Effects of consecutive futsal games on the physical performance of U-20 school athletes

Abstract

Background and study aim: It is common for students to engage in school competitions; however, these competitions typically do not allow for games to be played with intervals longer than 24 hours between them. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of consecutive futsal games on the physical performance of under-20 school athletes. Material and Methods: Ten school athletes (17.9 ± 1.2 years, 173 ± 9 cm, 63.0 ± 4.6 kg, and 21.2 ± 2.7 kg.m-2) participating in a school futsal competition were assessed on consecutive days, with a 24hour interval between each game. Assessments were conducted before three games and 17 hours after the third game. The following variables were evaluated in this order: Total Quality of Recovery (TQR), reactive agility (RA) and non-reactive agility (NRA), 5 and 10-m sprint, and counter-movement jump. The internal load of the games was measured using the session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE). Results: TQR decreased 17 hours after the third game. There was a decline in the performance of NRA with dribbling, NRA with touch, RA with touch, and in the 10-m sprint 17 hours after the third game. The sRPE was higher in the third game compared to the first game. There was no change in RA with dribbling, counter-movement jump, and 5-m sprint throughout the games. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that a sequence of three futsal games with intervals of only 24 hours impairs performance in agility and speed, decreases the perception of recovery, and increases the perception of perceived stress in the game.