Multi-dimensional Model - Smart Player

Funder

Organizational Unit

Publications

Exploring the effects of interchange rotations on high-intensity activities of elite futsal players

Publication . Ribeiro, João Nuno; Gonçalves, Bruno; Illa, Jordi; Couceiro, Micael; Sampaio, Jaime; Travassos, Bruno

The literature lacks an understanding of the physical demands of team sports with unlimited substitutions (player interchange rotations). Because of this characteristic of the game, it is necessary to analyze the physical requirements through player rotation rather than analyzing global averages. The objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between high-intensity activities (HIA; sum of accelerations, decelerations, and high-speed running actions) performed per interchange rotations and match time variables (playtime, rest time, and work–rest ratio) in elite futsal players. A retrospective observational design was used. Twelve matches from an elite male team competing in the Premier Spanish Futsal League were analyzed using a local positioning system, yielding a total sample of 17 players. The number of HIA performed per interchange rotation varies between players and allows the identification of three distinct activity profiles—lower HIA (10 HIA), medium HIA (28 HIA), and higher HIA (38 HIA). Furthermore, these profiles were found to be stable alongside the existing interchange rotations throughout the match. Playtime (F = 40.9, p < .001) and work–rest ratio (F = 15.6, p < .001) are the time variables that best differentiate match activity profiles. Players with more playing time (4.6 ± 1.0 min) and a work–rest ratio equal to or greater than 1 (1.1 ± 0.6 a.u.) have a greater ability to repeat HIA per rotation.

2022-09-01Journal article

Open access

How weekly monitoring variables influence players’ and teams’ match performance in elite futsal players

Publication . Ribeiro, João Nuno; Monteiro, Diogo; Sampaio, Jaime; Couceiro, Micael; Travassos, Bruno

This study aimed to investigate how weekly training load constrains the performance of players and teams in official futsal competitions. Data from a professional male team were collected during two seasons (46 weeks). The applied monitoring system analysed the training load (as measured by session perceived exertion, sRPE), the total recovery status (TQR), the well-being score (WBs) and the variability of neuromuscular performance during each week (CMJ-cv). In addition, the performance was assessed for all the matches. A path analysis model was performed to test the associations across variables. Results from the path analysis model revealed that it explains 31% of the teams’ performance. In general, the results show that previous team performance has no significant effects on the training week. A significant negative relationship was found between CMJ-cv and match performance (β = -.34; CI95% -.359 to -.070), as well as a significant negative relationship between players’ match performance and the team’s match performance (β = -.55; CI95% -.292 to .740). Regarding indirect effects, only a negative association between CMJ-cv and team match performance via players’ match performance (β = -.19; CI95% -.342 to -.049) was identified. The small variation of the weekly CMJ (CMJ-cv) seems to be a key variable to monitor and explain both player and team performance. Based on this model, and only looking at the physical variables, it was possible to explain 31% of the team’s performance. Longitudinal and multi-team studies should be conducted to integrate other technical, tactical and psychological variables that allow the level of understanding of players’ and teams’ performance to be improved.

2021-10-10Journal article

Open access

Strength and Power Performance Changes During an In-Season Resistance Training Program in Elite Futsal Players: A Case Study

Publication . Marques, Diogo Luís; Ribeiro, João Nuno; Sousa, António Carlos; Travassos, Bruno; Marques, Mário Cardoso

In this study, we aimed to analyze (i) the strength and power changes after resistance training (RT) in elite futsal players, and (ii) the associations between the session rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) and perceived total quality recovery (TQR), and the sRPE and TQR with the volume load of the RT program. Ten elite futsal players (24.8 ± 5.4 years; 76.2 ± 7.1 kg; 1.77 ± 0.05 m) performed an in-season 8-week RT program twice per week. RT consisted of 2-3 sets x 3-6 reps at 45-65% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with maximal velocities in the full squat and complementary exercises with the same volume. We assessed the TQR before every session, while the sRPE was calculated after each RT session. One week before and after the intervention, we measured the countermovement jump (CMJ) height, isometric hip adduction strength (IHAS), 1RM, and peak power (PP) in the full squat progressive loading test. After the 8-week training program, there was a significant improvement in most outcomes, yet the gains (%Δ) remained below the minimal detectable change (MDC), except for IHAS (CMJ: p < 0.05, %Δ = 6.7, MDC% = 7.2; IHAS: p < 0.001, %Δ = 19.1, MDC% = 14.6; 1RM: p > 0.05, %Δ = 9.2, MDC% = 21.5; PP: p < 0.05; %Δ = 14.4, MDC% = 22.4). We also found a significant negative correlation between TQR and the sRPE (r = -0.45, p < 0.001). Our data suggest that RT based on low-volume and low-to-moderate loads may not produce a sufficient stimulus to induce meaningful dynamic strength and power gains in elite futsal players, although it improves isometric strength. Furthermore, monitoring TQR before sessions may show coaches how the elite futsal player will perceive the session's intensity.

2022-09-01Journal article

Open access