Assessing Physical Fitness of Athletes in a Confined Environment during Prolonged Self-Isolation

Potential Usefulness of the Test of Maximal Number of Burpees Performed in 3 Minutes

Bibliographic Data

ID15480833
AuthorsJoshua Qi Jun Tai (Nanjing Sport Institute), Shu Fen Wong (Nanjing Sport Institute), Kin Ming Chow (0000-0003-1390-2161, Nanjing Sport Institute), Darine Hui Wen Choo (Nanjing Sport Institute), Hui Cheng Choo (0000-0002-4631-6751, Nanjing Sport Institute), Sofyan Sahrom (0000-0003-1717-9679, Sport Physiology, Sport Science, National Youth Sport Institute, Singapore 397778, Singapore), Abdul Rashid Aziz (0000-0002-7727-7484, Nanjing Sport Institute, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue10
Pages5928-5928
Publication date2022-05-13
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19105928
PMID35627465
OpenAlexW4280636234
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited19

Due to a prolonged period of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to monitor the physical condition of athletes isolated at home with a fitness tool that measures various aspects of physical fitness, which does not require any special equipment, and can be performed within a small space. This study assessed the reliability and validity of the test of performing the maximal number of burpees in 3 min (or 3-MBT) to monitor strength, power, and aerobic endurance in trained athletes. For Part I (reliability of the 3-MBT), 20 (10 male, 10 female) national athletes from various sports performed the 3-MBT on two separate test sessions. Athletes performed as many burpees as possible within 3 min and the primary performance criteria was the number of burpees completed (where a higher number reflected a better performance). The 3-MBT displayed excellent relative reliability in the athletes, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV %) of >0.92, and <3.0%, respectively. For Part II (validity of the 3-MBT), 40 (20 M, 20 F) athletes performed the 3-MBT, and the countermovement jump (CMJ), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), isometric bench (IBP) and maximal aerobic power (VO2max) tests on separate sessions. When data of male and female athletes were pooled, there were significant correlations between relative 3-MBT and relative CMJ height (r = 0.65, large; p < 0.001), relative IMPT peak force (r = 0.50, large; p < 0.001), relative IBP peak force (r = 0.36, moderate, p = 0.02), and relative VO2max (r = 0.50, large; p < 0.001). In conclusion, the 3-MBT is a reliable and reasonably useful test and is a valid assessment of lower body power and strength, upper body strength and aerobic fitness in trained male and female athletes

Athletes · Intraclass correlation · Isometric exercise · Jump · Physical fitness · Physical medicine and rehabilitation · Physical therapy · Plyometrics · Power (physics · Psychometrics · Reliability (semiconductor · Test (biology · Cardiovascular and exercise physiology · Medicine · Sports injuries and prevention · Sports Performance and Training