Body composition, strength and muscle power indices at the different competitive levels of Futsal

Abstract

Objective: The aim was to verify the differences in physical condition (body composition, power and muscle strength) in futsal players from three competitive levels. Methodology: Sixty-eight (24.26 ± 4.63 years old) Portuguese futsal players participated in the study, divided into: elite, sub-elite and amateur. We used the bioimpedance, the countermovement jump and the isokinetic dynamometer to assess physical condition, and the Kruskal-Wallis test to compare variables between groups. Results: There were no differences in body composition between groups. Elite players had higher countermovement jump heights than amateur players (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the isokinetic muscle strength of the knee flexors, with the elite players showing more strength than the amateur players (p = 0.047). Discussion: The results of the research should be contrasted with those of other research found in the literature. Conclusions: The elite players had higher physical condition parameters (more lower limb power and more flexor muscle strength) compared to the amateur players. We would point out that all groups had a high probability of lower limb muscle injury (H/Q ratio < 60%) at this stage of the sports season, alerting training professionals to the importance of individualised physical condition analysis.