Analysis of Lower Limb Bilateral Force Asymmetries by Different Vertical Jump...
Arrowhead NSCA Poster 2015
1. THE ARROWHEAD CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION SPEED TEST: RELIABILITY AND
RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER MULTIDIRECTIONAL SPEED ASSESSMENTS
Farzad Jalilvand1, Sarah Mock1, Shane Stecyk1, Jeff Crelling2, John Lockwood2, and Robert Lockie1.
1Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA.
2CSUN Sports Performance, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA.
Introduction
Soccer players execute 700-1400 changes of direction during a match.2 Thus, change-of-direction (COD) ability is an important characteristic to measure, and numerous tests have been designed for this purpose.
The Arrowhead test was created specifically for soccer, and is completed by cutting around markers in a set direction, with an initial movement to the left or right (Figure 1).3 However, its reliability or relationships to similar tests has
not been established.
The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the Arrowhead test and relationships to other multidirectional speed tests in soccer players.
Practical Applications
Strength and conditioning coaches could adopt the Arrowhead test
knowing that it is reliable, and should detect moderate changes in
COD speed.
The Arrowhead test can potentially be used to measure certain
linear speed and speed-endurance characteristics of an athlete
because of the total distance traveled.
Further research is needed to confirm the validity of the Arrowhead
test for soccer (i.e. it can delineate between higher- and lower-level
players), and whether specific COD speed training can lead to
changes in Arrowhead test times.
Methods
20 Division I female soccer players were recruited (age = 20.10 ± 1.12 years; height = 1.67 ± 0.07 m; body mass = 61.45 ± 7.73 kg). After a familiarization
session, subjects completed 4 trials (2 left, 2 right) of the Arrowhead test on 2 separate days separated by 1 week to assess reliability of the Arrowhead Test.
On a separate day, subjects completed tests of linear (30-m sprint; 0-5, 0-10, 0-30 m intervals) and COD (pro-agility and 60-yard shuttle) speed as alternate
measures of multidirectional speed.
To determine relative reliability of the Arrowhead test, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used. An ICC ≥0.70 was deemed acceptable.1 Absolute
reliability was assessed by paired samples t-tests (p < 0.05), which calculated any between-session differences, and typical error (TE). TE was expressed as a
coefficient of variation (CV, %), with a CV <5% set as the criterion for reliability. The usefulness of the test was determined by comparing the TE to the smallest
worthwhile change (SWC) in time for each test. Test usefulness was calculated by comparing typical error (TE) to smallest worthwhile change (SWC) for the
Arrowhead tests. The SWC was determined by multiplying the between-subject SD by either 0.2 (SWC0.2), which is the typical small effect, or 0.5 (SWC0.5),
which is an alternate moderate effect.4
Correlations (p < 0.05) were also calculated between the Arrowhead test, 30-m sprint and shuttle tests.
Results
The ICCs and CVs for both the left- and right-turn Arrowhead test were
acceptable (Table 1). There were also no significant differences in the average
left- or right-turn Arrowhead test performance between the sessions.
The TE exceeded the SWC0.2 which rated test usefulness as being marginal.
TE the however was below the SWC0.5 which rated test usefulness as being
good.
Positive, large relationships were demonstrated between the left-turn
Arrowhead test and the 30-m sprint and 60-yard shuttle run (Table 2). The
right-turn Arrowhead test positively correlated with the 60-yard shuttle with a
large relationship.
Conclusions
The Arrowhead COD speed test had good absolute and relative reliability. In addition
to this, the data indicated that the Arrowhead test would be useful in detecting
moderate changes in COD speed for collegiate women’s soccer players.
There were correlations with the 30-m sprint and the 60-yard shuttle, suggesting that
this test is related to multidirectional efforts over an extended distance.
The longer linear sprints performed during the 30-m sprint and the 60-yard shuttle
were similar to the bouts of linear sprints performed during the Arrowhead test.
Indeed, the players approximately covered 37 m during the Arrowhead. Therefore,
the Arrowhead COD speed test could potentially be used to measure COD speed
and speed-endurance efforts.
References
1. BAUMGARTNER, T.A. and H. CHUNG. Confidence limits for intraclass reliability coefficients. Meas Phys Educ Exerc Sci. 5(3):179-188. 2001.
2. BLOOMFIELD, J., R. POLMAN, and P. O'DONOGHUE. Physical demands of different positions in FA Premier League soccer. J Sports Sci Med. 6(1):63-70. 2007.
3. CHAN, C.K., J.W. LEE, D.T. FONG, P.S. YUNG, and K.M. CHAN. The difference of physical abilities between youth soccer player and professional soccer player: a training implication. J Strength Cond Res. 25:S12.
2011.
4. LOCKIE, R.G., A.B. SCHULTZ, S.J. CALLAGHAN, M.D. JEFFRIESS, and S.P. BERRY. Reliability and validity of a new test of change-of-direction speed for field-based sports: the Change-of-Direction and
Acceleration Test (CODAT). J Sports Sci Med. 12(1):88-96. 2013.
Session 1 (s) Session 2 (s)
Mean and
90% CL (s)
p Value ICC TE (s) CV (%) SWC0.2 (s) Rating SWC0.5 (s) Rating
Left Avg 8.946 ± 0.300 8.939 ± 0.316
8.941
(8.829-9.054)
0.87 0.92 0.09 1.01 0.06 Marginal 0.16 Good
Right Avg 8.985 ± 0.296 8.983 ± 0.307
8.985
(8.875-9.096)
0.97 0.93 0.08 0.89 0.06 Marginal 0.16 Good
Arrowhead Left Arrowhead Right
0-5 m
r
p
0.51
0.83
.059
0.80
0-10 m
r
p
0.29
0.21
0.26
0.27
0-30 m
r
p
0.55
0.01*
0.41
0.07
Pro-Agility
Shuttle
r
p
0.27
0.27
0.33
0.17
60-yard
Shuttle
r
p
0.66
0.03*
0.68
0.02*
Figure 1. (A) Dimensions for the Arrowhead change-of-
direction speed test; (B) Running path for a test
performance with an initial turn to the left.
Table 1. Descriptive data for testing sessions 1 and 2, p value for differences between the sessions, mean and 90% confidence limits (90% CL)
and reliability statistics (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), coefficient of variations [CV], smallest worthwhile change [0.2
x standard deviation = SWC0.2; 0.5 x standard deviation = SWC0.5], and ratings of usefulness).
Table 2. Correlations between the Arrowhead test with initial
left- or right-turn to 0-5 m, 0-10 m, and 0-30 m sprint
intervals, and the pro-agility shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle (r =
Pearson’s correlation coefficient; p = significance).
* Significant (p < 0.05) relationships between the two tests.
![THE ARROWHEAD CHANGE-OF-DIRECTION SPEED TEST: RELIABILITY AND
RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER MULTIDIRECTIONAL SPEED ASSESSMENTS
Farzad Jalilvand1, Sarah Mock1, Shane Stecyk1, Jeff Crelling2, John Lockwood2, and Robert Lockie1.
1Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA.
2CSUN Sports Performance, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, USA.
Introduction
Soccer players execute 700-1400 changes of direction during a match.2 Thus, change-of-direction (COD) ability is an important characteristic to measure, and numerous tests have been designed for this purpose.
The Arrowhead test was created specifically for soccer, and is completed by cutting around markers in a set direction, with an initial movement to the left or right (Figure 1).3 However, its reliability or relationships to similar tests has
not been established.
The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of the Arrowhead test and relationships to other multidirectional speed tests in soccer players.
Practical Applications
Strength and conditioning coaches could adopt the Arrowhead test
knowing that it is reliable, and should detect moderate changes in
COD speed.
The Arrowhead test can potentially be used to measure certain
linear speed and speed-endurance characteristics of an athlete
because of the total distance traveled.
Further research is needed to confirm the validity of the Arrowhead
test for soccer (i.e. it can delineate between higher- and lower-level
players), and whether specific COD speed training can lead to
changes in Arrowhead test times.
Methods
20 Division I female soccer players were recruited (age = 20.10 ± 1.12 years; height = 1.67 ± 0.07 m; body mass = 61.45 ± 7.73 kg). After a familiarization
session, subjects completed 4 trials (2 left, 2 right) of the Arrowhead test on 2 separate days separated by 1 week to assess reliability of the Arrowhead Test.
On a separate day, subjects completed tests of linear (30-m sprint; 0-5, 0-10, 0-30 m intervals) and COD (pro-agility and 60-yard shuttle) speed as alternate
measures of multidirectional speed.
To determine relative reliability of the Arrowhead test, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used. An ICC ≥0.70 was deemed acceptable.1 Absolute
reliability was assessed by paired samples t-tests (p < 0.05), which calculated any between-session differences, and typical error (TE). TE was expressed as a
coefficient of variation (CV, %), with a CV <5% set as the criterion for reliability. The usefulness of the test was determined by comparing the TE to the smallest
worthwhile change (SWC) in time for each test. Test usefulness was calculated by comparing typical error (TE) to smallest worthwhile change (SWC) for the
Arrowhead tests. The SWC was determined by multiplying the between-subject SD by either 0.2 (SWC0.2), which is the typical small effect, or 0.5 (SWC0.5),
which is an alternate moderate effect.4
Correlations (p < 0.05) were also calculated between the Arrowhead test, 30-m sprint and shuttle tests.
Results
The ICCs and CVs for both the left- and right-turn Arrowhead test were
acceptable (Table 1). There were also no significant differences in the average
left- or right-turn Arrowhead test performance between the sessions.
The TE exceeded the SWC0.2 which rated test usefulness as being marginal.
TE the however was below the SWC0.5 which rated test usefulness as being
good.
Positive, large relationships were demonstrated between the left-turn
Arrowhead test and the 30-m sprint and 60-yard shuttle run (Table 2). The
right-turn Arrowhead test positively correlated with the 60-yard shuttle with a
large relationship.
Conclusions
The Arrowhead COD speed test had good absolute and relative reliability. In addition
to this, the data indicated that the Arrowhead test would be useful in detecting
moderate changes in COD speed for collegiate women’s soccer players.
There were correlations with the 30-m sprint and the 60-yard shuttle, suggesting that
this test is related to multidirectional efforts over an extended distance.
The longer linear sprints performed during the 30-m sprint and the 60-yard shuttle
were similar to the bouts of linear sprints performed during the Arrowhead test.
Indeed, the players approximately covered 37 m during the Arrowhead. Therefore,
the Arrowhead COD speed test could potentially be used to measure COD speed
and speed-endurance efforts.
References
1. BAUMGARTNER, T.A. and H. CHUNG. Confidence limits for intraclass reliability coefficients. Meas Phys Educ Exerc Sci. 5(3):179-188. 2001.
2. BLOOMFIELD, J., R. POLMAN, and P. O'DONOGHUE. Physical demands of different positions in FA Premier League soccer. J Sports Sci Med. 6(1):63-70. 2007.
3. CHAN, C.K., J.W. LEE, D.T. FONG, P.S. YUNG, and K.M. CHAN. The difference of physical abilities between youth soccer player and professional soccer player: a training implication. J Strength Cond Res. 25:S12.
2011.
4. LOCKIE, R.G., A.B. SCHULTZ, S.J. CALLAGHAN, M.D. JEFFRIESS, and S.P. BERRY. Reliability and validity of a new test of change-of-direction speed for field-based sports: the Change-of-Direction and
Acceleration Test (CODAT). J Sports Sci Med. 12(1):88-96. 2013.
Session 1 (s) Session 2 (s)
Mean and
90% CL (s)
p Value ICC TE (s) CV (%) SWC0.2 (s) Rating SWC0.5 (s) Rating
Left Avg 8.946 ± 0.300 8.939 ± 0.316
8.941
(8.829-9.054)
0.87 0.92 0.09 1.01 0.06 Marginal 0.16 Good
Right Avg 8.985 ± 0.296 8.983 ± 0.307
8.985
(8.875-9.096)
0.97 0.93 0.08 0.89 0.06 Marginal 0.16 Good
Arrowhead Left Arrowhead Right
0-5 m
r
p
0.51
0.83
.059
0.80
0-10 m
r
p
0.29
0.21
0.26
0.27
0-30 m
r
p
0.55
0.01*
0.41
0.07
Pro-Agility
Shuttle
r
p
0.27
0.27
0.33
0.17
60-yard
Shuttle
r
p
0.66
0.03*
0.68
0.02*
Figure 1. (A) Dimensions for the Arrowhead change-of-
direction speed test; (B) Running path for a test
performance with an initial turn to the left.
Table 1. Descriptive data for testing sessions 1 and 2, p value for differences between the sessions, mean and 90% confidence limits (90% CL)
and reliability statistics (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE), coefficient of variations [CV], smallest worthwhile change [0.2
x standard deviation = SWC0.2; 0.5 x standard deviation = SWC0.5], and ratings of usefulness).
Table 2. Correlations between the Arrowhead test with initial
left- or right-turn to 0-5 m, 0-10 m, and 0-30 m sprint
intervals, and the pro-agility shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle (r =
Pearson’s correlation coefficient; p = significance).
* Significant (p < 0.05) relationships between the two tests.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/4c83179b-2eda-4228-b99a-cd04e4974f3b-150719044449-lva1-app6891/85/Arrowhead-NSCA-Poster-2015-1-320.jpg)
