Comparison of Intrasession Reliability and Sensitivity Across Different Deceleration-Test Results in Male and Female Soccer Players

Purpose: The aims of this study were to determine the deceleration abilities of male and female college soccer players and to examine the intrasession reliability and sensitivity and correlation between relevant deceleration-ability tests. Methods: College soccer players (N = 32) were recruited, including 19 male players (age 20 [1] y, height 179 [5] cm, body mass 71.8 [8.2] kg) and 13 female players (age 22 [2] y, height 164 [4] cm, body mass 53.6 [5.3] kg). Deceleration ability was determined as the deceleration deficit (DD) in a timed 505 change-of-direction test compared with a timed straight-line sprint of the same distance and peak deceleration in a linear maximal-deceleration test measured by radar gun (Dr) and accelerometer (Da). Results: All DD, Dr, and Da displayed good test–retest intrasession reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .832–.902, coefficient of variation < 10%) and sensitivity (standard error of measurement < smallest worthwhile change). However, the DD does not correlate with Da and Dr (r = −.143 to −.276, P > .05). On the other hand, maximal linear speed correlated with Da (r = .616, P < .01) but not with Dr and DD (r = .113–.345, P > .05). Although Dr
correlated significantly with Da (r = .813, P < .01), Dr is significantly higher than Da, with a large effect size (P < .01, Cohen d = 1.73). In terms of sex, male players demonstrated better deceleration ability than female players, but this difference only reached statistical significance on Da (P < .05, effect size = 0.91). Conclusion: DD, Dr, and Da all exhibit good intrasession reliability and sensitivity in assessing deceleration ability in college soccer players. However, DD does not correlate with peak deceleration ability. Overall, this study provides insights into the selection of metrics for practitioners to use when conducting deceleration-ability tests.