3 Tests to aerobic fitness assessment in futsal players

Futsal, a fast-paced, high-intensity indoor sport, demands a unique combination of technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical fitness (Castagna & Barbero-Álvarez, 2010). In futsal games the aerobic system is subjected to considerable strain (CHARLOT et al., 2016; SERPIELLO et al., 2014; SILVA et al., 2022a; WILKE et al., 2016).

Among the various components of physical fitness, aerobic capacity (anaerobic threshold) and power (VO2max) play a critical role in a player's performance, as it directly influences their ability to sustain high-intensity efforts throughout the match.

Aerobic fitness assessment is, therefore, a vital tool for physical trainers, coaches and sports scientists to evaluate players' conditioning, tailor training programs, and optimize performance.

This article explores the importance of aerobic fitness in futsal, common assessment methods, and their practical applications.

Understanding physiological demands of futsal

In an official match, the mean exercise intensity may reach:

 76 % of an individual's maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) (CASTAGNA et al., 2009) 

 The average heart rate (HR) may reach approximately 89.8 % of the individual's maximal heart rate (HRmax) (Castagna et al., 2009)

According to Spyrou et al. (2022), high-level players perform:

 around 1165 ± 188 moderate-to-high-intensity explosive maneuvers (> 2.5 m.s2), as well as 

 80 acceleration and deceleration actions. 

The distance covered during a match may

 reach approximately 4 km, 

 involving 135 m of sprints (>18 km.h-1), 

 8.5 m of sprint per minute, 

 2 sprint bouts per minute, and 

 5 accelerations and decelerations per minute (RIBEIRO et al., 2020)

During a match, players execute ~30 sprints, comprising sequences of 2, 3, and 4 consecutive sprints, separated by rest intervals of 30, 45, or 60 s.(Caetano et al., 2015)

Therefore, to enhance futsal performance, it is essential to systematically assess and train intermittent endurance, aerobic fitness, strength, muscle explosiveness, and RSA using directional changes.

The Importance of Aerobic Fitness in Futsal

Futsal is characterized by intermittent bursts of high-intensity activity, such as sprinting, quick changes of direction, and explosive movements, interspersed with brief periods of lower-intensity recovery. 

While anaerobic energy systems are heavily utilized during these high-intensity actions, the aerobic system plays a crucial role in recovery between efforts and in maintaining overall performance throughout the game.

A well-developed aerobic capacity enables futsal players to:

1. Recover Faster: Efficient aerobic metabolism helps clear lactate and replenish energy stores during rest periods, after explosive and high intensity efforts such as sprints, jumps, breaks and changes of directions.

2. Maintain Performance: Players with higher aerobic fitness can sustain high-intensity efforts for longer durations without fatigue.

3. Enhance Decision-Making: Fatigue negatively impacts cognitive functions, such as decision-making and reaction time. Aerobic fitness helps delay the onset of fatigue, preserving mental sharpness.

4. Reduce Injury Risk: Improved aerobic conditioning contributes to better overall endurance and resilience, reducing the likelihood of injuries related to fatigue.

Given these benefits, assessing and improving aerobic fitness is essential for futsal players at all levels.

Methods for Assessing Aerobic Fitness in Futsal Players

Several laboratory and field-based tests are commonly used to evaluate aerobic fitness in futsal players. Each method has its advantages and limitations, and the choice of test often depends on the available resources, the number of players, and the specific objectives of the assessment. Here we present 3 great options for Aerobic Fitness Assessment in Futsal Players:

1 - Laboratory-Based Tests

VO2 Max Test: The gold standard for measuring aerobic power, the VO2 max test assesses the maximum volume of oxygen a player can utilize during intense exercise. It is typically performed on a treadmill with the player wearing a mask to measure oxygen consumption. While highly accurate, this test requires specialized equipment and is time-consuming.

In my Doctoral thesis I applied the following protocol:

Players arrived at the Laboratory 60 minutes before ITT to obtain anthropometric measures. 

Participants was informed to be as normally hydrated as possible and refrain from: 

a) Eating for 4-5 hours before the test.

b) Exercise for 12 hours before the test. 

c) Caffeine (tea, coffee, and energy drinks) and alcohol consumption 24 hours before the test. 

The initial velocity of the running test was 8.0 km.h−1 (1.0 % of treadmill inclination), with 0.5 km.h−1 increments every minute, until reaching voluntary exhaustion. 

The oxygen consumption (VO2) is measured each 15 s using a gas analyzer (Quark CPET, COSMED – Italy). 

The ventilatory thresholds were identified according to (MEYER et al., 2005): The aerobic threshold, or first ventilatory threshold (VT1) was visually determined by 2 independent researchers involved in this study, determined by an increase in both ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (VE/VO2) and end-tidal pressure of oxygen (PETO2) with no concomitant increase in ventilatory equivalent of carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2). 

The second ventilatory threshold (VT2) was determined using the criteria of an increase in both the VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 and a decrease in PETCO2 (Lucía et al., 2000). If the disagreements between the estimates provided by the independent researchers were not > 3 %, the average values were retained for analysis. 

The criteria used to consider whether VO2max was reached were: 

a) RER greater than 1.1; plateau of the VO2 kinetic (VO2 variation less than 150 mL.min−1 or 2.1 mL.kg−1.min-1 for 1.0 km.h−1 increases of velocity); 

b) when players reach 90 % of HRmax predicted by chronological age (Bassett and Howley, 2000). 

The velocity associated with VO2max was considered the minimum velocity where VO2max is reached (vVO2max).

Lactate Threshold Test: This test identifies the exercise intensity at which lactate begins to accumulate in the blood, indicating the transition from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. It is useful for determining training zones and optimizing endurance training. It may have the same protocol of the VO2max test, but with further blood lactate analysis.

Field-Based Tests

Several field tests were proposed with the aim to assess aerobic fitness using team sport–specific exercise modes (i.e., continuous or intermittent shuttle running) to best follow ecological validity. 

2 - Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test: 

It evaluates a player's ability to perform high-intensity efforts with incomplete recovery, closely mimicking the demands of futsal and other team sports(Krustrup et al., 2003)

The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test involves a series of repeated 2 × 20-meter shuttle runs between a starting line and a finishing line, with the pace gradually increasing as dictated by audio cues from a tape recorder. 

Participants are given a 10-second active recovery period between each running interval, during which they jog 2 × 5 meters. 

The test concludes when a participant fails to reach the finishing line in time twice, and the total distance covered up to that point is recorded as the test result. 

There are two versions of the test, each with distinct speed progressions (level 1 and level 2). 

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1

How the Test Works:

1. Setup: The test involves running back and forth between two markers placed 20 meters apart.

2. Pacing: Participants run at progressively increasing speeds, dictated by audio beeps.

3. Recovery: After each 40-meter run (2 x 20 meters), there is a 10-second active recovery period where participants jog or walk around a 5-meter marker.

4. Progression: The speed increases incrementally as the test continues.

5. Termination: The test ends when the participant can no longer keep up with the beeps or fails to reach the markers in time twice in a row.

For example the YYIR may begin with:

• 4 running intervals at speeds of 10–13 km·h⁻¹ (covering 0–160 meters), 

• followed by 7 intervals at 13.5–14 km·h⁻¹ (160–440 meters). 

• After this, the speed increases by 0.5 km·h⁻¹ every 8 running intervals (e.g., at 760, 1080, 1400, 1720 meters, etc.) until the participant reaches exhaustion 

Figure 1: Schematic representation of the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test

 

Source: Krustrup et al., (2003)

The test may be conducted indoors on a 20-meter running lane marked by cones, with a width of 2 meters. A cone placed 5 meters beyond the finishing line indicated the jogging distance for the active recovery phase. 

Prior to the test, participants may complete a warm-up consisting of the first four running intervals. 

The total duration of the test ranges from 6 to 20 minutes. 

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2

The Yo-Yo IR level 2 (Yo-Yo IR2) determines an individual’s ability to recover from repeated exercise with a high contribution from the anaerobic system. It is an advanced version of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT1) and is more demanding, with faster speeds and shorter recovery times.

Scoring:

The score is the total distance covered before the participant can no longer continue. This score can be used to assess an athlete's aerobic capacity and ability to recover between high-intensity efforts.

Example Scores:

• Elite Athletes: May score over 1,800 meters.

• Trained Athletes: Typically score between 1,000 and 1,800 meters.

• Recreational Athletes: May score below 1,000 meters.

Key Differences Between Level 1 and Level 2:

Level 1: Starts at a lower speed and is more suitable for recreational athletes or those with lower fitness levels. Focuses on the capacity to carry out intermittent exercise leading to maximal activation of the aerobic system

Level 2: Starts at a higher speed and is designed for elite or highly trained athletes. Determines an individual’s ability to recover from repeated exercise with a high contribution from the anaerobic system

Training Prescription:  Physical trainers may prescribe high-intensity interval training (HIIT) designed to improve aerobic and anaerobic fitness beyond the results of the test.

o The training involves repeated 20-meter shuttle runs, interspersed with 10-second active recovery periods (walking or jogging).

o The pace is controlled by audio cues (beeps) from a pre-recorded track, according to the velocity designed by the trainer to that session.

2. Phases:

o High-Intensity Phase: Sprinting or running at a high intensity for 20 meters.

o Recovery Phase: A 10-second break with light walking or jogging before the next sprint.

3 - The Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) 

FIET is a sport-specific fitness test designed to assess the aerobic endurance and intermittent recovery capacity of futsal players. It mimics the high-intensity, stop-start nature of futsal, making it a valuable tool for evaluating a player's ability to perform repeated sprints and recover quickly.

1. Equipment Needed:

 Cones or markers

 Measuring tape

 Audio cues (e.g., a whistle or beep)

 A futsal court

This test consists of:

 45 m (3 x 15 m) shuttle run races held at progressive velocities to exhaustion, dictated by audio signals. 

 Every 45 m, subjects can actively rest for 10 seconds; 

 after each 9 x 45 m sets players can rest passively for 30 seconds before continuing;

 The initial velocity is 9.0 km.h-1;

 The increments during the first series of 9 x 45 m are 0.33 km/h;

 The increments are then changed to 0.22 km/h every 45 m until exhaustion; 

 HRmax may be obtained by the highest values recorded in the last 30 seconds before exhaustion;

 Peak Velocity at FIET (PVFIET) is the highest velocity achieved during the FIET test. 

 When a player fails twice to reach the finish line in time, the correspondent velocity was recorded as the test result. 

Figure 2 - Court set up for Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET).

 

Source: (Castagna & Barbero-Álvarez, 2010)

Figure 3 - Protocol of the Futsal Intemittent Endurance Test (FIET).

Source: (Castagna & Barbero-Álvarez, 2010)

Considerations

While aerobic fitness assessments are valuable, several challenges must be considered:

Sport-Specificity: Traditional tests like the VO2 max test may not fully capture the intermittent nature of futsal. Field-based tests like the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test are often more relevant.

Player Motivation: The accuracy of field tests can be influenced by players' effort and motivation. Coaches must ensure that players are fully engaged during assessments.

Recovery and Fatigue: Assessments should be scheduled appropriately to avoid interference with training or competition schedules and to account for players' fatigue levels.

Aerobic fitness is a cornerstone of performance in futsal, influencing players' endurance, recovery, and overall effectiveness on the court. 

The peak velocity and velocity at VO2max attained in field and laboratory incremental running tests are largely used for the assessment of futsal players, as they have been demonstrated to discriminate between players' competitive levels (PEDRO et al., 2013).

By utilizing appropriate assessment methods, coaches and sports scientists can gain valuable insights into players' aerobic capacity, tailor training programs to individual needs, and optimize team performance. 

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