Author(s): READ, D., STEBBINGS, G., BIRDSEY, L., BARRACLOUGH, S., OWEN, G., POTTER, D., KIRKWOOD, A., Institution: MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 2641

INTRODUCTION:
Using perceptual responses is a non-invasive, low-cost, and time-efficient method of quantifying training load and adaptations to exercise programmes. However, it is essential that the reliability of these measures is established. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the reliability of perceptual responses to a new simulated taekwondo fitness test.
METHODS:
Eleven elite international-level (i.e., Tier 4 and above) taekwondo athletes (n = 5 male, n = 6 female, age: 21.8 ± 5.3 years, body mass: 68.8 ± 11.5 kg) across 10 weight categories (male: -58 kg, -68 kg, -80 kg, -87 kg; female: -46 kg, -53 kg, -57 kg, -67 kg, -73 kg, K44 +65 kg) completed the test twice, one week apart. The test comprised 3 x 3 min 20 s standardised rounds, each with 8 blocks (15 s work:10 s rest) and 60 s rest between rounds. Athletes performed a set of 8 kicks per block, totalling 192 kicks overall on a freestanding taekwondo kicking dummy. Following the third rest period, athletes were instructed to kick the dummy maximally for 30 s (30 s-max), using any kick technique. Differential ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for breathlessness (dRPE-B), leg exertion (dRPE-L), and technical demand (dRPE-T) via the CR100 scale were collected at the end of each round. Reliability was quantified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable difference (SDD) for the 3 rounds and 30 s-max. ICCs were interpreted as poor = <0.50, moderate = 0.5-0.75, good = 0.75-0.90, and excellent = >0.90.
RESULTS:
The reliability for dRPE-B was moderate in round 1 (ICC = 0.61, SEM = 7 AU, SDD = 21 AU), good in round 2 (ICC = 0.75, SEM = 7 AU, SDD = 19 AU), good in round 3 (ICC = 0.81, SEM = 6 AU, SDD = 17 AU), and good in the 30 s-max period (ICC = 0.84, SEM = 5 AU, SDD = 15 AU). The reliability for dRPE-L was poor in round 1 (ICC = 0.04, SEM = 11 AU, SDD = 29 AU), poor in round 2 (ICC = 0.26, SEM = 8 AU, SDD = 23 AU), good in round 3 (ICC = 0.79, SEM = 6 AU, SDD = 16 AU), and moderate in the 30 s-max period (ICC = 0.62, SEM = 7 AU, SDD = 19 AU). The reliability for dRPE-T was good in round 1 (ICC = 0.81, SEM = 4 AU, SDD = 12 AU), poor in round 2 (ICC = 0.18, SEM = 9 AU, SDD = 24 AU), poor in round 3 (ICC = 0.36, SEM = 8 AU, SDD = 23 AU), and moderate in the 30 s-max period (ICC = 0.64, SEM = 6 AU, SDD = 18 AU).
CONCLUSION:
Overall, dRPE-B (moderate to good) and the 30 s-max period (moderate to good) demonstrated the highest reliability. SDD values for variables with good reliability ranged from 12-19 AU and from 18-21 AU for those with moderate reliability. These findings provide practitioners with thresholds to quantify meaningful change when using the simulated taekwondo fitness test to monitor adaptations to training.