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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.



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.

Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test

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.

indoor soccer involves lots of intermittent sprintsfutsal involves lots of intermittent sprints

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.

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.

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