Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2
The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 was developed to examine an athlete’s capacity to perform intense intermittent aerobic exercise with a large anaerobic component.
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By Owen Walker
26 Jan 2016 | 5 min read
Contents of Article
The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 was developed to examine an athlete’s capacity to perform intense intermittent aerobic exercise with a large anaerobic component. This form of the Yo-Yo test is commonly used to measure the aerobic capacity of elite and professional adult athletes. It has been shown to be a valid and reliable predictor of high-intensity aerobic capacity and VO2 max amongst athletes from various sports and competition-levels.
Keywords: aerobic power, aerobic capacity, intermittent, V02 max, sports science
There are three variations of the yo-yo intermittent recovery test: level 1, level 2 and the submaximal test. The yo-yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) focuses on an individual’s ability to repeatedly perform high-intensity aerobic work, whereas the yo-yo intermittent recovery level 2 (YYIR2) test examines the capacity to perform intense intermittent exercise with a large anaerobic component in combination with a significant aerobic contribution. The submaximal yo-yo intermittent recovery test was developed as a method of monitoring performance during competitive periods (e.g. in-season), injury rehabilitation, or individuals who may struggle with performing the maximal tests (1).
The YYIR tests are a simple method for examining an athlete’s capacity to perform repetitive high-intensity aerobic exercise (2). The YYIR1 is designed for young or recreational athletes who possess lower aerobic capacity – this level begins at 10km/hr. The YYIR2 on the other hand is designed for elite and professional athletes with a higher fitness capacity – this test begin at 13km/hr. Therefore, the only difference between these two tests is the speed of which they are conducted (1).
It has been demonstrated in sports involving high-intensity intermittent exercise that the higher the competition-level of the athlete, the better their performance on the YYIR tests (2). Performances in the YYIR tests for young athletes have also been shown to improve with increases in age (3, 4, 5, 6). However, this may be more specifically related to biological maturity rather than chronological age.
Regardless, YYIR tests have also been demonstrated to be a more sensitive measure of performance changes than maximum oxygen uptake (V02max). Furthermore, as relationships between submaximal YYIR test performance and heart rate have been observed, non-exhaustive versions of these tests can be used for during competitive periods (in-season), elderly subjects, and athletes recovering from injury (2).
It is important to note that whenever fitness testing is performed, it must be done so in a consistent environment (i.e. facility), so that it is protected from varying weather types, and with a dependable surface that is not affected 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.
Required equipment
Test Configuration
Figure 1 displays the configuration for the YYIR tests, this setup must be adhered to if accurate and reliable data is desired.
Procedure
Once the tests configuration has been setup, test officials are positioned at both shuttle lines (cone B and C) and participants are ready, then the test can begin.
Test Procedure
Participants begin the test from cone B.
Credit goes to Chris Collins
The test is comprised of 91 shuttles and can last up to approximately 29-minutes; however, it is very unlikely somebody will complete it. Scores can be presented in three ways: 1) total distance (metres), 2) level achieved, or 3) VO2 max. Total distance is much simpler to understand and calculate, whereas level achieved is more complex as the test begins at level 5 and then skips to level 9 at the beginning.
How to: Calculate Total Distance
This is the simplest, most common, and perhaps the most reliable method of reporting YYIR test performance.
To calculate total distance, the simplest method is to record the number of shuttles completed by the participant and then multiply that number by 40 (40 = 2 x 20m shuttles [the run from cone B to cone C = 20m, then run back from cone C to cone B = 20m]).
For example, if an athlete performs 30 shuttles, this number can then be multiplied by 40 to calculate their total distance (e.g. 30 x 40 = 1,200m).
How to: Calculate VO2 max
Though the YYIR2 has been shown to be a moderately reliable predictor of VO2 max (8, 9), it is advised to use the test for what it was originally developed for – identifying an individual’s ability to repeatedly perform high-intensity aerobic work, which has proven to be a more sensitive measure of changes in performance than VO2 max. Regardless, for those who wish to use this method, the equations for calculating V02max are below:
When conducting the test there are several factors that need to be taking into consideration before you begin. Some of these include:
It is critical that the coach understands the test is both valid and reliable before they include it within their testing battery. Any test that lacks significant validity and/or reliability will produce worthless results that should not be used literally. Moreover, even a test with sufficient validity and reliability will still have some degree of error/inconsistency, but understanding how much is a crucial part of the data analysis.
The YYIR2 has been repeatedly proven as a valid and reliable tool with high-reproducibility for measuring high-intensity aerobic capacity amongst athletes from various sports and competition-levels (1, 7, 10). Furthermore, the YYIR2 has also been shown to be a moderately reliable predictor of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) (8, 9).
Whilst the test itself is reliable when performed correctly, it is however subject to several weaknesses.
Some coaches believe that reading one article will make them an expert on Performance Testing. Here’s why they’re wrong…
Performance Testing entails many, many topics. By choosing to simply read up on The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 2) and ignore the sea of other crucial Performance Testing topics, you run the risk of being detrimental to your athlete’s success and not realising your full potential.
To make you an expert coach and make your life as easy as possible, we highly suggest you now check out this article on The Multistage Fitness (Beep) Test.
Disclaimer
All information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility 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.
Reference List (click here to open)
Owen Walker MSc CSCS
Founder and Director of Science for Sport
Owen is the founder and director of Science for Sport. He was formerly the Head of Academy Sports Science and Strength & Conditioning at Cardiff City Football Club, and an interim Sports Scientist for the Welsh FA. He also has a master’s degree in strength and conditioning and is a NSCA certified strength and conditioning coach.
Learn how to effectively carry out tests on your athletes without spending a penny. You’ll master performance testing, field tests, gym tests and more for free.