Yo-Yo intermittent test

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Yo-Yo Intermittent Test Track

Yo-Yo Intermittent Test is a physical fitness test that is used to measure an individual's ability to repeatedly perform interval running over a prolonged period. The test is widely used in sports science and among professional athletes, especially in sports that require high levels of aerobic endurance, such as soccer, rugby, and basketball. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Test is an evolution of the traditional Beep Test, designed to better simulate the intermittent nature of many team sports.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Test consists of two primary versions: the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2). Both versions assess an individual's ability to recover from repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise. The test is conducted by having participants run back and forth between markers set 20 meters apart, in time with audio cues. The pace gradually increases until the participant can no longer keep up with the audio cues.

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)[edit | edit source]

The Yo-Yo IR1 is designed for individuals who are engaged in sports that require a balance between aerobic and anaerobic endurance. It starts at a slower pace than the Level 2 test, making it accessible to a broader range of athletes, including those in sports like soccer and field hockey.

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2)[edit | edit source]

The Yo-Yo IR2 is more demanding and is intended for athletes with a higher level of conditioning. It starts at a faster pace and is commonly used in sports that demand a high level of anaerobic fitness, such as professional basketball and rugby.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

Participants start on a line (the starting point) and run 20 meters to another line (the turning point) when signaled by the audio cue. After reaching the turning point, participants walk or jog to a recovery area 5 meters behind the starting line before returning to the starting line to repeat the process. The speed dictated by the audio cues increases at set intervals, and the test continues until the participant fails to reach the turning point in time with the audio cues on two consecutive occasions.

Applications[edit | edit source]

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Test is used to:

  • Assess the aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels of athletes.
  • Determine the effects of training on endurance capacity.
  • Guide the development of individualized training programs.

Advantages[edit | edit source]

  • Simulates the intermittent nature of many team sports more accurately than continuous endurance tests.
  • Provides a standardized method to assess changes in an athlete's fitness over time.
  • Can be administered to groups of athletes simultaneously, making it efficient for team sports.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

  • Requires a high level of motivation from participants to achieve accurate results.
  • The test's specificity may not be suitable for all sports.
  • Environmental factors and the quality of the testing surface can affect performance.
Yo-Yo intermittent test Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD