Maximal Intermittent Test (TMI) evaluating intermittent aerobic capacity and maximal aerobic speed.
Test Objective
The TMI (Intermittent Test) is used to evaluate Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) through a progressive, intermittent effort. It is widely used by athletes, especially in team sports, because it more accurately reflects on-field demands: short bursts of effort, recovery periods, and repeated sprints.
Protocol
- Stage duration: 1 minute.
- Structure: 30 seconds of running / 30 seconds of rest.
- Start: At 10 km/h, with an increase of 1 km/h per stage.
- End of the test: The test ends when the subject can no longer keep up with the required pace for 2 consecutive intervals.
Required Equipment
- A flat surface (often a gymnasium or track).
- A CD or audio app with sound beeps.
- Marker cones (usually set 20 meters apart).
- A stopwatch or an assistant.
Evaluation
The MAS is the speed of the last fully completed stage.
- Example: If the last completed stage is 17 km/h → MAS = 17 km/h
✅ Advantages of the TMI
- More specific to the intermittent efforts required in team sports.
- Less monotonous than continuous tests (like the Cooper test).
- Provides an accurate estimation of MAS, which is highly useful for programming interval training sessions.
⚠️ Recommendations
- Warm up properly beforehand (10 to 15 minutes).
- Ensure that the distance markers are perfectly accurate.
- Strictly follow the audio beeps to maintain the correct pace