Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST)

Summary:

Developed in the late 1990’s, the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint test was designed to measure anaerobic power and capacity. It is a simple test, requiring little equipment, and boasts significant test validity and reliability. Many useful variables can be extracted simply from this test, and thus it is often a favourable choice for strength and conditioning coaches and sports scientists.

Keywords: anaerobic power, anaerobic capacity, sprint test

What is the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST)?

Developed in the UK in 1997 by Draper and Whyte (1) at the University of Wolverhampton, the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) is a testing protocol designed to measure anaerobic power and capacity (2). The test involves six sprints over a 35-meter distance, with a 10-second recovery between each sprint. Due to its accuracy as a test and its simplicity, the RAST is commonly used by exercise professionals to monitor performance.

Application

The RAST is capable of identifying two primary measures via a running-based protocol: 1) anaerobic capacity; and 2) anaerobic power. As these values are vital factors in sports which demand repeated short-duration maximal efforts, this particular test may be a suitable assessment tool for athletes who compete in running-based sports and are exposed to similar workloads – such as football (soccer), basketball, and handball (2).

Test Procedure (How to conduct the test)

It is important to understand that whenever fitness testing is performed, it must be done so in a consistent environment (e.g. facility), so that it is protected from varying weather types, and with a dependable surface that is not effected 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.

Equipment Requirements

Before the start of the test, it is important to ensure you have the following items:

• Reliable and consistent testing facility of at least 50m in length (e.g. indoor hall or artificial sports field).
• Test administrators (minimum of 2). One administrator times the duration of each sprint, whilst the other times the 10-second recovery periods.
• Weighing scales
• Timing gates (preferred, but not essential)
• Measuring tape (≥35m)
• Stopwatch
• Marker cones
• Performance recording sheet

Test Configuration

Figure 1 displays the test configuration for the RAST, this setup must be adhered to if accurate and reliable data is desired.

Testing Procedure

• Calculate body mass (kg)
  1. Participant must weighed in lightweight clothing with shoes and accessories removed.

• Warm-up
  1. Participants should thoroughly warm-up prior to the commencement of the test. Warm-ups should correspond to the biomechanical and physiological nature of the test. In addition, sufficient recovery (e.g. 3-5 minutes) should be administered following the warm-up and prior to commencement of the test.

• Starting the test
  1. The participant should ready themselves in a ‘standing start position’ at one end of the 35 meter sprint track (i.e. cone A – Figure 1).
  2. The 2^nd test administrator should countdown the start of the test (“3 – 2 – 1 – GO!”)
  3. On the “GO” signal both test administrators press the start button on the stopwatch and the participant must sprint at maximal effort to the end of the 35m track (i.e. cone B).
  4. As soon as the participant crosses the 35m line, the 2^nd test administrator (standing on the end line) must shout “CLEAR”, at which point they stop the clock and record the sprint duration. The 1^st test administrator begins the countdown of the 10-second recovery.
  5. During the recovery period, the participant should get ready to perform another 35m sprint back to where they started.
  6. The test administrators should be recording the duration of all six sprints individually to the nearest hundredth of a second, and officiating the 10-second recovery.
  7. Repeat this procedure for a total of six sprints (five 10-second recovery periods).

• After the test
  1. Once the test is over, some subjects may react to the previous exertion. To reduce any problems, the subjects should rest, either sitting or standing, for at least 2-3 minutes. If the subject feels ill or goes quiet or pale, they should lie down with their feet resting on a chair. Note: never leave the participant alone after the test.

Scoring System

If timing gates are not available, then the test administrators should have recorded the duration of each sprint to the nearest hundredth of a second. These sprint times, along with body mass, are then used to calculate anaerobic capacity and power outputs.

Relevant Calculations

The results of the test can be calculated using the formulas:

Key Values – Power (Watts); Body mass (kilograms); Distance (meters); Time (seconds); Velocity (seconds); Acceleration (seconds); Force (Newtons).

How to: Calculate Peak Power Output (PPO)

• PPO = Body mass * Distance ² ÷ Time ³

From the six sprint times and PPOs, you can then calculate the following:

• Maximum power output  (i.e. the highest value)
• Minimum power output  (i.e. the lowest value)
• Average power output (i.e. sum of all six values ÷ 6)

How to: Calculate Fatigue Index (FI)

This value represents the rate at which the power (W) declines in the participant’s performance. The lower the value the better the participant’s ability to maintain performance, and vice versa. Participants with high FI values, may need to improve their anaerobic capacity and resistance to fatigue.

• FI = (Maximum power – Minimum power) ÷ Total time for the 6 sprints

How to: Calculate Relative Peak Power Output (RPP)

This unit of measure allows for a somewhat fair comparison between participants of various weights and sizes.

• RPP = peak power ÷ body weight

How to: Calculate Anaerobic Capacity (AC)

Anaerobic capacity is the total work completed during the test duration.

• AC = Sum of all six sprint PPOs

Considerations

When conducting the test there are several factors that need to be taking into consideration before you begin – some being:

• Accuracy of stopwatch – If timing gates are not available, then it is imperative that the test administrators understand the inconsistencies of using a stopwatch for their results. As a result, administrators must pay great attention and attempt to communicate clearly in order to maximise the accuracy of the results.

• Circadian variations – circadian rhythms can significantly alter power outputs during such anaerobic performance tests (3).Current knowledge suggests that an early morning anaerobic tests will elicit significantly lower peak power values than a late afternoon or evening tests. 

• Surface and Conditions – Before conducting the test, ensure the surface is non-slip and consistent (e.g. not affected by weather). Secondly, ensure the environment/ facility is also consistent and not being effected by weather conditions. 

• Individual effort – Sub-maximal efforts can result in inaccurate and meaningless scores.

Validity and Reliability

Previous research has demonstrated that the RAST can be used as a valid and reliable measure of peak power, mean power, and fatigue index (2). Furthermore, a recent study has also demonstrated that the paediatric RAST (modified RAST) is also a valid and reliable measure in healthy young children (4).

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Disclaimer

All information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not accept any responsible for the administration or provision of any testing conducted, whether that results in any positive or negative consequences. As an example, we do not take any responsibility for any injury or illness caused during any test administration. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

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