Efects of acute cafeine ingestion on futsal performance in sub‑elite players

Abstract

.

Purpose To date, no previous investigation has studied the efect of acute cafeine ingestion on futsal performance during futsal-specifc testing and during a simulated match. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to establish the efects of acute cafeine intake on futsal-specifc tests and match-play running performance in male futsal players. Methods Sixteen high-performance futsal players participated in a randomized, crossover, placebo-controlled and doubleblind experiment. Each player completed two identical trials after ingesting either cafeine (3 mg/kg) or a placebo (cellulose). The trials consisted of a battery of futsal-specifc tests (countermovement jump, 20-m sprint test, and a futsal kicking velocity and accuracy test) followed by a simulated futsal match (2 halves of 7.5 min). During the match, players’ running performance was assessed with local positioning system devices. Results In comparison to the placebo, cafeine ingestion increased jump height by 2.8% (p=0.048; ES=0.29) and reduced the time to complete the 20-m sprint test by -2.2% (p=0.044; ES=− 0.54). Additionally, acute cafeine intake improved the distance covered at above 14.4 km/h by 19.6% (p=0.021; ES=0.58), the number of body impacts by 8.1% (p=0.040; ES=0.27) and the number of accelerations/decelerations by 4.2% (p=0.044; ES=0.57) during the simulated futsal match. However, no diferences were reported in ball velocity or shooting accuracy in the futsal kicking test. There were no diferences in the prevalence of side efects reported in the hours after the ingestion of the treatments. Conclusion Three mg/kg of cafeine enhanced several physical variables associated with futsal such as jump and sprint performance, and improved high-speed running and accelerations/decelerations during a simulated futsal match. Cafeine supplementation with a moderate dose can be considered as an efective ergogenic aid for futsal performance with low prevalence of side efects. Trial Registration The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the following ID: NCT04852315. The study was retrospectively registered by 18 April 2020.