YO-YO INTERMITTENT RECOVERY TEST LEVEL 1
What is the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test?
There are three variations of the yo-yo intermittent recovery test: level 1, level 2 and the submaximal test. The yo-yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) focuses on an individual’s ability to repeatedly perform high-intensity aerobic work. The yo-yo intermittent recovery level 2 (YYIR2) test examines the capacity to perform intense intermittent exercise with a large anaerobic component in combination with a significant aerobic contribution. The submaximal yo-yo intermittent recovery test was developed as a method of monitoring performance during competitive periods (e.g. in-season), injury rehabilitation, or individuals who may struggle with performing the maximal tests (1).
The YYIR tests are a simple method for examining an athlete’s capacity to perform repetitive high-intensity aerobic exercise (2). The YYIR1 is designed for young or recreational athletes who possess lower aerobic capacity – this level begins at 10km/hr. The YYIR2, on the other hand, is designed for elite and professional athletes with a higher fitness capacity – this test begins at 13km/hr. Therefore, the only difference between these two tests is the speed at which they are conducted (1).
It has been demonstrated in sports involving high-intensity intermittent exercise that the higher the competition level of the athlete, the better their performance on the YYIR tests (2). Performances in the YYIR tests for young athletes have also been shown to improve with increases in age (3, 4, 5, 6). However, this may be more specifically related to biological maturity rather than chronological age.
Regardless, YYIR tests have also been demonstrated to be a more sensitive measure of performance changes than maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max). Furthermore, as relationships between sub-maximal YYIR test performance and heart rate have been observed, non-exhaustive versions of these tests can be used during competitive periods (in-season), with older subjects, and athletes recovering from injury (2)
How do you conduct the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test?
It is important to note that whenever fitness testing is performed, it must be done so in a consistent environment (i.e. facility) so it is protected from varying weather types, and with a dependable surface that is not affected by wet or slippery conditions. If the environment is not consistent, the reliability of repeated tests at later dates can be substantially hindered and result in worthless data