Physiological demands and activity profiles during futsal match play according to competitive level

The aims of this study were to examine and compare the physiological demands and activity profiles of players at different competitive levels during futsal match play.

Fifteen professional futsal players (elite group) and 15 university futsal players (amateur group) participated in the study. The players in each group were divided into three teams; each team consisted of 1 goalkeeper and 4 outfield players. All players were observed during two match simulated competitive games. The physiological demands were analyzed by measuring heart rate, estimated ∙VO2 from an individual HR-∙VO2 relationship, and earlobe-blood lactate concentration before and at the end of the match. Activity profiles were analyzed for whole game movement patterns using a computer-based tracking system.

The physiological demands of the outfield players in the elite group was higher (P<0.05) than in the amateur group (%HRmax: 89.8±5.8 vs. 86.2±6.7%, %∙VO2max: 77.9±9 vs. 73.1±6.2% and blood lactate: 5.5±1.4 vs. 5.1±1.5 mmol/L, respectively). Analysis of activity profiles of outfield players showed that the total distance covered of the elite group was higher (P<0.05) than that of the amateur group: (5087±1104 vs. 4528±1248 m, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the physiological demands and activity profiles between the goalkeepers in the two groups (P>0.05).

These results demonstrate that the higher physiological demands and activity profiles placed on elite players during the game could indicate the players' physical fitness reserves for the formulation of an optimized specific training program as well as being useful in the preparation of the athletes for competition.