The correlation between the 30-15 intermittent fitness test and a novel test of running performance

Intermittent training is frequently used by team sport players to improve performance (2,3,8,9). It has been shown that the running velocity sustained during intermittent training has a significant effect on the oxygen uptake (VO2) and that the increase in aerobic capacity after a period of intermittent training is greatly affected by the intensity of training (10). Recently, Buchheit (5) developed the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (30-15IFT) to determine the optimal or maximal running speed (MRS) for team sport athletes to train at during intermittent exercise. However this test is somewhat difficult to administer to athletes who are unaccustomed to it. Athletes require specific instructions on how to perform the test and the test itself can last for greater than 20 minutes. Team sport athletes and coaches need time efficient tests that are easy to administer that will not have a significant impact on total training time. Recently a new intermittent shuttle run test (ISRT) has been used to determine MRS. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the MRS determined by the 30-15IFT and the MRS determined by the new ISRT