The Yo-Yo intermittent test is aimed at estimating performance in stop-and-go sports like football (soccer), cricket, basketball and the like. It was conceived around the early 1990s by Jens Bangsbo,[1] a Danish soccer physiologist, then described in a 2008 paper, "The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test".[2] Like many other tests of fitness, it involves running at ever-increasing speeds, to exhaustion. However, a crucial difference is that the Yo-Yo Intermittent test has periodic rest intervals, thus simulating the nature of exertion in stop-and-go sports.
The four tests
There are four versions of the Yo-Yo Intermittent test:
- Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). This is the most popular version focusing "on the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise leading to a maximal activation of the aerobic system".[3]
- Recovery Level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2). This is a tougher version of "Recovery Level 1". It "determines an individual's ability to recover from repeated exercise with a high contribution from the anaerobic system.[3]"
- Endurance Level 1 (Yo-Yo IE1). This may be used to test participants in less vigorous sports that usually last longer.
- Endurance Level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2). This is a tougher version of "Endurance Level 1".
The tests, described below, are largely similar to each other in principle. Coaches and individuals are free to select the one that best suits their sport and the individuals they are training.
Basic features
Set-up
All tests use the same 25-meter track (shown). Markers are placed at 0, 5 and 25 meters on a flat surface that has suitable traction to allow for significant acceleration and deceleration.
Procedure
The set-up for all four versions is identical.[4] Prior to the test commencing, runners line up at the 5 m marker, facing the 25 m marker. Following a countdown, a double beep signals the start.
- Runners commence running towards the 25 m marker
- At or before the following beep, runners must reach the 25 m marker. Touching with a single foot is acceptable
- At or after, but not before, the same beep, runners commence running back to the 5 m marker
- At or before the next beep, runners must reach back to the 5 m marker
- The rest period now commences: 10 seconds in the Recovery tests, 5 seconds in the Endurance tests. Runners stroll to the 0 m marker, then return to the 5 m marker
- A beep indicates the end of the rest period and the start of the next circuit (back to Step 1)
After a predetermined number of circuits at a speed level (which varies with each version of the test), the speed level changes. This is signaled, usually, by a double beep or, possibly, a voice cue. The required speed at the new speed level will be faster.
Video of the Recovery Level 1 test
Scoring
A runner who fails to reach the relevant marker in time is cautioned; if they want to continue, they must touch the marker before turning back. Two consecutive failures terminates their attempt. Their most recent successful circuit is marked as their score.
Scoring is usually done using "Speed Level.Circuits" terminology; for example, 15.2, which means "completed 2 circuits at level 15". Alternatively, scores may be recorded as distance; for example, 840 m. The two methods correlate exactly, meaning that given one, it is possible to determine the other (see the tables below).
Note that scores in one version of the test do not correlate with scores in other versions. That is, a score of 15.2 in Yo-Yo IR1 is not the same as 15.2 in Yo-Yo IR2.
Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1)
Yo-Yo IR1 appears to be the most popular test, primarily because it is a considered a good indicator of the aerobic capacity of athletes in intermittent sports.[5]
| Speed
Level |
Shuttles
at Level |
Running
speed (km/h) |
Seconds
per Shuttle |
Seconds
at Level |
Cumulative
Time (incl. recovery) (mm:ss) |
Cumulative
Shuttles |
Cumulative
Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 10.0 | 7.20 | 14.4 | 00:24 | 2 | 40 |
| 9 | 2 | 12.0 | 6.00 | 12.0 | 00:46 | 4 | 80 |
| 11 | 4 | 13.0 | 5.54 | 22.2 | 01:29 | 8 | 160 |
| 12 | 6 | 13.5 | 5.33 | 32.0 | 02:31 | 14 | 280 |
| 13 | 8 | 14.0 | 5.14 | 41.1 | 03:52 | 22 | 440 |
| 14 | 16 | 14.5 | 4.97 | 79.4 | 06:31 | 38 | 760 |
| 15 | 16 | 15.0 | 4.80 | 76.8 | 09:08 | 54 | 1080 |
| 16 | 16 | 15.5 | 4.65 | 74.3 | 11:42 | 70 | 1400 |
| 17 | 16 | 16.0 | 4.50 | 72.0 | 14:14 | 86 | 1720 |
| 18 | 16 | 16.5 | 4.36 | 69.8 | 16:44 | 102 | 2040 |
| 19 | 16 | 17.0 | 4.24 | 67.8 | 19:12 | 118 | 2360 |
| 20 | 16 | 17.5 | 4.11 | 65.8 | 21:38 | 134 | 2680 |
| 21 | 16 | 18.0 | 4.00 | 64.0 | 24:02 | 150 | 3000 |
| 22 | 16 | 18.5 | 3.89 | 62.3 | 26:24 | 166 | 3320 |
| 23 | 16 | 19.0 | 3.79 | 60.6 | 28:45 | 182 | 3640 |
Note: A circuit consists of running two shuttles followed by a 10 second rest period
Table derived from "The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results"[4] and ESPNCricinfo[6]
As a side note, "Speed Level" correlates exactly with "Running Speed (km/h)" using the formula: (Running Speed – 7.5) * 2. This applies to all versions of the test.
Recovery Level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2)
The Yo-Yo IR2 test is usually used to evaluate elite level athletes, specifically aimed at determining the athlete's ability to perform well in the aerobic and anaerobic spectrum.[7]
| Speed
Level |
Shuttles
at Level |
Running
speed (km/h) |
Seconds
per Shuttle |
Seconds
at Level |
Cumulative
Time (incl. recovery) (mm:ss) |
Cumulative
Shuttles |
Cumulative
Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 2 | 13.0 | 5.54 | 11.1 | 00:21 | 2 | 40 |
| 15 | 2 | 15.0 | 4.80 | 9.6 | 00:41 | 4 | 80 |
| 17 | 4 | 16.0 | 4.50 | 18.0 | 01:19 | 8 | 160 |
| 18 | 6 | 16.5 | 4.36 | 26.2 | 02:15 | 14 | 280 |
| 19 | 8 | 17.0 | 4.24 | 33.9 | 03:29 | 22 | 440 |
| 20 | 16 | 17.5 | 4.11 | 65.8 | 05:55 | 38 | 760 |
| 21 | 16 | 18.0 | 4.00 | 64.0 | 08:19 | 54 | 1080 |
| 22 | 16 | 18.5 | 3.89 | 62.3 | 10:41 | 70 | 1400 |
| 23 | 16 | 19.0 | 3.79 | 60.6 | 13:01 | 86 | 1720 |
| 24 | 16 | 19.5 | 3.69 | 59.1 | 15:21 | 102 | 2040 |
| 25 | 16 | 20.0 | 3.60 | 57.6 | 17:38 | 118 | 2360 |
| 26 | 16 | 20.5 | 3.51 | 56.2 | 19:54 | 134 | 2680 |
| 27 | 16 | 21.0 | 3.43 | 54.9 | 22:09 | 150 | 3000 |
| 28 | 16 | 21.5 | 3.35 | 53.6 | 24:23 | 166 | 3320 |
| 29 | 16 | 22.0 | 3.27 | 52.4 | 26:35 | 182 | 3640 |
Note: A circuit consists of running two shuttles followed by a 10 second rest period
Table derived from "The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results"[4]
Endurance Level 1 (Yo-Yo IE1)
| Speed
Level |
Shuttles
at Level |
Running
speed (km/h) |
Seconds
per Shuttle |
Seconds
at Level |
Cumulative
Time (incl. recovery) (mm:ss) |
Cumulative
Shuttles |
Cumulative
Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 8.00 | 9.00 | 36.0 | 00:46 | 4 | 80 |
| 3 | 4 | 9.00 | 8.00 | 32.0 | 01:28 | 8 | 160 |
| 5 | 4 | 10.00 | 7.20 | 28.8 | 02:07 | 12 | 240 |
| 6 | 16 | 10.50 | 6.86 | 109.7 | 04:37 | 28 | 560 |
| 6.5 | 16 | 10.75 | 6.70 | 107.2 | 07:04 | 44 | 880 |
| 7 | 16 | 11.00 | 6.55 | 104.7 | 09:28 | 60 | 1200 |
| 7.5 | 6 | 11.25 | 6.40 | 38.4 | 10:22 | 66 | 1320 |
| 8 | 6 | 11.50 | 6.26 | 37.6 | 11:14 | 72 | 1440 |
| 8.5 | 12 | 11.75 | 6.13 | 73.5 | 12:58 | 84 | 1680 |
| 9 | 12 | 12.00 | 6.00 | 72.0 | 14:40 | 96 | 1920 |
| 9.5 | 12 | 12.25 | 5.88 | 70.5 | 16:20 | 108 | 2160 |
| 10 | 12 | 12.50 | 5.76 | 69.1 | 18:00 | 120 | 2400 |
| 10.5 | 12 | 12.75 | 5.65 | 67.8 | 19:37 | 132 | 2640 |
| 11 | 12 | 13.00 | 5.54 | 66.5 | 21:14 | 144 | 2880 |
| 11.5 | 12 | 13.25 | 5.43 | 65.2 | 22:49 | 156 | 3120 |
| 12 | 12 | 13.50 | 5.33 | 64.0 | 24:23 | 168 | 3360 |
| 12.5 | 12 | 13.75 | 5.24 | 62.8 | 25:56 | 180 | 3600 |
| 13 | 12 | 14.00 | 5.14 | 61.7 | 27:28 | 192 | 3840 |
| 13.5 | 12 | 14.25 | 5.05 | 60.6 | 28:58 | 204 | 4080 |
| 14 | 12 | 14.50 | 4.97 | 59.6 | 30:28 | 216 | 4320 |
Note: A circuit consists of running two shuttles followed by a 5 second rest period
Table derived from "The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results"[4]
Endurance Level 2 (Yo-Yo IE2)
| Speed
Level |
Shuttles
at Level |
Running
speed (km/h) |
Seconds
per Shuttle |
Seconds
at Level |
Cumulative
Time (incl. recovery) (mm:ss) |
Cumulative
Shuttles |
Cumulative
Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 4 | 11.50 | 6.26 | 25.0 | 00:35 | 4 | 80 |
| 10 | 4 | 12.50 | 5.76 | 23.0 | 01:08 | 8 | 160 |
| 12 | 4 | 13.50 | 5.33 | 21.3 | 01:39 | 12 | 240 |
| 13 | 16 | 14.00 | 5.14 | 82.3 | 03:42 | 28 | 560 |
| 13.5 | 16 | 14.25 | 5.05 | 80.8 | 05:43 | 44 | 880 |
| 14 | 16 | 14.50 | 4.97 | 79.4 | 07:42 | 60 | 1200 |
| 14.5 | 6 | 14.75 | 4.88 | 29.3 | 08:26 | 66 | 1320 |
| 15 | 6 | 15.00 | 4.80 | 28.8 | 09:10 | 72 | 1440 |
| 15.5 | 12 | 15.25 | 4.72 | 56.7 | 10:37 | 84 | 1680 |
| 16 | 12 | 15.50 | 4.65 | 55.7 | 12:02 | 96 | 1920 |
| 16.5 | 12 | 15.75 | 4.57 | 54.9 | 13:27 | 108 | 2160 |
| 17 | 12 | 16.00 | 4.50 | 54.0 | 14:51 | 120 | 2400 |
| 17.5 | 12 | 16.25 | 4.43 | 53.2 | 16:15 | 132 | 2640 |
| 18 | 12 | 16.50 | 4.36 | 52.4 | 17:37 | 144 | 2880 |
| 18.5 | 12 | 16.75 | 4.30 | 51.6 | 18:58 | 156 | 3120 |
| 19 | 12 | 17.00 | 4.24 | 50.8 | 20:19 | 168 | 3360 |
| 19.5 | 12 | 17.25 | 4.17 | 50.1 | 21:39 | 180 | 3600 |
| 20 | 12 | 17.50 | 4.11 | 49.4 | 22:59 | 192 | 3840 |
| 20.5 | 12 | 17.75 | 4.06 | 48.7 | 24:17 | 204 | 4080 |
| 21 | 12 | 18.00 | 4.00 | 48.0 | 25:35 | 216 | 4320 |
Note: A circuit consists of running two shuttles followed by a 5 second rest period
Notable records: Ryan Ferguson - completed 2009. 21.12 Table derived from "The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results"[4]
Yo-Yo tests and VO2 max
VO2 max, or milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body mass per minute (e.g., mL/(kg·min)), is considered an excellent proxy for aerobic fitness.[8] Consequently, attempts have been made to correlate Yo-Yo test scores with VO2 max. There are conflicting reports about such a correlation. Two studies [9][10] reported only a weak correlation. Another study[11] reported strong correlation (R2=0.89) but the author acknowledged that most previous studies showed weak correlation.
Formula
There are sources that have published formulae for the relationship:[12][13]
Yo-Yo IR1: VO2max = (Final distance (in meters) × 0.0084) + 36.4
Yo-Yo IR2: VO2max = (Final distance (in meters) × 0.0136) + 45.3
However, an eyeball review indicates minimum scores for Yo-Yo IR1 and Yo-Yo IR2 of 36.4 and 45.3 respectively—that is, the score if the runner does not complete a single circuit. Both scores are reasonably respectable VO2 max scores;[14] clearly, the formulae apply with additional caveats (which are not mentioned).
Yo-Yo IR1 standards
A selection of standards, across sports, from around the world. Note that these may be affected by selection bias. An open-access publication on reference values for different sports and activity levels for individuals > 16 years of age has been published in 2018.[4] A reference list for children is also available [15]
Women
| Country | Sport | Organization | Level | Distance
(m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
.svg.png.webp){kind=small} Canada |
Field Hockey | FHBC (British Columbia) | 15.8 | 1080[16] |
 International |
Basketball – Referees – Elite | FIBA | 15.4 | 920[17] |
Men
| Country | Sport | Organization | Level | Distance
(m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada |
Field Hockey | FHBC (British Columbia) | 18.0 | 2040[16] |
| Rugby Union(Scrum Half, Centre,
Stand Off, Back Three) |
Canadian Rugby | 19.1 | 2080[18] | |
| International |
Basketball Elite Referees |
FIBA | 16.3 | 1200[17] |
 India |
Cricket | National Team | 17.1 | 1440[19] |
 New Zealand |
Cricket | National Team | 20.1 | 2400[20] |
 Pakistan |
Cricket | National Team | 17.4 | 1580[20] |
 United Kingdom |
Rugby League Elite Referees |
Rugby Football League | 18.5 | 2240 |
| Rugby League National Referees |
15.1-17.1 | 2040[21] | ||
 United States |
Rugby Union Elite Referees |
USA Rugby | 18.5 | 2240[21] |
| Rugby Union National Referees |
18.0 | 2040[21] | ||
 West Indies |
Cricket | National Team | 19.0 | 2080[20] |
See also
- Multi-stage fitness test
- Harvard step test, a cardiovascular test
References
- ↑ Bangsbo J, Lindquist F. Comparison of various exercise tests with endurance performance during soccer in professional players. Int J Sports Med. 1992;13(2):125-132. doi:10.1055/s-2007-1021243
- ↑ Bangsbo, Jens; Iaia, F Marcello; Krustrup, Peter (2008). "The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test". Sports Medicine. 38 (1): 37–51. doi:10.2165/00007256-200838010-00004. PMID 18081366. S2CID 26667735 – via ResearchGate.
- 1 2 Bangsbo J, Iaia FM, Krustrup P. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test : a useful tool for evaluation of physical performance in intermittent sports. Sports Med. 2008;38(1):37-51. doi:10.2165/00007256-200838010-00004
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Schmitz B, Pfeifer C, Kreitz K, Borowski M, Faldum A, Brand SM. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests: A Systematic Review and Structured Compendium of Test Results. Front Physiol. 2018;9:870. Published 2018 Jul 5. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00870
- ↑ Krustrup P, Mohr M, Amstrup T, et al. The yo-yo intermittent recovery test: physiological response, reliability, and validity. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2003;35(4):697-705. doi:10.1249/01.MSS.0000058441.94520.32
- ↑ "How the yo-yo test became a selection standard". ESPNcricinfo. 5 December 2017.
- ↑ Krustrup P, Mohr M, Nybo L, Jensen JM, Nielsen JJ, Bangsbo J. The Yo-Yo IR2 test: physiological response, reliability, and application to elite soccer. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006;38(9):1666-1673. doi:10.1249/01.mss.0000227538.20799.08
- ↑ Howley ET, Bassett DR Jr, Welch HG. Criteria for maximal oxygen uptake: review and commentary. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1995;27(9):1292-1301.
- ↑ Martínez-Lagunas V, Hartmann U. Validity of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 for direct measurement or indirect estimation of maximal oxygen uptake in female soccer players. Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2014;9(5):825-831. doi:10.1123/ijspp.2013-0313
- ↑ Schmitz B, Pfeifer C, Thorwesten L, Krüger M, Klose A, Brand SM. Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 Test for Estimation of Peak Oxygen Uptake: Use Without Restriction? Res Q Exerc Sport. 2020;91(3):478-487. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2019.1684432
- ↑ Arslan, Erşan (2012). "Investigation of the performance responses of yo-yo and shuttle run tests with the treadmill run test in young soccer players". Pamukkale Journal of Sport Sciences (3): 104–112 – via ResearchGate.
- ↑ "Yo-Yo tests". Footballscience.net.
- ↑ Bangsbo, J., Iaia, F.M., and Krustrup, P. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test : a useful tool for evaluation of physical performance in intermittent sports. Sports. Med. 38: 37-51, 2008
- ↑ Capritto, Amanda (July 27, 2019). "VO2 max: Everything you need to know". C|net.
- ↑ Schmitz B, Pfeifer C, Kreitz K, Borowski M, Faldum A, Brand SM. Normative Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Level 1 test values of boys aged 9-16years. J Sci Med Sport. 2019;22(9):1030-1037. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.05.016
- 1 2 "FITNESS TEST POLICY 2019" (PDF). FIELD HOCKEY BC. Retrieved 9 Sep 2020.
- 1 2 "Fiba REFEREES ELITE YO-YO FITNESS ASSESSMENT" (PDF). Dublin Officials Association. Retrieved 9 Sep 2020.
- ↑ "CANADIAN RUGBY Fitness Standards" (PDF). Retrieved 9 Sep 2020.
- ↑ Gollapudi, Nagraj (12 Feb 2021). "New fitness target for Indian players: yo-yo level raised to 17:1, time trial 2k run". Retrieved 9 Sep 2020.
- 1 2 3 "How the yo-yo test became a selection standard". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
- 1 2 3 "REFEREE FITNESS". Texas Rugby Referee Association. Retrieved 9 Sep 2020.