Effect of a Repeated Sprint Ability test on the muscle contractile properties in elite futsal players

Javier Sánchez-Sánchez,Jorge López-Fernández,Enrique Colino,Esther Ubago-Guisado,David Bishop,Enrique Hernando,Leonor Gallardo,Jorge García-Unanue

doi:10.1038/s41598-018-35345-z

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test on the contractile properties of the muscles in elite futsal players. A total of 20 elite players completed the RSA test (7 × 30 m), and the contractile response from the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs were analysed pre and post through tensiomyography. There was a significant increment in 30-m times from the third sprint onwards (p < 0.05). The percent decrement in sprint ability (RSADEC) with respect to the first sprint was significantly higher in the last sprint. The players did not show evidence of lateral asymmetry in any of the muscle groups analysed after the RSA test (p > 0.05). Following the RSA test there was a significant reduction in the delay time (Td) in RF, a significant decrement in half-relaxation time (Tr) in the RF, and a significant reduction in sustain time (Ts) in the RF and BF of both legs. The maximum radial displacement of the muscle belly (Dm) increased (1.6 mm; effect size = 0.75; p < 0.05) in the RF after the RSA test, indicating reduced muscle stiffness and the ability to generate strength rapidly. The decrement in performance during the RSA test was significantly correlated with changes in contraction time (Tc) in RF and BF, Td in BF, and Dm in RF (p < 0.05). The RSA test generated alterations in the contractile properties of the RF and BF in elite players. However, futsal players did not present asymmetries in any muscular parameters. The baseline contractile muscle parameters could be an important factor related to performance of players during repeated high-intensity actions.

Highlights

Futsal is a sport of intermittent efforts, with aerobic and dynamic components, that requires a player to be at 85% of their maximum heart rate or above during most of the playing time[1,2,3,4,5]
It can be concluded that no lateral asymmetry exists regarding the contractile properties of the rectus femoris (RF) and the biceps femoris (BF) in the professional futsal players recruited for this study, neither at baseline nor after the repeated sprint ability test (RSA) test
Greater changes in Td and Tc after the RSA test showed a relationship with a higher decrement in RSA test performance in futsal elite player

Summary

Introduction

Futsal is a sport of intermittent efforts, with aerobic and dynamic components, that requires a player to be at 85% of their maximum heart rate or above during most of the playing time[1,2,3,4,5]. Fatigue of the lower-limb muscles appears to be an important factor elevating the risk of injury[10,11]. This suggests the behaviour of the lower-limb muscles after fatigue-inducing actions may be an effective way to identify factors related to injury risk[12] Some of these factors include muscle stiffness, contraction speed, or displacement of the muscle belly[13]. TMG has been identified as a reliable method for the identification of muscular lateral asymmetries between dominant and non-dominant limbs in the lower-limb muscles[18], which is related to the risk of injury and the stretch-shortening cycle efficacy, especially in sports in which limb dominance plays a factor[19,20,21]. The results of this research will improve understanding of the acute effects of a repeated sprint test on the muscular response of elite futsal players

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