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 × 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.

How to Use This FIET Calculator

This calculator helps coaches, athletes, and sports scientists analyze FIET results and track futsal-specific fitness. Here's how to get the most accurate results:

Step 1: Enter Your Data

Input either the number of complete 45m shuttles or the total distance covered. One shuttle equals 45 meters (3 × 15m runs with direction changes).

Step 2: Select Your Profile

Choose your gender for accurate performance comparisons against appropriate reference groups.

Step 3: Analyze Results

Review your total distance, final speed, estimated VO2max, and performance rating compared to published standards.

Understanding Your FIET Results

The FIET provides several key performance indicators for futsal players:

Total Distance: The primary outcome measure, reflecting your intermittent endurance capacity. Professional male futsal players typically cover 1,400-1,600 meters, while elite female players average around 1,100-1,250 meters based on research by Barbero-Alvarez et al.

Final Speed at Exhaustion: Indicates the maximal speed you maintained before failing to reach the line twice consecutively. Elite players typically reach 16-17 km/h. This speed reflects both aerobic capacity and the ability to maintain running mechanics under fatigue.

Estimated VO2max: Research shows a strong correlation (r = 0.85-0.87) between FIET performance and laboratory-measured VO2max. The calculator uses this relationship to estimate your maximal oxygen uptake. Professional futsal players typically demonstrate VO2max values of 55-65 ml/kg/min, with elite players exceeding 60 ml/kg/min.

FIET Test Purpose and Protocol

Test purpose: To assess the ability to recover and repeat intermittent activity in futsal players. The FIET evaluates sport-specific endurance that combines aerobic capacity with the ability to perform repeated high-intensity efforts with brief recovery periods.

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.

Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test layout showing 3 x 15m shuttle course

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 45m (3 × 15m) 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 × 45m (except after the first group of 9 × 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 × 45m bouts are 0.33 km/hr, after then the speed increments are by 0.20 km/hr following each 45m. 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.

FIET Performance Standards and Norms

The following performance categories are based on published research data from studies of futsal players at various competitive levels:

Rating Male Distance (m) Female Distance (m) Shuttles Competition Level
Elite 1,600+ 1,250+ 36+ National Team / Top Professional
Excellent 1,400-1,599 1,100-1,249 31-35 Professional League
Good 1,200-1,399 950-1,099 27-30 Semi-Professional
Average 1,000-1,199 800-949 22-26 Amateur Club Level
Below Average 800-999 650-799 18-21 Recreational
Poor <800 <650 <18 Beginner / Untrained

Note: These standards are derived from research by Castagna & Barbero (2010) and Barbero-Alvarez et al. (2015) and should be used as general guidelines. Individual results may vary based on age, training status, and testing conditions.

The Science Behind the FIET

The FIET was developed by Barbero-Alvarez and colleagues based on time-motion analysis of competitive futsal matches. Research has demonstrated several key physiological findings:

Aerobic and Anaerobic Demands: Studies show the FIET stresses both energy systems at levels comparable to actual futsal match play. Professional players achieved 95% of their treadmill VO2max during the FIET, with blood lactate concentrations exceeding treadmill values, indicating significant anaerobic contribution.

Reliability: The FIET demonstrates excellent test-retest reliability with an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.95 and a Coefficient of Variation (CV) of 3.9%, making it a reliable tool for monitoring training adaptations.

Validity: Large correlations have been found between FIET performance and laboratory measures including speed at ventilatory threshold (r = 0.60) and maximal aerobic speed (r = 0.61). The test discriminates between different competitive levels of futsal players in Spain and Italy.

FIET vs Yo-Yo Test for Futsal

While both tests assess intermittent endurance, the FIET offers several advantages for futsal players:

Feature FIET Yo-Yo IR1
Shuttle Distance 45m (3 × 15m) 40m (2 × 20m)
Direction Changes 2 per shuttle (more turns) 1 per shuttle
Recovery Time 10s active + 30s passive (every 8 shuttles) 10s active only
Starting Speed 9 km/h 10 km/h
Sport Specificity Designed from futsal match analysis General intermittent sports

The FIET's shorter shuttle distances and additional direction changes better replicate the movement patterns observed in futsal match play, making it a more sport-specific assessment tool for futsal players and coaches.

indoor soccer involves lots of intermittent sprints

futsal involves lots of intermittent sprints

Sport-Specific Applications

Target 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, handball, and basketball.

For Coaches: Use FIET results to design position-specific training programs. Players with lower scores may benefit from additional high-intensity interval training, while monitoring recovery between testing sessions.

For Athletes: Track your FIET scores throughout the season to monitor fitness adaptations. Aim to maintain or improve your baseline score during the competitive phase.

For Sports Scientists: The FIET provides a validated, field-based alternative to laboratory testing for assessing futsal-specific aerobic capacity and intermittent endurance.

How to Improve Your FIET Score

Improving your FIET performance requires targeted training that addresses both aerobic capacity and repeated sprint ability:

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Perform 4-6 sets of 4-minute intervals at 90-95% maximum heart rate with 3-minute active recovery. This develops the aerobic system while tolerating lactate accumulation.

Repeated Sprint Training: Complete 6-10 repetitions of 15-30m sprints with 20-30 seconds recovery. This improves your ability to recover between intense efforts.

Small-Sided Games: 2v2 and 3v3 futsal games on reduced court sizes naturally create the intermittent high-intensity demands similar to the FIET while developing technical skills.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good FIET score for futsal players?

Professional male futsal players typically cover 1,400-1,600 meters in the FIET, equivalent to 31-36 complete shuttles. Elite female players average around 1,100-1,250 meters. For recreational players, 800-1,200 meters indicates adequate fitness for casual play.

How does the FIET compare to the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test?

The FIET uses 3×15m shuttles with more direction changes, making it more specific to futsal movement patterns. The Yo-Yo test uses 2×20m shuttles. Research suggests the FIET better replicates the actual demands of futsal match play based on time-motion analysis.

Can I estimate my VO2max from FIET results?

Yes, FIET distance shows strong correlation (r=0.85-0.87) with laboratory-measured VO2max. This calculator uses published research data to estimate your VO2max, though laboratory testing provides more precise measurements.

How long does the FIET typically last?

The test duration varies based on fitness level, typically lasting 10-15 minutes. Professional male players average approximately 13 minutes (13.24 ± 1.13 min according to Castagna & Barbero 2010). The test continues until voluntary exhaustion.

What equipment is needed to conduct the FIET?

You need a flat indoor surface at least 25m long, marker cones at 0m and 15m with 5m recovery zones at each end, a measuring tape, and pre-recorded audio with progressive speed cues. The Team BeepTest software can generate FIET audio files.

How often should futsal players take the FIET?

For monitoring training adaptations, conduct the FIET every 4-6 weeks during pre-season and once monthly during the competitive season. Allow 48-72 hours recovery after intense training before testing. Avoid testing within 5 days of competitive matches.

Is the FIET suitable for youth futsal players?

Yes, the FIET can be used with youth players aged 14 and above. For younger players, the Yo-Yo IR1 at Level 1 may be more appropriate as it starts at a slower speed. Always ensure proper warm-up and monitoring for youth athletes.

References

  1. Barbero-Alvaréz JC, Andrín G, Méndez-Villanueva A. Futsal-specific endurance assessment of competitive players. J Sports Sci. 2005;23(11-12):1279-81
  2. 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.
  3. Barbero-Alvarez JC, Subiela JV, Granda-Vera J, Castagna C, Gómez M, Del Coso J. Aerobic fitness and performance in elite female futsal players. Biol Sport. 2015 Dec;32(4):339-344.
  4. Naser N, Ali A, Macadam P. Physical and physiological demands of futsal. J Exerc Sci Fit. 2017 Dec;15(2):76-80.
  5. Bangsbo, J., Iaia, F. M., & Krustrup, P. (2008). The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test: A useful tool for evaluation of physical performance in intermittent sports. Sports Medicine, 38(1), 37-51.

Similar Tests

  • Yo-Yo Intermittent Tests — a short active break (5 and 10 seconds) after every 2 × 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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