Validation of the futsal-specific intermittent shuttle protocol for the simulation of the physical demands of futsal match-play

The Effect of Traditional and Stabilization-Oriented Exercises on Deep Stabilization System Function in Elite Futsal Players

Background: This study aimed to compare the effect of traditional and stability-oriented strength exercises on trunk stability and deep stabilization system (DSS) activation in elite futsal players. Methods: Twenty elite futsal players (21–34 years, 180 ± 13 cm, 79 ± 15 kg) were randomly divided into a group that performed stability-oriented exercises and a group that performed traditional strength exercises. Both interventions lasted for 10 weeks and included 25 strength training sessions. Main outcome measures: The DSS pretest and posttest included the diaphragm test, trunk flexion test, back extension test, hip flexion test, intraabdominal pressure test, and a side plank test on a 1–5 point scale. Results: Both groups had similar initial test results, where the stability-oriented exercise group had significantly improved intraabdominal pressure test (p = 0.004, by lower quartile rate), trunk flexion (p = 0.036, by 0.5 grade in median), and side plank (p = 0.002, by 1 grade in median) in posttest results. Traditional exercise did not change the results of any of the included DSS function tests. Conclusions: Stabilization-oriented exercises effectively activate the functions of the DSS and should be prioritized over traditional strength exercises in injury prevention training programs. The use of stabilization-oriented exercises might prevent injury and overloading in elite futsal players.

Effects of Futsal Demands on Serum and Salivary Levels of Trace Elements and Minerals Detected by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence

The aim of this study was to monitor the circulating and salivary ion concentrations by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) in futsal players submitted to the futsal-specific intermittent shuttle protocol (FISP). TXRF may allow identification of changes in ion concentrations induced by physical efforts. Saliva and blood samples of 13 male futsal players were collected before (Pre) and after (Post) the FISP. Salivary and plasma ion levels were detected by TXRF, and differences from Pre to Post (paired t test or Wilcoxon test) and correlations between both biological fluids were determined (P < 0.05). All saliva samples presented phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), and rubidium (Rb). S, Cl, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Rb were detected in all blood samples. K, Cu, Br, and Rb presented reduced secretion rate from Pre to Post samples (P < 0.05). The salivary concentrations of K (r = - 0.53) and Zn (r = 0.54) were correlated with plasmatic concentrations. After FISP, salivary secretion of S (r = - 0.76), Cl (r = - 0.64), P (r = - 0.67), Mn (r = - 0.74), and Zn (r = 0.69) were correlated with plasma levels. We concluded that TXRF may be used to monitor salivary (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Br, and Rb) and circulating (S, Cl, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, and Rb) levels of several elements in futsal athletes. However, an acute bout of futsal-specific physical effort did not significantly imbalance ion concentrations in saliva or plasma.

Effects of Low-Moderate Load High-Velocity Resistance Training on Physical Performance of Under-20 Futsal Players

Resistance training (RT) is an effective methodology to improve physical performance of athletes. However, up to now, no studies have addressed the RT benefits in under-20 futsal players. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of six weeks of RT with high-velocity movements, low-to-moderate loads, and low volume on physical performance of under-20 futsal players. A total of 21 players were divided into two groups: A control group (CG, n = 10) and a RT group (RTG, n = 11). The RTG performed two weekly training sessions constituted by leg-press, jumps, and sprints, along with three futsal training sessions, while the CG only performed the futsal training. Before and after the intervention, the sprint time in 0⁻10 m (T10), 10⁻20 m (T10⁻20), and 0⁻20 m (T20), the countermovement jump (CMJ) height, the T-Test time, the kicking ball speed (KBS), and the maximum dynamic strength in the leg-press, were assessed. In post-test, significant improvements in CMJ, T-Test, KBS, and leg-press were found for the RTG, whilst a significant decrease in T10⁻20 was evidenced in the CG. The present results suggested that RT based on high velocity movements, low-to-moderate loads, and low volume produce positive effects on physical performance of under-20 futsal players.