The FITP: A Controlled Intermittent Running Test for Futsal Athletes.

Background

Futsal is a high-intensity, intermittent team sport, yet laboratory protocols that reproduce its substitution-based running demands remain scarce. This study examined the physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual responses to the Futsal Intermittent Treadmill Protocol (FITP), a laboratory-based protocol designed to replicate the intermittent high-intensity running demands of futsal.

Methods

Ten male, national-level (Tier 3) futsal players completed four bouts of intermittent running (6-20 km·h-1) reflecting typical substitution patterns. Measurements included oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration ([BLa-]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), total quality recovery (TQR), and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. Responses were analyzed using one-way repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results

HR and %HRmax increased significantly across bouts (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.84 for both), reaching values typical of competitive matches. Relative VO2 and %VO2max remained stable, while RPE increased and TQR decreased progressively (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.59-0.62). Blood lactate levels and the CMJ mechanical variables showed no significant changes, indicating no systematic neuromuscular fatigue pattern.

Conclusions

The FITP induces substantial cardiovascular and perceptual strain that is physiologically comparable to high-intensity futsal, while metabolic and neuromuscular responses remain stable. The protocol may provide a controlled, repeatable method for assessing intermittent running tolerance; however, optimizing its role in physical evaluation, top-up conditioning, and return-to-play monitoring will benefit from future research confirming its ongoing consistency and field application.