Fitness Testing
Fitness Testing > Tests > Aerobic Endurance > Loughborough Soccer Shuttle
Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST)
The Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test, also known as the LIST, is a running test that includes jogging, running and sprinting, designed to simulate the demands of soccer matches. See also the Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests, which were also designed to replicate the intermittent demands of soccer players.
- purpose: To assess the physiological responses of athletes to a simulated sprint based team sport.
- equipment required: clear flat area for conducting the test, at least 30m long, timing gates for measuring sprint times, audio recording of test.
- procedure: The protocol involves moving between two lines 20 meters apart, at speeds set based on player's individual fitness levels and relevant to the sport that is being simulated. Audio signals dictate the speeds they run at. The standard test for male soccer players involves 6 x 15 minute blocks of exercise, separated by three minute rest intervals, making a total of 90 minutes of activity. Each 15 minute block consists of approximately 11 cycles: 3 x 20m walking, 1 x 15m sprint, 3 x 20m running, and 3 x 20m jogging. See a video about the Loughborough Test.
- scoring: parameters which can be recorded include: 15 m sprint times, heart rate, VO2 using portable equipment, blood lactate, perceived exertion using scales.
- target population: This test was developed specifically for soccer players, though it is suitable for similar sports teams which are intermittent in nature.
- variations: you can adjust the running intensities to reflect the exercise intensities for different sports. Some research has used a modified or shortened version of the test.
- advantages: this test has been found to closely replicate soccer match play, though in a controlled environment.
- disadvantages: this test is time and resource intensive.
- references:
- Nicholas, C.W., Nuttall, F.E. and Williams, C. (2000). The Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test: A field test that simulates the activity pattern of soccer. J. Sports Sciences 18: 97-104.
Related Pages
- See also the Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests, which were also designed for soccer players.
- about Testing for Intermittent Sports
- about fitness testing for soccer.
