Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of a global positioning system (GPS) and timing gates to assess sprint performance variables

Author(s)
Waldron, Mark
Worsfold, Paul
Twist, Craig
Lamb, Kevin
Publication Date
2011
Abstract
There has been no previous investigation of the concurrent validity and reliability of the current 5 Hz global positioning system (GPS) to assess sprinting speed or the reliability of integrated GPS-accelerometer technology. In the present study, we wished to determine: (1) the concurrent validity and reliability of a GPS and timing gates to measure sprinting speed or distance, and (2) the reliability of proper accelerations recorded via GPS-accelerometer integration. Nineteen elite youth rugby league players performed two over-ground sprints and were simultaneously assessed using GPS and timing gates. The GPS measurements systematically underestimated both distance and timing gate speed. The GPS measurements were reliable for all variables of distance and speed (coefficient of variation [CV] = 1.62% to 2.3%), particularly peak speed (95% limits of agreement [LOA] = 0.00 ± 0.8 km ∙ h⁻¹; CV = 0.78%). Timing gates were more reliable (CV = 1% to 1.54%) than equivalent GPS measurements. Accelerometer measurements were least reliable (CV = 4.69% to 5.16%), particularly for the frequency of proper accelerations (95% LOA = 1.00 ± 5.43; CV = 14.12%). Timing gates and GPS were found to reliably assess speed and distance, although the validity of the GPS remains questionable. The error found in accelerometer measurements indicates the limits of this device for detecting changes in performance.
Citation
Journal of Sports Sciences, 29(15), p. 1613-1619
ISSN
1466-447X
0264-0414
Link
Publisher
Routledge
Title
Concurrent validity and test-retest reliability of a global positioning system (GPS) and timing gates to assess sprint performance variables
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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