Examining laboratory tests’ predictability of futsal players’ on-field physical performances: a simulated game analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.113337

Keywords:

aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, match demands, activity profile, futsal

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the relationship between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) parameters with movement parameters in a simulated futsal game.

Methodology: Sixteen semi-professional futsal players participated in the study (26.8 ± 2.2 years). Statistical analyses included Pearson’s correlation, with the significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: VO2max presented a very strong significant correlation with low- (LIRD, r = 0.90, p = 0.001) and moderate-intensity running distance (MIRD, r = 0.97, p = 0.001), total distance (TD, r = 0.94, p = 0.001), and player load (PL from training impulse [TRIMP], r = 0.94 p = 0.001), moderate correlation with acceleration (ACC, r = 0.57, p = 0.022), and deceleration (DEC, r = 0.61, p = 0.012), whereas the velocity at anaerobic threshold (VAT) correlated strongly with MIRD (r = 0.81, p = 0.001) and PL (r = 0.84, p = 0.001), and moderately with LIRD (r = 0.60, p = 0.015) and TD (r = 0.66, p = 0.005). Peak and mean powers correlated with sprint distance (SD) and TD—strong to very strong correlations (r = 0.76 to 0.92, p = 0.001); whereas the minimum power significantly correlated with MIRD, SD, PL, ACC, and DEC—moderate to strong correlations (r = 0.51 to 0.72, p = 0.04 to 0.002).

Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings suggest that VO2max effectively indicates long-duration, low-intensity activities in futsal players. Conversely, anaerobic peak power is a reliable indicator of high-intensity running distance and a significant predictor of sprinting ability.

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17-09-2025

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Original Research Article

How to Cite

Alvurdu, S., Keskin, K., Tavares Junior, A. C., & Dos-Santos, J. W. (2025). Examining laboratory tests’ predictability of futsal players’ on-field physical performances: a simulated game analysis. Retos, 72, 738-750. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.113337