Work

Effects of a Futsal-Specific Preventive Program on Interlimb Asymmetry and Injury Risk in Youth Male Futsal Players

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Interlimb asymmetry is relevant for monitoring neuromuscular function in athletes, but evidence on futsal-specific preventive strategies in youth players remains limited. This study examined the effects of a 20-week Futsal Preventive Program (FPP) on functional interlimb asymmetry and explored injury risk during a 9-month surveillance period. Sixty-seven youth male outfield players completed pre- and post-intervention assessments (control group, n = 36; experimental group, n = 31), while 79 players were included in the injury-risk analysis (control group, n = 41; experimental group, n = 38). The experimental group performed a 15 min neuromuscular warm-up weekly, while the control group continued its usual warm-up. Asymmetry was assessed using countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), and 505 change-of-direction (COD 505) tests. The program produced a task-specific reduction in COD 505 asymmetry compared with the control group (cluster-adjusted difference = −1.27 percentage points; 95% CI: −2.00 to −0.53; Bonferroni-adjusted p = 0.03), whereas no significant intervention effects were observed for CMJ or HJ asymmetry. Across the full 9-month surveillance period, the crude cumulative injury-risk estimate was RR = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.59–1.45), with the confidence interval including the null value. These findings support a task-specific effect of the FPP on COD 505 asymmetry, without evidence of corresponding effects on CMJ or HJ asymmetry. Injury findings were descriptive and hypothesis-generating and do not establish preventive efficacy. Further studies with a larger number of randomized teams, greater weekly intervention exposure, and individual training and match exposure monitoring are warranted to clarify potential effects on injury incidence.

Source: Symmetry

DOI: 10.3390/sym18091425

Authors: Oscar Villanueva-Guerrero, Bruno Travassos, Rafael Albalad-Aiguabella, Elena Mainer-Pardos

Institutions: Universidad San Jorge, Federação Portuguesa de Futebol, Portugal Football School

Language: English

Topic: Sports injuries and prevention

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896