Relationship between Aerobic Capacity and Yo-Yo IR1 Performance in Brazilian Professional Futsal Players

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between aerobic and intermittent capacities in a team of professional futsal players. METHODS: Fifteen futsal players from Brazilian first division (age: 25.9±5.1 yrs; height: 1.77±0.04 m, body mass: 74.37±6.02 kg) performed in random order a ramp test and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) at the start of the season for determination of maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2)max), peak running speed (S(peak)), and intermittent running ability. RESULTS: Mean VO(2)max was of 57.25±6.35 ml·kg(-1)min(-1) with a S(peak) of 17.69±1.88 km·h(-1). Yo-Yo IR1 performance was of 1,226±282 m. There was no correlation between VO(2)max and Yo-Yo performance while S(peak) and Yo-Yo IR1 performance were correlated (r=0.641; P=0.007). CONCLUSION: From the current results, it may be suggested that both continuous and intermittent physical evaluations are necessary for obtaining a complete fitness profile of futsal players. The low Yo-Yo IR1 performance of Brazilian futsal players when compared to other elite team sport athletes warrants further investigation.