Fitness Testing

Fitness Testing > Tests > Aerobic Endurance > Yo-Yo Intermittent

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery (IR) Test

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Test is similar to the Yo-Yo endurance test (a variation of the beep test), except in the intermittent tests the participants have a short active break (5 and 10 seconds for the endurance and recovery test, respectively). There are two versions of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Test: the Level or Stage 1 test starts at 10 km/hr and the Level or Stage 2 test starts at 13 km/hr.

• purpose: The test evaluates an individual's ability to repeatedly perform intervals over a prolonged period of time, particularly for athletes from sports such as tennis, team handball, basketball and soccer.

• diagram:

• equipment required: Flat, non-slip surface, marking cones, measuring tape, pre-recorded audio cassette or cd, cd or cassette player, recording sheets.

• description: Use cones to mark out three lines as per the diagram above; 20 meters and 5 meters apart. The subject starts on or behind the middle line, and begins running 20 m when instructed by the cd. This subject turns and returns to the starting point when signaled by the recorded beep. There is a active recovery period (5 and 10 seconds respectively for the endurance and recovery versions of the test) interjected between every 20 meter (out and back) shuttle, during which the subject must walk or jog around the other cone and return to the starting point. A warning is given when the subject does not complete a successful out and back shuttle in the allocated time, the subject is removed the next time they do not complete a successful shuttle. (see video example)

• variations: There are two test levels: the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test (designed for lesser trained individuals) starts at 10 km/hr and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) test (aimed at well trained and elite athletes) starts at 13 km/hr, with both levels increasing in speed throughout the test.

• scoring: The athlete's score is the total distance covered before they were unable to keep up with the recording. The Yo-Yo intermittent test usually takes between 6-20 minutes for level 1 and between 2-10 minutes for level 2. See some Yo Yo Test Results.

• target population: This test is suitable for sports teams and school groups, but not for populations in which a maximal exercise test would be contraindicated. It is commonly performed by soccer players.

• reliability: Reliability would depend on how strictly the test is run, and the previous practice allowed for the subjects.

• advantages: Large groups can perform this test all at once for minimal costs.

• disadvantages: Practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and the scoring of when a person is out of the test can be subjective. As the test is usually conducted outside, the environmental conditions can also affect the results.

• other considerations: This test is a maximal test, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. It is not recommended for recreational athletes or people with health problems, injuries or low fitness levels. You may not have power where you want to conduct this test. If so, you need to ensure that the betteries of the audio player are fully charged.

• references:

  • Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Amstrup, T., Rysgaard, T., Johansen, J., Steensberg, A.,
    Redersen, P, K., Bangsbo, J. (2003) The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test:
    Physiological Response, Reliability, and Validity. Medicine & Science in Sports &
    Exercise. 35(4), 697-705. This study found that the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test "had a high reproducibility and sensitivity, allowing for detailed analysis of the physical capacity of athletes in intermittent sports. Specifically, the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test was a valid measure of fitness performance in soccer. During the test, the aerobic loading approached maximal values, and the anaerobic energy system was highly taxed. Additionally, the study suggests that fatigue during intense intermittent short-term exercise was unrelated to muscle CP, lactate, pH, and glycogen."
  • Krustrup P, Mohr M, Nybo L, Jensen JM, Nielsen JJ, Bangsbo J. (2006) The Yo-Yo IR2 test: physiological response, reliability, and application to elite soccer. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Sep;38(9):1666-73. This study concluded that the "Yo-Yo IR2 test is reproducible and can be used to evaluate an athlete's ability to perform intense intermittent exercise with a high rate of aerobic and anaerobic energy turnover. Specifically, the Yo-Yo IR2 test was shown to be a sensitive tool to differentiate between intermittent exercise performance of soccer players in different seasonal periods and at different competitive levels and playing positions."
    

Related Pages

• Some Yo-Yo Test Results
• A table of the distance covered for each speed level for Stage/Level 2 of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Test
• The Yo-Yo Intermittent Test (stage 2) is part of the Hockey SPARQ rating and may be added to the Soccer SPARQ rating
• See a video example of this test being performed
• The complete guide to the beep test for links to more information
• The JAM test, another 'beep' type test with variable intensities based on the sport of Rugby
• Beep test variations

beep test cd

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