Assessment of Neuromuscular Fatigue 24 hours After a Futsal Simulated Protocol in University Female Athletes.

The purpose of this study was to identify changes in neuromuscular performance variables evaluated through the countermovement jump test before and after (0 hours, after session and 24h post) of a simulated futsal protocol in young university female athletes. Fourteen eumenorrheic, healthy and experienced female futsal players were randomly assigned to an intervention group n = 7) or a control group (n = 7). Both groups performed three countermovement jumps before and after the protocol using an inertial system device. The intervention group completed a short-term functional agility and fatigue protocol that simulated the characteristics of futsal, while the control group did not perform any exercise. The results showed a reduction in peak flight time (p = 0.049; d = 0.586), peak concentric work (p = 0.03; d = 1.819) and peak maximum force (p = 0.02; d = 0.782) comparing experimental and control group. No changes in other variables examined were noted between conditions (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that the changes in neuromuscular performance variables, evaluated through a simulated protocol, are established as determinants in the definition of peripheral fatigue in futsal practitioners until 24 h after a demanding intervention.