Inter-methodological quantification of the target change for performance test outcomes relevant to elite female soccer players

Datson, Naomi, Lolli, Lorenzo, Drust, Barry, Atkinson, Greg, Weston, Matthew ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9531-3004 and Gregson, Warren ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9820-5925 (2022) Inter-methodological quantification of the target change for performance test outcomes relevant to elite female soccer players. Science and Medicine in Football, 6 (2). pp. 248-261. ISSN 2473-3938

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Abstract

Introduction: Valid and informed interpretations of changes in physical performance test data are important within athletic development programmes. At present, there is a lack of consensus regarding a suitable method for deeming whether a change in physical performance is practically relevant or not. Methods: We compared true population variance in mean test scores between those derived from evidence synthesis of observational studies to those derived from practioner opinion (n = 30), and to those derived from a measurement error (minimal detectable change) quantification (n = 140). All these methods can help to obtain ‘target’ change score values for performance variables. Results: We found that the conventional ‘blanket’ target change of 0.2 (between-subjects SD) systematically underestimated practically relevant and more informed changes derived for 5-m sprinting, 30-m sprinting, CMJ, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (IR1) tests in elite female soccer players. Conclusions: For the first time in the field of sport and exercise sciences, we have illustrated the use of a principled approach for comparing different methods for the definition of changes in physical performance test variables that are practically relevant. Our between-method comparison approach provides preliminary guidance for arriving at target change values that may be useful for research purposes and tracking of individual female soccer player’s physical performance.