Asymmetry of the Modified Illinois Change of Direction Test Impacts Young Elite Soccer Players’ Performance

Conclusions: The modified Illinois change of direction test must be considered as an asymmetrical test because it underestimates more than half of the players’ agility performances. Therefore, fitness coaches should take these results into account when using this test.,Results: The analysis revealed no significant difference in time performance between the two versions of test as a within-subjects measure (P > 0.05, ES = 0.05). However, significant better time performances among inverted modified Illinois change of direction group (52% of players) were found when compared to the modified Illinois change of direction group (48% of players) (P < 0.04, ES = 0.66).,Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare two opposite/mirrored versions of the modified Illinois change of direction test.,Patients and Methods: Forty-six right-footed soccer players (17.2 ± 1.6 years-old) participated in the study. Players performed a modified Illinois change of direction test and a mirrored version of this test “inverted modified Illinois change of direction test” (I/MICODT) in a randomized and counter-balanced order. Paired t-test was used to determine whether significant differences existed between time performances of the tests as a within-subjects measure. Players were thereafter stratified into MICODT group or I/MICODT group according to their best performance and independent t-tests were used to determine differences between groups.,Background: The modified Illinois change ...

Source: Asian Journal of Sports Medicine - May 8, 2016 Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research