹, Wallman K. ¹, Polglaze T. ²

¹ School of Human Movement University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia 2 Western Australian Institute of Sport Perth, Australia

Aim. The aims of this study were to determine: 1) whether the removal of verbal cues from the multistage shuttle run (MSR) resulted in improved performance in elite and non-elite athletes, and 2) if a silent MSR resulted in more even drop-out patterns across test levels.
Methods. Non-elite (N.=33) and elite (N.=31) athletes completed the standard MSR and a modified version, without verbal cues (randomised partial crossover design). Compari-sons were made between test scores, levels of exertion and participant drop-out patterns between tests. Test-retest reliability was assessed, whilst test validity was performed using a subgroup of participants (N.=21) who participated in laboratory V.O2max testing.
Results. No significant differences were found for scores or levels of exertion between the standard and silent MSR. Both MSR tests displayed high test-retest reliability (audio; r=0.92, P<0.01, silent; r=0.96, P<0.01) and strong correlations to laboratory V.O2max values (audio; r=0.87, P<0.01, silent; r=0.84, P<0.01). A tendency for both MSR tests to significantly under-predict V.O2peak was apparent and was greater in athletes with higher aerobic capacity. The drop-out pattern was more even in the silent MSR in comparison to the audio test.
Conclusion. Both MSR protocols produced similar results, however, the standard MSR is recommended due to its greater ease in administration. Due to the under-prediction of V.O2max, the MSR is not recommended for highly accurate predictions of aerobic capacity, particularly in elite athletes.