The use of inertial devices in sport has become increasingly common. The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of multiple devices for measuring jump height in volleyball. The search was carried out in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and SPORTDiscus) using keywords and Boolean operators. Twenty-one studies were selected that met the established selection criteria. The studies focused on determining the validity and reliability of IMUs (52.38%), on controlling and quantifying external load (28.57%) and on describing differences between playing positions (19.05%). Indoor volleyball was the modality in which IMUs have been used the most. The most evaluated population was elite, adult and senior athletes. The IMUs were used both in training and in competition, evaluating mainly the amount of jump, the height of the jumps and some biomechanical aspects. Criteria and good validity values for jump counting are established. The reliability of the devices and the evidence is contradictory. IMUs are devices used in volleyball to count and measure vertical displacements and/or compare these measurements with the playing position, training or to determine the external load of the athletes. It has good validity measures, although inter-measurement reliability needs to be improved. Further studies are suggested to position IMUs as measuring instruments to analyze jumping and sport performance of players and teams.

The current study analysed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) specific to high-performing female futsal players using univariate and multivariate statistical approaches to better understand team dynamics in conjunction with individual performance. Data were collected from a sample of 10 female futsal players (mean age: 23.9 ± 3.4 years) over 25 official matches of the Spanish first division. Twenty KPIs were selected in collaboration with coaches and researchers to represent diverse offensive and defensive aspects of play. This study used observational methods and principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce the dimensionality of data and determine key performance factors. Descriptive statistics and factor analysis were conducted, with Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO = 0.63) values and communalities evaluated for sampling adequacy. PCA shown two main components explaining 64.09% of the total variance. The first component, “ Aggressiveness in Attack ”, (47.02% variance), was strongly associated with offensive production, including high rates of goal plays, shots, goals, assists, and fouls received. The second component, “ Forceful Defence ” (17.07% variance), primarily reflected defensive effectiveness, characterized by high rates of successful disputes, ball recoveries, and defensive intensity indicators, along with fewer ball losses. Individual player profiles revealed distinct tactical roles, with some players showing strong tendencies toward either offensive or defensive abilities. In conclusion, the use of multivariate analyses provides valuable insights into the performance of women's futsal, offering practical implications for coaches and players seeking to improve strategies and enhance individual and team performance through data-informed training and tactical planning.

Limited evidence exists on how segmental external load is distributed during linear running and how it varies with speed, training intensity, and individual differences. This study examines the external load profile across six body segments in elite female futsal players during linear treadmill running, focusing on the effects of speed and training zone, as well as individual variability. Eight elite players, including six outfield players and two goalkeepers (mean age 23.9 ± 3.4 years, height 164.96 ± 4.22 cm, body mass 60.31 ± 4.56 kg), performed an incremental test and were measured using six WIMU PRO™ inertial sensors. The sensors recorded segmental PlayerLoad, speed, and training zones. Data were analyzed using Linear Mixed Models. The most important results show significant interactions between body location and speed and between body location and training zone (p < 0.001), with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.437 to 0.515. These results indicate variability among players and specific and asymmetrical segmental load patterns. These findings offer practical insights for tailoring individualized training strategies that optimize performance and reduce segment specific overuse injuries.

Introduction: the analysis and classification of ball possession and goals in futsal had utilized observational instruments adapted from football and others specific to this sport. how-ever, both due to their excessive complexity or lack of methodological description, presented limitations for practical application by coaches. Objective: To design and validate an observation sheet that would allow classifying goals and would enable strategic decision-making, drawing on the experience of experts in this sport. Methodology: A six-phase design was used for the development and validation of the instrument. Techniques such as expert consultation and the calculation of Cohen's Kappa coefficient were employed to ensure the reliability of the observations. Results: An observation instrument with a single variable and 16 categories was designed, allowing the identification of significant differences between teams, with intra- and inter-observer reliability values above 0.8. Discussion: The simplicity of this instrument contrasted with the complexity of existing ones, and its usefulness resided in facilitating quick and reliable analysis for coaches, complementing more detailed research. Conclusions: The instrument is valid, reliable, and allows describing and classifying goals for the performance analysis of futsal teams.

Monitoring the volume and intensity of physical load is essential in elite women’s futsal to optimize performance and prevent injuries. However, external load indicators such as PlayerLoad may underestimate critical moments in competition where the intensity and volume of accelerations and decelerations sharply increase. This study aimed to identify and characterize such critical moments by analyzing the interaction between current score, playing position, match half, and location on acceleration and deceleration volume (distance, km/h) and intensity (peak, m/s²). Thirteen elite female futsal players (age: 29.9 ± 5.1 years; height: 164.96 ± 4.22 cm; body mass: 60.31 ± 4.56 kg) competing in the Spanish First Division were analyzed over a full season. All match accelerations and decelerations recorded with WIMU PRO™ inertial devices were processed using four Linear Mixed Models (LMMs). Significant interactions emerged across all models. Volume increased when winning, particularly among pivots, while intensity rose during adverse conditions, especially when losing at home. Interindividual variability was minimal (ICC < 1%). Physical load in women’s futsal follows two situational patterns: volume increases when leading, and intensity peaks when trailing. Identifying these critical moments provides insight beyond total load metrics, offering guidance for individualized and context-specific injury prevention.