The Effectiveness Of Futsal As A Game-Simulated Exercise For Promoting Weight Loss And Metabolic Health In Overweight/Obese Men

ABSTRACT

@#Small-sided recreational soccer or futsal is associated with near maximal heart rates during training and has been shown to induce favourable metabolic and cardiorespiratory adaptations. It remains unclear, however, whether regular participation in futsal among overweight/obese individuals is effective in improving body composition and metabolic health. The purpose of this study was to determine if futsal can be an alternative method of exercise to promote weight loss and improve metabolic health in overweight/obese men. Eight overweight, untrained male participants (age: 29.5 ± 3.1 years; BMI: 31.2 ± 6.6 kg/m2 ) took part in a 12-week intervention consisted of 4-a-side matches, once or twice weekly. Each game lasted for 60 minutes (4 x 10-min) with 3 minutes active rest between each game. All sessions were conducted in a warm-humid outdoor environment. Exercise heart rates, urine specific gravity and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded during each training session. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and post intervention for analysis of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein (LDL-C). Similarly, body composition analysis was analysed pre and post intervention. The average of percentage of exercise heart rates across the 12 weeks of training was at 77.8 ± 4% of heart rate maximum. Body weight did not change significantly following the intervention, however, an average of 4.5% reduction in body fat percentage (p=0.006) was observed. TG levels were increased following the intervention (1.9 ± 0.7 vs. 2.4 ± 1.0 mmol/L), but no changes were detected in FBG (5.5 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L), CHOL (6.0 ± 1.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.1 mmol/L), HDL (1.1 ± 0.2 vs. 1.0 ± 0.1 mmol/L) and LDL (4.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.8 ± 0.9 mmol/L) levels, as well as blood pressure. In conclusion, the 4-a-side futsal intervention over a 12-week period resulted in lower body fat percentage in untrained, overweight/obese men, without significant improvements in metabolic health parameters. Due to the intermittent nature of the game, there is a potential for futsal to produce greater benefits if the intensities were maintained at higher intensities.