Do can the running-based anaerobic sprint test (rast) be used to assess anaerobic performance for amputee football players?: a preliminary study

Abstract

Introduction: Amputee football is an intermittently high-intensity modality that demands high levels of anaerobic energy production. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test whether the Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) can assess the anaerobic performance of amputee football players. Methodology: Six male amputee football players with unilateral lower limb amputation participated in this study. All participants experienced anthropometric evaluations and two experimental sessions separated by 1 week. On the first day, the participants were characterized, followed by preparatory activity, performance of the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WanT), and familiarization with the RAST. On the second day, preparatory activities and the RAST were conducted. The outcome variables included peak power output (PPO), mean power output (MPO), both absolute and relative, and the fatigue index. Reliability was assessed via regression, Pearson’s correlation, and intraclass correlation coefficients. Agreement indices was analyzed with the Bland-Altman method. Absolute and relative reliabilities were examined using standard error of measurement, smallest worthwhile change, and minimal detectable change. Differences between WanT and RAST indices were assessed using mean, confidence interval, paired t-test, and effect sizes. Results: Our results indicate that the test is reliable for the MPO and relative MPO indices. The MPO and rMPO of the RAST were responsible for more than 59.6% of the variance in the WanT. These findings suggest that the RAST is adequate for assessing the anaerobic performance of amputee football players. Conclusion: We suggest that the RAST is a suitable tool for assessing anaerobic performance in amputee football players.