Fatigue and performance differences between incoming freshmen and returning Division III collegiate women soccer players when completing a repeated shuttle-sprint protocol

Abstract

Repeated linear and change of direction (COD) ability has received little analysis in collegiate women soccer players. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in performance and rate fatigue between incoming freshmen and returning Division III collegiate women soccer players during a repeated shuttle-sprint (RSS) protocol that included a 10 m linear and 10 m COD component. Each sprint of the RSS test was a modification of the 505-agility test, and subjects completed 10 maximal shuttle sprints on 30-second cycles. Measurements taken were best and average time, and performance decrement for the linear, COD, and total time for each sprint, heart rate and blood lactate during the RSS. Independent t-tests and effect sizes were used to determine differences between groups. No significant differences were identified; however, average linear time showed that there was a moderate effect between groups. All other performance and fatigue variables showed there were trivial to small effects between groups. Total time was more highly correlated to COD time compared to linear time. The results of this study indicate freshmen Division III women soccer players have similar abilities as returning players in repeated linear and COD sprint performance.