LAS Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider the factors influencing the results.

The LAS (Lactic vs Speed) Test, a speed endurance assessment for 400-metre athletes, has been provided by Les Archer (2004)^[1] - a track and field coach from New Zealand.

Objective

This test aims to monitor the 400-metre athlete's speed endurance.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

400-metre track
Stopwatch
Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run a time trial over 500 metres and then, 24 hours later, complete the time trails over 50m, 100m, 150m and 200m with a 4-minute recovery between each run.

The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
The assistant marks the 500-metre finishing point with cones
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete runs 500-metres as fast as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the finishing line and records the time (T1)

Allow at least 24 hours before continuing the test

The athlete warms up for 10-minutes
The assistant marks the 50-metre, 100-metre, 150-metre and 200-metre points on the track with cones
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete sprints 50-metres as fast as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the 50-metre finishing line and records the time (T2)
The athlete has a 4-minute recovery
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete sprints 100-metres as fast as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the 100-metre finishing line and records the time (T3)
The athlete has a 4-minute recovery
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete sprints 150-metres as fast as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the 150-metre finishing line and records the time (T4)
The athlete has a 4-minute recovery
The assistant gives the command “GO” and starts the stopwatch
The athlete sprints 200-metres as fast as possible
The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete's torso crosses the 200-metre finishing line and records the time (T5)

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the investigation would indicate an improvement in the athlete's speed endurance with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for male and female 400-metre runners.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test. The following link provides various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development.

Advantages

Minimal equipment required
Simple to set up and conduct
The athlete can administer the test

Disadvantages

Specific facilities required
Assistant required to administer the test

References

ARCHER, L. (2004) LAST - Speed endurance assessment for 400m athletes. Brian Mackenzie's Successful Coaching (ISSN 1745-7513/ 16 / October), p. 10

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

MACKENZIE, B. (2004) LAS Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/lastest.htm [Accessed