Generally, there are two different versions of the Yo-Yo tests (the intermittent endurance (YYIET) and the intermittent recovery test (YYIRT)), each having two different levels (level 1 and 2). As a result there are a total of four different tests.
Differences between the two Yo-Yo versions are:
Both versions require setup a 20-meter distance. The players will line-up next to each other with possibly 1-1.5 meter space in between. Depending on the space available the entire team can perform the test at the same time.
A measurement tape is needed to setup the distances.
An acoustic signal (“beep”) will indicate the speed of running. With the first “beep” the players will start running towards the 20-meter marker and should reach it by the second “beep”, which also indicate the players to turn around and run back to the original start. A third “beep” will indicate the finish of one shuttle and all players need to reach the start line by this “beep”. Depending on the test (YYIET vs. YYIRT) players will receive a 5 or 10 second recovery break then. The next “beep” will signal the start of the next shuttle and procedures proceed as described. If a player fail to complete a shuttle within the given third “beep” twice, he will stop the test and the final score is the last shuttle the player has completed.
As the speed of running is fast at later stages of the test, we believe that one coach can observe up to 7 players at the same time if he/she stands on the side of the start/finish line. In order to test a team of 21 players, three testers should be present.
In order to perform the test, obviously the audio tape and an audio players is needed. It is possible that a power outlet and an exension cord is also needed to ensure power for the audio player.
Validity of level 1 was examined in elite football players (20). It was shown that the level one showed weak indicator of aerobic endurance in youth (20). However, the YYIET level 1 elicited a maximal response of the players (6) and the maximum heart rate can be measured with this test (33). As a result the test can be used in developing as well as amateur players. In addition, the YYIET level 1 was correlated with the 20m multistage shuttle run/beep test in youth football players (11).
Generally, similar findings were presented for level 2 (2, 23).
The YYIET level 2 seems to a reliable (measured in youth and senior football players) and sensible assessment tool (4, 6). The test was correlated with high-intensity running and the total
distance covered during a football match in professional football players.
However, both levels (1 and 2) were reported to underestimate the VO2max, compared to a continuous and an intermittent treadmill test (20). The measured VO2max measured in the YYIET level 2
was highly correlated with the 20m multistage shuttle run/beep test (2).
From the testing protocol it was concluded that the YYIE tests are more aerobic related, whereas the YYIR tests are aerobic-anaerobic related (32)
Bangsbo et al. (3) distinguished between the YYIRT level 1 and level 2. The authors stated that level 1 focus “on the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise leading to a maximal activation of the aerobic system, whereas level 2 determines an individual’s ability to recover from repeated exercise with a high contribution from the anaerobic system”.
The physiological responses whilst performing the YYIRT level 1 was examined in a few investigations (15, 17, 31) and the test showed a high reliability and validity throughout a variety of level of play.
Furthermore, there seems to be a correlation between the YYIRT level 1 and:
Level 2 also seemed to be reliable and valid (17). Although displaying a relative high CV of 9.6%, Krustrup et al. (17) found no statistical differences between two YYIRTs level 2 performed within one week.
Due to the nature of the tests and despite their significant correlation with VO2max (3, 25), it seems that the level 1 was correlated to a greater extent with VO2max compared to level 2.
Furthermore, the YYIRT level 2 score was not correlated with VO2max in youth (pre-pubescent) football players (8).
The following will display the equations to estimate the VO2max from players’ YYIRT performances (3).
YYIRT level 1:
VO2max (mL/min/kg) = YYIRT level 1 final distance (in meters) × 0.0084 + 36.4
YYIRT level 2:
VO2max (mL/min/kg) = YYIRT level 2 final distance (in meters) × 0.0136 + 45.3
However, it was also reported that the test (especially the level 2) reflect the ability to perform repeated intense exercises (including recovery and response of the anaerobic system - and therefore not necessarily the aerobic endurance) (5).
The YoYo tests were used for following purposes:
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