Neuromuscular Performance Changes in Elite Futsal Players Over a Competitive Season

Abstract

A professional futsal season imposes a great amount of physiological and mechanical stress on players. The main aim of this study was to examine the changes in neuromuscular performance qualities across the season. Ten professional male players performed a 10-m sprint, standing long jumps (SLJs), and countermovement jumps (CMJs) during the competitive season (i.e., every ;5 weeks from September to January). A one-way repeated measures ANOVA with post hoc pairwise comparisons and effect sizes (ESs) were used to analyze potential differences among these assessments. A significant and large decline was found in concentric peak power (p 5 0.040; ES 5 1.24). A nonsignificant and moderate decrease was observed in sprint ability (p 5 0.155; ES 5 1.03), CMJ height (p 5 0.175; ES 5 1.00), and SLJ distance (p 5 0.164; ES 5 1.03). Regarding other CMJ kinetic variables, nonsignificant and moderate changes were found. In summary, considering the neuromuscular performance tests and variables assessed, only concentric peak power in CMJ decreased significantly across the season; however, nonsignificant decrements were observed in sprinting time, SLJ, CMJ height, and other kinetic metrics. CMJ variables during the jump-land cycle should be incorporated alongside more traditional measures (e.g., jump height) to monitor performance during the season.

Competitive Season-Long Changes in Countermovement Vertical Jump Force-Time Metrics in Female Volleyball Players

“…As previously suggested, the observed increase in eccentric peak and mean power detected during the final testing timepoint could have occurred because of athletes having purposely reduced training loads (e.g., tapering phase) to optimize recovery before their conference tournament as the most important part of the competitive season (33). However, when solely focused on observing the regular-season competitive period (i.e., first-fourth testing timepoints), our results pertaining to the eccentric phase of the CVJ seem to align with the previously conducted research reports, indicating no changes in eccentric peak power and peak velocity across both futsal and basketball seasons (22,32). As previously mentioned, this may be largely attributed to the athlete's capability to sustain high-training and competitive loads.…”

“…The authors found that concentric peak velocity drastically decreased from pre-season to the beginning of the competitive period (i.e., the first 9 weeks into the competition), with no differences being observed across other parts of the season (i.e., mid-season, late-season) (13). Similar observations were made by Spyrou et al (32) when examining a cohort of professional male futsal players. A notable decrease in concentric peak power was found, whereas concentric peak velocity and duration tended to remain unchanged throughout the season (32).…”

“…Similar observations were made by Spyrou et al (32) when examining a cohort of professional male futsal players. A notable decrease in concentric peak power was found, whereas concentric peak velocity and duration tended to remain unchanged throughout the season (32). When compared with our results, these discrepancies in the findings may be largely attributed to the differences in the physiological demands of the sports (e.g., hockey, futsal, or volleyball), the level of competition (e.g., professional vs. collegiate), and athlete's sex (e.g., male vs. female).…”

“…However, it should be noted that the authors did not observe significant changes in the average relative propulsive power and reactive strength index-modified (RSI-modified) (28). Furthermore, a recently published study by Spyrou et al (32) examined changes in kinetic and kinematic parameters (e.g., peak power and velocity, and rate of force development) obtained during both eccentric and concentric phases of the CVJ motion in elite futsal players over the entire competitive season. The findings revealed that the competitive period suppressed players' ability to improve jumping performance and power during the concentric phase of the CVJ (32).…”

“…Furthermore, a recently published study by Spyrou et al (32) examined changes in kinetic and kinematic parameters (e.g., peak power and velocity, and rate of force development) obtained during both eccentric and concentric phases of the CVJ motion in elite futsal players over the entire competitive season. The findings revealed that the competitive period suppressed players' ability to improve jumping performance and power during the concentric phase of the CVJ (32). Also, it should be noted that previous research reports have indicated that starters in team sports (e.g., basketball) were more likely to maintain their physical performance capabilities throughout the competitive season than nonstarters, regardless of their sex and level of play (15,16).…”