Nakamura, FY, Antunes, P, Nunes, C, Costa, JA, Esco, MR, and Travassos, B. Heart rate variability changes from traditional vs. ultra–short-term recordings in relation to preseason training load and performance in futsal players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2974–2981, 2020—The aims of this study were to analyze heart rate variability (HRV) changes in futsal players during preseason training using both “criterion” (10-minute) and ultra-shortened (2-minute) measures, and to determine whether they were related to changes in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) performance and accumulated training load (TL). Eleven male competitive futsal players (age = 25.19 ± 4.70 years; body mass = 73.15 ± 11.70 kg; and height = 176.90 ± 5.01 cm) volunteered for the study. Data collection took place during the first to the fourth weeks of preseason training. Training load was monitored with session ratings of perceived exertion. The total distance (TD) covered during the Yo-Yo IR1 was recorded during week 1 and week 4. Heart rate variability was measured through the log-transformed root mean square of successive normal-to-normal interval differences using the ultra-short analysis, with its weekly mean (lnRMSSD_M) and coefficient of variation (lnRMSSD_CV) recorded, and by means of the criterion method (weeks 1 and 4). lnRMSSD_M was likely higher at week 4 compared with week 1 using both criterion and ultra-short recordings. Moderate-to-large correlations were found between changes in the lnRMSSD_M and lnRMSSD_CV values and changes in TL and TD (r values ranged from −0.48 to 0.65). Changes in ultra-short HRV measures (i.e., increase in lnRMSSD_M and decrease in lnRMSSD_CV) during futsal preseason were associated with increased performance. The players who accumulated higher perceived TLs displayed smaller improvements in the Yo-Yo IR1 performance and HRV.

Gonçalves, CA, Lopes, TJD, Nunes, C, Marinho, DA, and Neiva, HP. Neuromuscular jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power of volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2236–2241, 2021—The aim of the current study was to characterize the neuromuscular jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power of elite and subelite volleyball players. In addition, those neuromuscular performances were compared between field positions. One hundred twenty-two male volleyball players participated in the study: 83 elite players (mean ± SD : 24.11 ± 5.57 years) and 39 subelite players (25.38 ± 6.19 years). They were divided according to their playing position: setters ( n = 22), opposite hitters ( n = 16), middle hitters ( n = 30), right-side hitters ( n = 38), and liberos ( n = 16). Each subject randomly performed 3 repetitions of medicine ball throwing (MBT), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with free arms (CMJFA), and spike jump (SPJ). The results showed no significant differences between positions in the analyzed variables. However, there were differences between elite and subelite in the CMJ ( p = 0.000, = 0.12), the CMJFA ( p = 0.000, = 0.15), the SPJ ( p = 0.000, = 0.21), and MBT ( p = 0.001, = 0.09), showing a tendency for increased jumping performance and upper-body horizontal power for elite players. The elite opposite hitters and right-side hitters recorded greater CMJ performances ( d = 1.20 and d = 1.62, respectively). The right-side hitters were the only group that showed greater horizontal upper-body muscular power ( p = 0.000, d = 1.50). It is suggested that jumping performance is a determining factor for higher-level players, which was more relevant for the opposite hitters and right-side hitters. Nevertheless, the movement pattern of MBT seems to be relevant for the right-side hitters. Coaches should seek to develop jumping ability for the improvement of volleyball performances, without disregarding upper-body performances, depending on the position-specific demands.

Purpose: to identify the key performance indicators that discriminate all-star from non-all-star players; and to differentiate winning from drawing/losing teams during the Euro Cup 2018 Futsal (Slovenia). Methods: the sample consisted of all matches (n = 20) played by 12 teams (87 players). Differences between both players and teams were calculated using the Mann–Whitney U and student-t tests and the binary logistic regression (assessing the relationship between all-star players or winning teams and several match- and contextually based variables). Results: minutes per match, goals, assists, ball recoveries, % shots on target, % key pass accuracy, and % challenges won discriminated all-star from non-all-star players. However, only minutes per match (OR: 1.329), goals (OR: 13.547), and ball recoveries (OR: 2.136) per time played were determined to differentiate all-star players. Regarding the team analysis, the following variables discriminated winning from losing/drawing teams: goals, assists, % counterattack success, and % set pieces success. However, only goals (OR: 2.035) and % set piece success (OR: 1.076) predicted the match outcome. Conclusions: the current findings can help coaches to a better understanding of which key performance indicators are important out of all data available, contributing to defining priorities when training and managing competition in elite futsal.