A 20×20m repeated sprint field test replicates the demands of wheelchair rugby

To assess the physiological responses to, and the agreement between, a 20×20m repeated sprint field test and wheelchair rugby game play, as well as the reliability of the test. Cross-sectional and longitudinal. Heart rate (HR), blood lactate ([La−]B), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were collected in nineteen elite wheelchair rugby athletes before, during, and after a 20×20m repeated sprint field test and game play. Times to complete 5, 10, and 20m during the field test were also collected. Peak HR and peak [La−]B were positively correlated during the field test (r=0.470, p=0.043), as were peak HR and peak speed (r=0.493, p=0.031), and peak [La−]B and peak speed (r=0.559, p=0.013). During game play, peak [La−]B was correlated with peak RPE (rho=0.703, p=0.001). Intra-class correlations (ICCs) between the field test and game play were significant for peak HR (ICC=0.922, p