PMID 37543767

Research
All papers

Effects of high-intensity interval training with an eccentric hamstring exercise program in futsal players: A randomized controlled trial

Gómez EM, Atef H, Elsayed SH, Zakaria HM, Navarro MP, Sulé EM

Question

Does adding Nordic curl eccentric hamstring exercise to HIIT improve intermittent work performance, jump performance, and lower-limb isometric strength in futsal players more than HIIT alone?

Summary

In 21 adult futsal players, one weekly 4-week HIIT circuit improved intermittent running performance whether or not Nordic curl hamstring exercise was added. Adding Nordic curls did not significantly outperform HIIT alone for jumping, strength, or hamstring/quadriceps ratio, although all participants completed the study and no incidents were reported.

Methodology

  • 21 adult federated futsal players randomized to HIIT+NC or HIIT only.
  • 21 participants.
  • Loaded/bodyweight circuit plus eccentric hamstring exercise.
  • Work intervals: 40 s.
  • Recovery: 15 s between exercises; 1 min between Nordic curl sets.
  • Intensity: High-intensity; exact target not reported.
  • About 50 min including warm-up and stretching.
  • 1 session/week.
  • 4 weeks.
  • Randomized clinical trial with two active intervention groups
  • Intermittent work, Jump performance, and Isometric strength were tracked.

Outcomes

30-15IFT

Both groups improved intermittent work performance.

HIIT+NC 17.59 to 18.09 km/h, p=0.01; HIIT 16.05 to 16.45 km/h, p=0.04.

Improved

Jump

Vertical jump performance did not significantly improve.

P>0.05 for vertical jump with and without arms.

No clear change

Strength

Quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength showed trends but no significant changes.

P>0.05 for strength and H/Q ratio outcomes.

No clear change

Insights

  • A 40:15 circuit is feasible in a team-sport setting.
  • Very low weekly frequency may be enough for small intermittent-fitness gains in athletes but not strength or jump changes.
  • Adding Nordic curls needs longer or more frequent dosing to test incremental value.

Limitations

  • Small sample.
  • Single-center athlete sample.
  • No usual-training or no-training control.
  • Only one session per week for four weeks.
  • Sex distribution not found in extracted article text.

Safety

  • All 21 participants completed the study.
  • No incidents were reported during the intervention.