Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test
The Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) is an intermittent fitness test designed to assess the fitness of futsal players, created by Barbero et al. (2005). Futsal is a version of indoor 5-a-side soccer, involving a lot of high-intensity intermittent running. In this test, the players run for 45m (3 x 15m shuttles) with 10 seconds rest, with occasional longer rest periods. A study by Castagna & Barbero (2010) showed that FIET significantly stresses both the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, to a level that is similar to what was reported in futsal game play. The more commonly used Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test is a similar intermittent type shuttle run test.
purpose: To assess the ability to recover and repeat intermittent activity in futsal players.
equipment required: a clear flat area for conducting the test at least 25m long, audio recording of the test (it can be created using the Team BeepTest software), marker cones, measuring tape.
pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions (surface, weather). Measure and mark out the course. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
test layout: Mark out the running area with markers placed 15 meters apart, then an additional 5 meters at either end for the recovery area. You may also want to mark a control line 1.5 meters before each turning line.
procedure: The test consists of shuttle running over 45 m (3 x 15 m) performed at progressive speeds dictated by pre-recorded audio cues, until exhaustion. After every 45 meters, the participants actively rest for 10 seconds. After each 8 x 45 m (except after the first group of 9 x 45m), they passively rest for 30 seconds before continuing. The starting speed is set at 9 km/hr. The speed increments during the first 9 x 45m bouts are 0.33 km/hr, after then the speed increments are by 0.20 km/hr following each 45 m. The test continues until exhaustion. The test ends when the participants are not able to reach the turning line in time with the beep on two successive occasions.
scoring: The total distance covered is recorded as the test score.
futsal involves lots of intermittent sprintstarget population: This test was developed for futsal players, though it would be suitable for many players of sports which are intermittent in nature, such as indoor hockey.
advantages: this test is more relevant to intermittent sports rather than the commonly used beep test, and more specific for futsal players than the yo-yo test.
disadvantages: the test is not commonly used so normative values are hard to find. Also the audio recording would be hard to create or purchase without specific software.
references:
- Barbero-Alvaréz JC, Andrín G, Méndez-Villanueva A. Futsal-specific endurance assessment of competitive players. J Sports Sci. 2005;23(11-12):1279-81
- Castagna, C., & Barbero Álvarez, J. C. (2010). Physiological Demands of an Intermittent Futsal-Oriented High-Intensity Test. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(9), 2322–2329.
Similar Tests
- Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests — a short active break (5 and 10 seconds ) after every 2 x 20m shuttle.
- Soccer FIT Interval Test — this test was developed initially to mimic the demands of soccer players, involves running 10 and 25 yards circuits in diminishing times, with 30 seconds rest between sets.
- Footeval Test — a football (soccer) specific test with one minute intervals incorporating ball dribbling.
- Interval Shuttle Run Test — an intermittent fitness test where athletes run for 30 seconds periods interspersed with 15 seconds of walking.
- 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15 IFT) — involves 30 seconds of running alternated with 15 seconds of walking over a 40m course.
- Gacon Test — an intermittent test with 45 seconds of running and 15 seconds rest, with the running distance incrementally increasing.
- Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test which was designed for testing soccer players.
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