The relationship between the interval shuttle run test and maximal oxygen uptake in soccer players

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the interval shuttle run test (ISRT) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) in soccer players. The ISRT was developed to measure interval endurance capacity. During the ISRT, subjects alternately run for 30 sec and walk for 15 sec with increasing speed until exhaustion. Within a two week period, 15 male soccer players performed the ISRT and a maximal treadmill test to measure VO2max. The number of runs on the ISRT correlated moderately with VO2max (r=0.77, 95% CI=0.43-0.92). We conclude that aerobic energy production, as indicated by the VO2max, contributes for approximately 60% of the total energy requirement during the ISRT.