Purpose: The purpose of this study was to to evaluate the validity of a new IMU device that allows measuring different actions in futsal real game situations. Methods: 10 high elite futsal players performed a typical futsal training task, this is, a 4v4 in 28x20m with a duration of 180 seconds, where players worn two tracking devices, the new one (OLIVER) and the already validated device (WIMU). Data recorded by the OLIVER and WIMU PRO systems were compared after the training process. Descriptive analysis was performed for each variable, and a one-way ANOVA was developed to calculate the validity of OLIVER compared with WIMU report. Results: The results reported good validity for most of the variables analyzed, such as total distance, distance covered in different splits, as well as number of accelerations and decelerations and maximal speed (P > .05). However, distance covered at low velocity (0-6 km/h) and high acceleration quantity (>2m/s²) reported statistical differences from OLIVER to WIMU. Conclusion: The OLIVER system can be stated as a valid technology for monitoring external load in specific training tasks in futsal, which ensures an improvement in the monitoring training process

The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, considering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded throughout 15 official matches in the first half of the league championship. The players’ external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted with Bonferroni post hoc. There are no differences between the variables neither comparing results nor location factors, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s² (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s² per minute, reporting higher value winnings at home than away (p < 0.05). The location and results are not factors that influence on external load in futsal matches, except the number and distance performed in accelerations and distance covered at a low to medium speed. These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches.

Tennis is an individual sport characterised by high-intensity action, including sprints and changes of direction (COD). However, there is a gap in the knowledge of limb asymmetries in adolescent tennis players and their association with performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between asymmetry in vertical and horizontal jump tests (CMJ and HJ) and COD with lower limb performance variables in adolescent tennis players. Forty-five adolescent tennis players (age: 13.81 ± 1.08 years; height: 167.64 ± 9.9 cm; body mass: 57.48 ± 10.94 kg; body mass index: 20.27 ± 2.18 kg/m²) performed the CMJ test (unilateral and bilateral), horizontal jumps (unilateral and bilateral), 25 m sprint, and 180° COD test. The single-leg countermovement jump showed the greatest asymmetries among the different tests (6.62 ± 9.35%). Notable negative relationships were found between CMJ asymmetry and COD asymmetry with unilateral horizontal jump variables (r = −0.30 to −0.53). In addition, CMJ asymmetry showed notable relationships with CMJR (r = 0.49) and COD180R (r = 0.29), whereas COD asymmetry showed a notable relationship with COD180L (r = 0.40). On the other hand, HJ asymmetry showed no notable relationships with any variable. The main findings of this study indicate that greater imbalances in the CMJ and COD tests are associated with a reduced capacity to perform unilateral horizontal jumps. These results suggest the incorporation of training protocols to reduce interlimb asymmetries in growing athletes to improve their performance. This practical application is important for coaches and physical trainers who aim to improve the physical performance of adolescent tennis players. Greater asymmetry results in a reduced ability to produce unilateral horizontal force.

The aim of this study was to compare the external load of each session along competitive microcycles on an elite futsal team, considering the positions and relationships of the players. The external load of 10 elite players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League (age 27.5 ± 7 years, height 1.73 ± 0.05 m, weight 70.1 ± 3.8 kg) were recorded across 30 microcycles. The players’ external loads were monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the external load, Levene’s test was conducted to assess the homogeneity of variances, followed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) to identify differences in dependent variables across the different microcycle days and player positions. Regarding external load during the microcycle, the day with the lowest external load was MD-1, and the days with the highest external load were MD-3 and MD-4. In addition, considering playing positions, pivots exhibited the lowest loads throughout the microcycle, whereas wingers and defenders exhibited the highest loads, depending on the variables analysed. By providing reference values from elite contexts, this study offers practical insights for S&C coaches to optimize microcycles. Furthermore, it contributes to workload management strategies within sport science and public health frameworks, promoting sustainable performance and athlete wellness in futsal.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the concordance of a new Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) device called OLIVER in different specific training tasks and real futsal game. Methods: 10 elite futsal players competing in First National Division performed most of the typical futsal training tasks (game possession in 22×20m, 2vs2 in 20×20m, 3vs3, 4vs4 in 28×20m and 4vs4 in 40×20m). Players wore two tracking devices (OLIVER and WIMU Pro). Data were recorded with specific software systems to compare the concordance of data. After recording data, descriptive analysis was developed for each training task, as well as a one-way ANOVA to evaluate the concordance of OLIVER and WIMU devices. Results: The results reported good agreement for most variables, such as total distance, distance covered in different partials, as well as meters of accelerations and decelerations at different intensities and maximum speed (P> .05). However, the distance covered in high-speed running 12.1-18 km/h (m) and the number of runs above 12 km/h reported statistical differences between OLIVER and WIMU (P< .05) in some of the training tasks. Conclusion: The OLIVER system and WIMU system shows a high level of concordance in main variables of external load in different training tasks. OLIVER system is a valid and useful device to monitor external load in indoor sports, both smallsided games and real games.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the external load demands in futsal, con-sidering both home and away matches and their outcomes, in order to plan microcycles throughout the season based on the external load of each match. (2) Methods: The external load of 10 players from a First Division team in the Spanish Futsal League was recorded. The total dura-tion of player involvement with the clock stopped was 18.15 ±7.04 minutes. The players' external load was monitored using OLIVER devices. To analyse the influence of the match outcome and location on the external load, a univariate general linear model (GLM) analysis was conducted. (3) Results: There are no differences between the variables, except for accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s² (m) per minute and the number of accelerations of 2 to 3 m/s² per minute. Despite not showing significant differences, there is a trend indicating a higher demand for external loads in away matches as well as in matches won. (4) Conclusions: These findings are important for planning microcycles and providing the appropriate dosage to each player to achieve optimal performance in matches.