Strength, Agility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elite Male Futsal Players

Background Characterized by intense efforts and rapid changes of direction, futsal performance relies on strength, agility and dynamic balance. Isokinetic testing evaluates neuromuscular strength and asymmetry, providing insights into their relationships with functional strength, aerobic capacity and performance outcomes for elite players. Objective This study examined the relationships between lower-limb isokinetic strength and key performance measures, including functional strength (3RM leg extension and leg curl), maximal oxygen uptake, agility and balance, as well as isokinetic asymmetry indices and performance-related asymmetry variables in elite male Vietnamese futsal players. Study Design Observation cohort study Methods Eighteen elite male futsal players (20.8 ± 3.2 years) were underwent isokinetic strength testing of the hip flexion/extension (45°·s-1), knee (60°·s-1) and ankle plantar /dorsi flexion (60°·s-1), along with 3RM tests for leg extension and leg curl, maximal oxygen uptake (yoyo IR-1 test), agility (arrowhead agility test), and the Y- Balance Test for neuromuscular control/balance. The Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was employed to investigate the correlations among these variables. Results Significant positive correlations were found between knee flexor asymmetry index and 3RM leg extension (r = 0.66, p < 0.01) and leg curl (r = 0.59, p < 0.01). A negative association was found between 3RM asymmetry index and hip flexor peak torque in dominant (r = - 0.57, p < 0.05) and non-dominant limbs (r = - 0.52, p < 0.05) and knee extensor peak torque in non-dominant limb (r = 0.50, p < 0.05). Lower limb isokinetic asymmetry index and its associated asymmetry index was foud between the knee flexors and arrowhead agility (r = - 0.53, p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings indicate that interlimb strength asymmetries, especially at the knee, correlate with functional strength outcomes in elite male futsal players, potentially guiding future strategies for monitoring and addressing muscular imbalances to enhance performance and potentially reduce injuries. Level of Evidence 3b