Physiological Responses During the Time Limit at 100% of the Peak Velocity in the Carminatti's Test in Futsal Players

The Effects of a Supramaximal Intermittent Training Program on Aerobic and Anaerobic Running Measures in Junior Male Soccer Players

This study investigated the effectiveness of supplementing regular preseason soccer training with a supramaximal intermittent shuttle-run training (ISRT) model prescribed from Carminatti's Test peak speed (PST-CAR) in aerobic performance-related indices and sprinting speed in male junior soccer players. Twenty-three national-level soccer players (mean ± SD; age 18.07 ± 0.9 y, body height 1.76 ± 0.65 m, body mass 71.9 ± 8.7 kg) were assigned to either an experimental group (EG; n = 13) performing ISRT + soccer training or a control group (CG; n = 10) that followed regular preseason soccer training alone. The following tests were applied before and after the eight-week training intervention: (i) incremental treadmill tests (VO2max and lactate minimum speed - LMS); (ii) linear 30-m sprint test and Carminatti's Test (PST-CAR). Results indicated larger gains for the EG in LMS (Δ = 9.53% vs. 2.82%) and PST-CAR (Δ = 5.50% vs. 2.10%) than in the CG. Furthermore, changes in VO2max produced higher effect size (d) values for the EG (Δ = 6.67%; d = 0.59) than the CG (Δ = 1.88%; d = 0.18). Both groups improved (p = 0.002) their flying 20-m sprint speed (EG: Δ = 1.01%; CG: Δ = 1.56%). However, small decreases were observed for 10-m sprint speed in the CG (Δ = -2.19%; d = -0.44), while only trivial changes were noticed for the EG (Δ = -0.50%; d = -0.16). Our data support that additional supramaximal ISRT is an effective training stimulus to enhance aerobic performance-related indices and promote small improvements in maximal running speed without impairing the soccer players' acceleration capacity. This study also shows that PST-CAR can be useful for individualizing running intensity in supramaximal ISRT modes.

Selected vs. Non-Selected Under-20 National Futsal Players: Differences between Physical Performance and Training Intensity Experienced in Training Camps

The aim of this study was two-fold: (i) analyze the variations in the physical fitness of selected and non-selected under-20 male national futsal players; and (ii) analyze the variations in training intensity monitored during training camps. Thirty-three Taiwan under-20 national futsal players were monitored for training intensity during 18 training camps. They were divided into two groups: selected (n = 14) and non-selected (n = 17) players. The physical assessments included the following measures: body mass, distance covered at Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test Level 1, final velocity at 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT), standing long jump, maximum heart rate (HR), and 1-min sit-up. The training intensity was monitored using the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), HR at different intensity zones, and locomotor demands measured at different speed thresholds. The results revealed that the selected players were significantly faster in the 15-m sprint with ball (p = 0.001) and 30-m sprint (p = 0.001). Additionally, the selected players presented significantly greater HRaverage and time spent above 90% maximum HR during the three-to-six-day training camps (p < 0.05) compared to the non-selected players. Interestingly, the NS demonstrated a greater number of sprints during the training camps (p = 0.001), while the selected players presented greater distance/minute and average speed (p = 0.001). A regression analysis showed that the distance/minute and average speed was a significant predictor of maximum HR in the selected players. As conclusions, the physical fitness outcomes are different between the selected and non-selected national futsal players. The selected players spent more time in high intensity HR demands in training sessions.

High-Intensity Intermittent Exercise Performed on the Sand Induces Higher Internal Load Demands in Soccer Players

This study aimed to examine the acute physiological effect of shuttle-run-based high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) performed at the same relative speed (i. e., 100% PS_T-CAR) on sand (SAND) and grass (GRASS) in male junior soccer players. Seven Under-23 Brazilian national league ("Série A") soccer players completed four testing sessions in either SAND or GRASS surface condition. The first two testing sessions consisted of performing a maximal progressive shuttle-run field protocol until volitional exhaustion (Carminatti's test, T-CAR), whereas the third and fourth sessions comprised a HIIE session on each ground surface. The HIIE session consisted of three 5-min bouts [12 s shuttle-run (with a direction change every 6 s)/12 s of passive rest] performed at 100% of T-CAR peak speed (PS_T-CAR) with 3 min of passive recovery between sets. Measurements of oxygen uptake (VO₂), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([La]), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were performed during all conditions. The SAND condition elicited significantly higher %VO₂peak (94.58 ± 2.73 vs. 87.45 ± 3.31%, p < 0.001, d = 2.35), %HRpeak (93.89 ± 2.63 vs. 90.31 ± 2.87%, p < 0.001, d = 1.30), RPE (8.00 ± 0.91 vs. 4.95 ± 1.23 a.u., p < 0.001, d = 2.82), and [La] (10.76 ± 2.37 vs. 5.48 ± 1.13 mmol/L, p < 0.010, d = 2.84). This study showed that higher internal workloads are experienced by the players during a single HIIE session performed on a softer surface as SAND, even when the exercise intensity was individualized based on 100%PS_T-CAR.

Physical and Physiological Match-Play Demands and Player Characteristics in Futsal: A Systematic Review

Futsal, also known as five-a-side indoor soccer, is a team-sport that is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, the number of futsal-related investigations is growing in recent years. This review aimed to summarize the scientific literature addressing the match-play demands from the following four dimensions: time-motion/external load analysis and physiological, neuromuscular, and biochemical responses to competition. Additionally, it aimed to describe the anthropometric, physiological, and neuromuscular characteristics of elite and sub-elite male futsal players, contemplating the differences between competition levels. The literature indicates that elite futsal players cover greater total distance with higher intensities and perform a greater number of sprints during match-play when compared to sub-elite players. The physiological demands during competition are high (average intensity of ≥85% maximal heart rate and ~80% maximum oxygen uptake [VO2max]), with decrements between the two halves. Research suggests that neuromuscular function decreased and hormonal responses increased up to 24 h after the match. Considering anthropometric characteristics, players present low percentage of body fat, which seems commonplace among athletes from different on-court positions and competition levels. Elite players display greater values and at VO2max with respect to sub-elite competitors. Little is known regarding elite and sub-elite futsal players' neuromuscular abilities (strength, jumping, sprinting, and change of direction [COD]). However, it appears that elite players present better sprinting abilities compared to lower-level athletes. Futsal players aiming to compete at the highest level should focus on developing maximal speed, lower-body power and strength, aerobic capacity, and lean muscle mass.

Validation of the 6-minute race test as a predictor of maximal aerobic speed in university endurance athletes

BACKGROUND: The maintenance of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) until exhaustion is an important parameter for the evaluation of sports performance and prescription and planning of training. OBJECTIVE: To validate a 6-minute race test (6MRT) as a predictor of MAS in university endurance athletes. METHODS: Twenty two university endurance athletes (12 males and 10 females) were part of the study. The design was pre-experimental. The primary variables were the time of maintenance of the MAS on the field through a Time Limit Test (Tlim test), and the VO2 max (laboratory and field). The statistical analysis of the time and ventilatory variables was carried out using descriptive statistics; the comparison between males and females for all variables was carried out through a t-Student test for independent samples (p< 0.05). RESULTS: The performance in the Tlim test was 356.4 ± 52.9 and 327.0 ± 120.2 s in males and females, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the time of maintenance of the MAS (Tlim test), the 6MRT is a valid test to determine the MAS in university endurance male athletes. However, the MAS in university endurance female athletes must be evaluated with a shorter test (between 5 and 5.30 minutes long).

Cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength of deaf futsal players

The present study compared the cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in team players associated with the Gaucho Deaf Futsal Federation players to those of their hearing peers. In this cross-sectional study, 16 male athletes, eight futsal players with hearing impairment (deaf group, DG; 22.6±7.7 years), and eight futsal players with normal hearing (control group, CG; 22.5±2.9 years) underwent a cardiopulmonary test on a treadmill and isokinetic dynamometry at 60°/sec. All athletes were subjected to a cardiopulmonary test on a treadmill and isokinetic dynamometry at 60°/sec. The main results showed a reduction in the cardiorespiratory fitness of deaf athletes when compared to the control group maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max) (40.3±9.8 mL/kg/min vs. 50.7±4.7 mL/kg/min, P= 0.01), oxygen pulse (15.3±4.8 mL/bpm vs. 20.7±2.6 mL/bpm, P=0.01) and ventilation (70.1±22 L/min vs. 96.2±15 L/min, P=0.01), respectively. The relative torque peak of the dominant knee flexors was significantly lower in the deaf group when compared to the control (1.5±0.2 N.m/kg vs. 1.9±0.2 N.m/kg, P=0.004), respectively. There was a significant correlation between VO_2max and peak torque of the dominant knee flexors (r_s=0.83, P<0.001) and extensors (r_s=0.65, P=0.006). When compared to players with normal hearing, deaf players showed lower cardiorespiratory fitness and decreased knee flexor strength. The performance of the thigh muscles was associated with aerobic capacity.