The Validation of a Badminton Specific Incremental VO2Max Testing Protocol using Male University Badminton Players

Abstract

Objectives: To validate a badminton specific incremental V ̇O2max test and investigate the relationship between aerobic fitness and badminton specific speed endurance performance test. Methods: Nine male university badminton players performed two incremental V ̇O2max max protocols in a randomised order; a treadmill V ̇O2max test and a badminton specific incremental V ̇O2max test. The badminton specific test consisted of increasing intensity levels of intermittent work and rest replicating the movement and exercise patterns of actual game-play. During both tests, respiratory gas variables where recorded using a breath-by-breath gas analysis system and maximal HR was determined at point of exhaustion. A speed endurance performance test was also undertaken by each participant in order to measure individuals’ % fatigue and maximal speed over 10 badminton specific repeated sprints. Results: no significant difference (P = .416) was found between the maximal average V ̇O2max values for the treadmill test and incremental test. Average values were 54.9 ± 3.4 and 52.8 ± 7.9 ml/kg/min respectively. Maximal Heart Rate values (187.4 ± 5.80 vs. 187.4 ± 4.06) also showed no significant difference (P = 1.000) between the TT and IT. The relationship between V ̇O2max during the Incremental On-court test and average time per sprint on the performance test was found to be a significant (P = .019). Conclusions: The badminton specific incremental test was able to establish significantly similar V ̇O2max values when compared to a standard maximal treadmill test. Due to the nature of the test is can be suggested that it is a more accurate method of assessing aerobic fitness within badminton athletes. An important link has also been established between an individual’s maximal aerobic capacity and the ability to perform a badminton specific repeated sprint performance test.