The Repeated Curve Sprint Test Appears to be an Appropriate Tool for Estimating Anaerobic Fitness in Young Trained Male Futsal Players

This study aimed to determine the magnitude of correlation between the repeated curve sprint test (RCST), the running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) and the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT) in elite male futsal players to determine whether the field test can be a futsal-specific alternative assessment tool compared to the other tests. Fifteen trained futsal players (20 +/- 3 yrs) performed the RCST, RAST and WAnT in a crossover design over three weeks. Peak power (PP), average power (AP) and the fatigue index (FI) were obtained from the tests. Finger-prick blood-lactate measurements were performed before and after the tests, and heart rate loading was recorded. To assess the magnitude and direction of the relationship between variables the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was calculated. In respect of AP, there was a significant correlation between the RCST and both the WAnT (r=0.63, p=0.012) and the RAST (r=0.67, p=0.006). In respect of PP, the RCST only correlated with the RAST (r=0.71, p=0.003). In respect of the FI, the RCST did not correlate with either the RAST or the WAnT (p>0.05). Post-test heart rate values in the RCST correlated with those in both the WAnT (r=0.88, p=0.001) and the RAST (r=0.77, p=0.001). Also, post-test blood-lactate levels in the RCST correlated with those in both the RAST (r=0.58, p=0.025) and the WAnT (r=0.54, p=0.039). In conclusion, the RCST can be a valid and practical field test for measuring anaerobic fitness in competitive futsal players.