Aerobic capacity of male professional futsal players

Aim. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aerobic capacity of male professional futsal players. Methods. A total of 186 players (22 goalkeepers and 164 on-court players) of three Brazilian futsal teams from first division performed ergospirometric evaluations (incremental test protocol) in a motorized treadmill. Data from maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) and second ventilatory threshold (VT(2)), as well as speed, heart rate (HR) and BORG scale were presented in relation to total of sample and isolated by two main futsal tactical positions: goalkeepers and on-court players. Results. The mean values to VO(2max) and VT(2) observed in futsal players were respectively 58.00 +/- 6.37 mL/kg/min and 51.25 +/- 5.84 mL/kg/min. Players reached the VO(2max) at 96.95 +/- 4.66% of HR(max) and the VT(2) at 90.07 +/- 5.02%. Goalkeepers presented higher values (P < 0.01) of body mass and height than on-court players. On-court players presented higher VO(2max) a and VT(2) in comparison to goalkeepers, and reached these levels at higher exercise levels (speed) than goalkeepers. Conclusions. We conclude that goalkeepers are significantly differents than on-court players regarding aerobic capacity. In this perspective, these differences are relevant to coaches when planning aerobic training sessions in futsal teams.