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Egzersiz Testleri

Yo-Yo IR2 Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

Maçta topla koşan bir futbolcu.
Updated: ·2 min read

Measures: Yüksek yoğunluklu aralıklı egzersiz kapasitesi, anaerobik eşik

Table of Contents
  1. Protocol
  2. Formula
  3. Equipment Required
  4. Normative Values (Age: 18-35 (elit sporcular))
  5. Practical Applications
  6. Limitations

Difficulty: Çok Zor  |  Category: Aerobik

Protocol

The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 is the more demanding version of Yo-Yo IR1, designed for elite athletes. The test setup is identical — three cones, a 20m shuttle distance, and a 2.5m active recovery zone — but the starting speed is significantly higher.

Difference and Protocol: IR2 starts at 15 km/h, placing participants under intense metabolic stress much earlier. Each shuttle consists of two 20m runs followed by a 10-second active recovery. This short recovery interval directly challenges the muscles’ lactate buffering capacity and fast oxidative capacity. The primary aim of IR2 is to measure anaerobic capacity and high-intensity recovery speed rather than aerobic base.

Procedure Steps: Participants warm up in the test area. When the recording starts, they begin running 20m on the first beep. After each set, they perform a 10-second walking recovery before the next set. The test ends when the participant fails to reach the line before the beep on two consecutive occasions. Each level in the audio recording contains increasing speed demands, and far fewer levels are completed compared to IR1.

Data Recording: Total distance covered is recorded in meters. Typical values for elite footballers range from 1000–1600m. This distance can be used for VO₂max estimation but IR2 is more commonly interpreted as a high-intensity capacity indicator.

Calculation: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) ≈ IR2 distance (m) × 0.0136 + 45.3 (Bangsbo et al. estimate).

Post-Test: Cool-down and stretching are essential. Blood lactate measurement, if available, provides additional insight. Results should be interpreted in the context of the athlete’s sport position and role.

Formula

VO₂max (ml/kg/min) ≈ IR2_distance_m × 0.0136 + 45.3

Equipment Required

20m düz alan, Yo-Yo IR2 ses kaydı, koni (3 adet)

Normative Values (Age: 18-35 (elit sporcular))

Classification Male Female
Excellent >1200m >800m
Good 900-1200m 600-800m
Average 600-900m 400-600m
Below Average 300-600m 200-400m
Poor <300m <200m

Practical Applications

Yo-Yo IR2 is widely used in professional football players, ice hockey athletes, and other high-intensity team sports. It creates a physiological profile similar to match load, making it valuable for in-season monitoring.

Limitations

Not suitable for recreational athletes; floor effects may occur alongside ceiling effects. Higher starting speed increases injury risk. Position-specific interpretation is required.

Related Tests: Yo-Yo IR1, Repeated Sprint Ability Test, Wingate Test

Sources: Bangsbo J et al., 2008, Br J Sports Med; Iaia FM et al., 2009, Scand J Med Sci Sports

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Key Facts
Protocol The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 is the more demanding version of Yo-Yo IR1, designed for elite athletes. The test setup is identical — three cones, a 20m shuttle distance, and a 2.5m active recovery zone — but the starting speed is significantly higher. Difference and Protocol: IR2 starts at 15 km/h, placing participants under intense metabolic stress much earlier. Each shuttle consists of two 20m runs followed by a 10-second active recovery. This short recovery interval directly challenges the muscles' lactate buffering capacity and fast oxidative capacity. The primary aim of IR2 is to measure anaerobic capacity and high-intensity recovery speed rather than aerobic base. Procedure Steps: Participants warm up in the test area. When the recording starts, they begin running 20m on the first beep. After each set, they perform a 10-second walking recovery before the next set. The test ends when the participant fails to reach the line before the beep on two consecutive occasions. Each level in the audio recording contains increasing speed demands, and far fewer levels are completed compared to IR1. Data Recording: Total distance covered is recorded in meters. Typical values for elite footballers range from 1000–1600m. This distance can be used for VO₂max estimation but IR2 is more commonly interpreted as a high-intensity capacity indicator. Calculation: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) ≈ IR2 distance (m) × 0.0136 + 45.3 (Bangsbo et al. estimate). Post-Test: Cool-down and stretching are essential. Blood lactate measurement, if available, provides additional insight. Results should be interpreted in the context of the athlete's sport position and role. Formula

VO₂max (ml/kg/min) ≈ IR2_distance_m × 0.0136 + 45.3

Equipment Required

20m düz alan, Yo-Yo IR2 ses kaydı, koni (3 adet)

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Hüseyin Akbulut
WRITTEN BY
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc

Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science. He holds a Master's degree in Sport Sciences and writes for…