The effects of the FIVE futsal injury prevention program on lower limb muscle strength among young futsal players.

BACKGROUND: Our previous study has developed FIVE, futsal neuromuscular warm-up program to improve physical performance components and prevent the incidence of futsal injury. Experimental research was needed to verify the effect of FIVE program on physical performance components affecting injury, such as lower limb muscle strength. This study aimed to investigate the effect of FIVE program on the lower limb muscle strength among young futsal players. METHODS: Ninety-five young male futsal players were recruited using purposive random sampling from futsal clubs in Indonesia. The players were randomized into 2 groups; 42 players were in the experimental (EXP) group, and 53 players were in the control (CON) group. The EXP group performed FIVE exercises in addition to their regular futsal training, and the CON group performed their regular futsal training only. Both groups performed the intervention three times per week within 6 weeks. All players completed pre-and post-intervention lower limb muscle strength tests comprising the isometric leg strength, isometric hip abduction strength, and isometric hip adduction. The strength test was conducted using dynamometer. Changes in performance (pre- vs. post-intervention) of each group were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon Test. The pre- and post-strength test changes (Δ post-pre) between EXP and CON group was compared using independent T-test and Mann Whitney test. Statistical significance was set to P<0.05. Thirty-one players dropped out in this study. RESULTS: This study showed all measurements on lower limb muscle strength improved significantly in the EXP group (P<0.05) while hip abduction and hip adduction strength were significantly decreased in the CON group. Improvement of isometric hip abduction and adduction strength in the EXP group was significantly different from the CON group (P=0.00 and P=0.00, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that FIVE could be an alternative warm-up program to improve lower limb muscle strength among young futsal players.

The effect of short period high-intensity circuit training-modified FIFA 11+ program on physical fitness among young football players.

BACKGROUND: Studies showed that FIFA 11+, the football injury prevention program, can improve physical fitness components through resistance and neuromuscular exercise. Currently, resistance training using High Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) is considered beneficial in increasing physical fitness component, including maintaining cardiopulmonary fitness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HICT modified- FIFA 11+ training on the physical fitness components and cardiovascular (CV) training intensity of young football players. METHODS: Thirty-nine football players were recruited by purposive random sampling to the football academies in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The players were randomized into two groups; 20 players were in the experiment (EXP) group and 19 players were in the control (CON) group. The EXP group performed HICT-modified FIFA 11+ exercise and the CON group performed standard FIFA 11+. HICT modification was performed in the EXP group only in part 2 of FIFA 11+ (strength, power, and balance training) while the other parts were regular. Both groups performed the intervention 3 times per week for 4 weeks. All players completed a pre- and post-intervention physical fitness tests comprising the core strength (plank test), leg strength (leg dynamometer) and agility (Illinois test). Heart rate (HR) was monitored in both groups while exercise was being implemented to measure the CV training intensity. Changes in performance (pre- versus post-intervention) of each group were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was set to P<0.05. Twelve players dropped out in this research. RESULTS: This study showed that core strength increased significantly in both groups (P=0.00). The EXP group had higher CV training intensity (HR max 91%; mean HR 74%) than the CON group (HR max 90%; mean HR 66%). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that HICT modified FIFA 11+ can be implemented as an alternative program to increase the physical fitness components and also CV training intensity among young football players.