The peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test is related to physical match performance in young soccer players

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the peak velocity derived from the Carminatti Test (T-CAR) (PVT-CAR) and physical match performance in young soccer players. Thirty-three youth soccer players were recruited from 2 non-professional clubs. Friendly matches and small-sided game were performed. Physical match demands were assessed using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. On a separate occasion, the players were submitted to the T-CAR. Players were categorised into 3 groups based on their T-CAR performance: Low (PV(T-CAR)P33), Intermediate (P33>PVT-CAR<P66) and High (PV(T-CAR)P66). The PVT-CAR (15.5 +/- 0.7kmh(-1)) was significantly related to high-intensity activities (HIA; r=0.78, P<0.001), high-intensity running (HIR; r=0.66, P<0.001), sprinting (r=0.62, P<0.001) and total distance (TD) covered (r=0.47, P<0.01) during friendly matches. The PVT-CAR was strongly correlated with the amount of HIA (r=0.81, P<0.001), HIR (r=0.85, P<0.001) and TD covered (r=0.81, P<0.001) during small-sided game. No significant correlation was observed between the PVT-CAR and distance of sprinting (r=0.49, P=0.067) during small-side game. Furthermore, players in the High group covered significantly more TD (10%) and did more HIA (42%), sprinting (31%) and HIR (25%) during friendly matches compared to the players classified as having Low performance on the T-CAR. These differences still remained after adjusting for chronological age (CA), maturity and body size. In conclusion, the current study gives empirical support to the ecological and construct validity of this novel field test (T-CAR) as an indicator of match-related physical performance in young soccer players during pubertal years.