LAS Test
Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.
The LAS (Lactic vs Speed) Test, a speed endurance assessment for 400 metre athletes, has been provided by Les Archer - a track and field coach from New Zealand.
Objective
The objective of this test is to monitor the 400 metre athlete's speed endurance.
Required Resources
To undertake this test you will require:
- 400 metre track
- Stop watch
- An assistant
How to conduct the test
- Have the athlete perform a 500 metre time trial
- Record the time (T1)
At least 48 hours later have the athlete perform the following sprints:
- 50 metres - record the time (T2)
- 4 minutes recovery
- 100 metres - record the time (T3)
- 4 minutes recovery
- 150 metres - record the time (T4)
- 4 minutes recovery
- 200 metres - record the time (T5)
Analysis
Sum the times S1 = T2 + T3 + T4 + T5
Compare the times T1 (time for the 500 metre run) and S1 (total time for the sprints) - In my experience the difference should not exceed 5 seconds. If the difference is more than 5 seconds then this indicates a lack of endurance and a difference less than 5 seconds indicates a lack of speed.
Why? This is just a test that I have been using with my athletes for the past 8 years with some great success. Three men have run the 400 metres below 45 seconds and one woman has done sub 51 seconds on this formula. This is not an exact science, but merely a tool to help you.
Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.
Target Group
This test is suitable for male and female 400 metre runners.
Reliability
Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.
Validity
Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development.
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Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
Associated Books
The following books provide more information related to this topic:
- Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
- Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
- Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
- Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
- The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
- Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
- Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
- Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
- PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2
Keywords: validity, reliability, test, lactic, performance, speed, evaluation, endurance, athlete, analysis, assess, physical, recovery, results, measure, decisions, training