Differences in sprint mechanical force-velocity profile between trained soccer and futsal players

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the sprint mechanical force-velocity (F-V) profile between soccer and futsal players. A secondary aim was, within each sport, to study the differences in sprint mechanical F-V profile between sexes and players of different levels. Methods: 102 soccer players (63 men) and 77 futsal players (49 men) that were competing from the elite to amateur levels in the Spanish league participated in this investigation. The testing procedure consisted of 3 unloaded maximal 40-m sprints. The velocity-time data recorded by a radar device was used to calculate the variables of the sprint acceleration F-V profile (maximal theoretical force [F0], maximal theoretical velocity [V0], maximal power [Pmax], decrease in the ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force [DRF], and maximal ratio of horizontal-to-resultant force [RFpeak]). Results: Futsal players showed a higher F0 than soccer players (effect size [ES] range: 0.11 to 0.74), while V0 (ES range: -0.48 to -1.15) and DRF (ES range: -0.75 to -1.45) was higher for soccer players. No significant differences were observed between soccer and futsal players for Pmax (ES range: -0.43 to 0.19) and RFpeak (ES range: - 0.49 to 0.30). Men and high-level players presented an overall enhanced F-V profile compared to women and their lower-level counterparts, respectively. Conclusions: The higher F0 and lower V0 of futsal players could be caused by the specific game's demand (larger number of accelerations but of shorter distances compared to soccer). These results show that the sprintmechanical F-V profile is able to distinguish between soccer and futsal players.