Comparing critical speed modelling approaches and exploring relationships with match-play variables in elite male youth soccer players

BACKGROUND: A novel bi-exponential method has emerged to estimate critical speed (CS) and D-prime (D′) from a 3-min all-out test (3MT). OBJECTIVES: To compare CS analysis methods to determine whether parameter estimations were interchangeable. Reference values and relationships with key soccer match-play variables were explored. METHODS: Thirteen elite male youth (14–15 years old) players completed a 30 m shuttle run 3MT to estimate CS, D′, rate of speed decline time constant, maximal speed (S(max)), time to S(max) (t(max)), and fatigue index (FI), using the traditional method and bi-exponential model on average (Bi-Exp(Average)) and max speed settings (Bi-Exp(Max-Speed)). High-speed running (HSR) and sprinting distances and counts, and the number of accelerations were collected from two matches. Magnitude-based inferences (p < 0.05) with smallest worthwhile change of 0.2 effect sizes were used to analyse differences. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to measure associations between CS model variables and match-play parameters. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the traditional method and both bi-exponential models for CS and D′, as well as between the bi-exponential models for all variables except t(max). Using the Bi-Exp(Average) model, strong correlations (r = 0.70–0.73; p < 0.05) were observed for D′ and FI with the number of standardised and individualised HSRs, respectively. With the Bi-Exp(Max-Speed) model, there were strong correlations (r/ρ = 0.64–0.68; p < 0.05) between D′ and the number of standardised HSRs and sprints, and the number of individualised sprints. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of interchangeability between analysis methods. It appears that D′ and FI from the bi-exponential models could be associated with high-intensity actions in soccer match-play.