The Functional Test for Agility Performance is a Reliable Quick Decision-Making Test for Skilled Water Polo Players

Abstract

The reliability of the Functional Test for Agility Performance has only been evaluated in water polo players in a small group of novice athletes. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the Functional Test for Agility Performance in skilled water polo players. Forty-two athletes (17.81 ± 3.24 years old) with a minimum of 5 years of competitive experience (7.05 ± 2.84 years) and playing at the national or international level were evaluated. The Functional Test for Agility Performance is characterized as a specific open decision-making test where a tested player moves as quickly as possible in accordance to a pass made by another player. The time spent in the test was measured by two experienced coaches. Descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), 95% limit of agreement (LOA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and standard error of measurements (SEM) were used for data analysis. Athletes completed the Functional Test for Agility Performance in 4.15 0.47 s. The ICC value was 0.87 (95% IC = 0.80-0.92). The SEM varied between 0.24 and 0.38 s. The LOA was 1.20 s and the CV average considering each individual trial was 6%. The Functional Test for Agility Performance was shown to be a reliable quick decision-making test for skilled water polo players.

Keywords: aquatic sports; assessment; athletic performance; functional performance; training.

Figure 1

FTAP performance time: difference of time (evaluator A minus evaluator B) versus average time measured by evaluators A and B with the 95% limit of agreement (SD = standard deviation).

Picture 1

Functional Test for Agility Performance (FTAP) to evaluate water polo players. Picture 1A. Start of the test - the player being tested is within the FTAP square and has one hand on a ball. Picture 1B–1C. First pass – the tested player moves to the center of the square. Picture 1D–1E. Second pass – the tested player moves where the ball has been passed and removes a ball that is floating in the arch. Picture 1F–1G. Third pass – the tested player moves where the ball has been passed again and removes a ball that is floating in the arch. The test is then completed.