| dc.description.abstract | Aims: 1) to characterize a 48 h timeline of recovery of physical performance, physiological and perceptual parameters of elite futsal players from a high-intensity-specific training session, 2) to investigate whether players could be classified into faster and slower post-training recovery profiles and the factors differentiating them; 3) to investigate whether such acute recovery profiles would be maintained during a pre-season ongoing monitoring program and 4) to investigate whether players’ recovery could be improved following pre-season training. Methods: Elite futsal players from the professional and under-20 (U20) squads of the same Brazilian futsal team participated in the study. At the start and at the end of the pre-season, participants underwent a training session where performance and psycho-physiological measures were recorded before, immediately, 3, 24 and 48h post-session. Measures included countermovement jump (CMJ), 10m sprint with change of direction, creatine kinase (CK), total quality recovery scale (TQR) and Brunel Mood Scale. Additionally, external (player load) and internal (rating of perceived exertion – RPE and heart rate – HR) training loads were monitored during each session. During the 10-week pre-season, training load and recovery (TQR, sleep duration and quality) were also monitored. Statistical analysis to answer to respective aims comprised: 1 and 4) comparisons were performed using magnitude-based analysis; 2) classification was attained by a hierarchical cluster analysis and comparisons between clusters through one-way analysis of variance; and 3) effect of each parameter in TQR was tested using a linear mixed model. Results/conclusions: After a 70 min high-intensity technical-tactical futsal training session, players' physical performance was little modified, perception of recovery returned to baseline after 24 h, whereas CK and mood parameters remained elevated up to 48 hours after the session. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on 22 individual responses of these 6 parameters identified three recovery profiles. A faster global (physical and psychological) recovery profile existed, possibly positively affected by higher aerobic capacity. Interestingly, two groups were classified with distinct slower recovery profiles conditioned by responses in either physiological or perceptual parameters, potentially influenced by higher speed/power performance and higher age/experience of athletes, respectively. The acute recovery profiles did not significantly influence daily recovery perception of these players, which was affected by sleep quality and phase within the microcycle, regardless of the previous day’s training load. Finally, after 10 weeks of pre-season futsal-specific training, 7 U20 players’ recovery timeline in most evaluated parameters were improved even though physical fitness was maintained. | |
