Sutcliffe Duncan Peter, Kramer Mark
Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec), North-West University, Potchefstroom, Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa.
PLoS One. 2025 Jun 2;20(6):e0323655. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0323655. eCollection 2025.
This study evaluated the utility of the 3-minute all-out running test (3MT) in assessing match performance and physiologically relevant load metrics among male university soccer players. We aimed to explore the relationship between 3MT metrics, including critical speed (CS), finite energy reserve (D'), and maximal running speed (Smax), with key match performance indicators, while also assessing the efficacy of a modified method for tracking player load.
Twenty-six male university soccer players completed the 3MT to determine CS, D', and maximal speed (Smax). Match performance data (n = 3-8 matches per player) were concurrently gathered, including total distance covered, high-speed running (HSR), very high-speed running (VHSR), and overall player load. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationships between 3MT variables and match performance, with a specific focus on how a modified load-tracking method compared to traditional approaches.
Players with higher CS exhibited smaller fluctuations in D' kinetics, indicating more efficient energy utilization during matches. A strong positive correlation was found between 3MT-derived Smax and the initiation of both HSR (r = 0.73, p < 0.01) and VHSR (r = 0.69, p < 0.05), highlighting the link between sprint capacity and match-specific high-intensity efforts. Lastly, a modified method for assessing player load demonstrated a high correlation with traditional methods (r = 0.99), while also accounting for individual metabolic demands. The modified approach offers a more nuanced understanding of player workload, potentially improving fatigue management, performance, and injury prevention.
The 3MT proved to be a valuable tool for evaluating individual physiological conditioning while also mapping on to key match performance metrics and external loads in university soccer players. The association with key performance indicators such as high-speed running capacity and sustained effort highlights its potential for optimizing training strategies.
本研究评估了3分钟全力跑测试（3MT）在评估男性大学足球运动员比赛表现和生理相关负荷指标方面的效用。我们旨在探讨3MT指标，包括临界速度（CS）、有限能量储备（D'）和最大跑步速度（Smax）与关键比赛表现指标之间的关系，同时评估一种改良的运动员负荷跟踪方法的有效性。
26名男性大学足球运动员完成3MT以确定CS、D'和最大速度（Smax）。同时收集比赛表现数据（每位运动员n = 3 - 8场比赛），包括总跑动距离、高速奔跑（HSR）、极高速奔跑（VHSR）和运动员总体负荷。进行相关性分析以检验3MT变量与比赛表现之间的关系，特别关注改良的负荷跟踪方法与传统方法的比较。
CS较高的运动员在D'动力学方面波动较小，表明比赛期间能量利用更高效。发现3MT得出的Smax与HSR（r = 0.73，p < 0.01）和VHSR（r = 0.69，p < 0.05）的起始均呈强正相关，突出了冲刺能力与特定比赛高强度努力之间的联系。最后，一种评估运动员负荷的改良方法与传统方法显示出高度相关性（r = 0.99），同时还考虑了个体代谢需求。改良方法提供了对运动员工作量更细致入微的理解，可能改善疲劳管理、表现和 injury prevention。
3MT被证明是评估个体生理状况的有价值工具，同时还能对应大学足球运动员的关键比赛表现指标和外部负荷。与高速奔跑能力和持续努力等关键表现指标的关联突出了其优化训练策略的潜力。
