Validity of a 5-Meter Multiple Shuttle Run Test for Assessing Fitness of Women Field Hockey Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish validity of a 5-m multiple shuttle test (5-m MST) using indirect (criterion and construct) and direct measures of performance. For criterion validity, comparisons were made between data from established fitness tests and a 5-m MST. Construct validity was determined by comparing results from a 5-m MST with subjects of different playing abilities. Direct validity was determined by comparing values attained from a 5-m MST with data from a time-motion study of field hockey. For criterion validity, the strongest relationship existed between the 20-m MST (42.7 +/- 7.1 ml.kg(-1).min(-1)) and total distance from the 5-m MST (650.9 +/- 59.2 m; r = 0.92). For construct validity, regional representative players covered more distance than club-level players (689.9 +/- 46.6 m vs. 661.1 +/- 31.0 m; p < 0.01). For direct validity, the highest correlation was found between total distance from the 5-m MST (706.0 +/- 37.5 m) and mean displacement during matches (61.0 +/- 6.0 m; r = 0.74). It was concluded that the 5-m MST had both indirect and direct validity for the fitness assessment of field hockey players. The data obtained from the 5-m MST directly relates to the physical fitness of the players during competition.