The relationship between lower-limb body composition with isokinetic performance in futsal players: Body composition and performance in futsal players

BACKGROUND: Optimal neuromuscular performance is essential for futsal athletes and it has been linked to body composition. AIM: The present study aimed to verify the relationship between absolute (total amount; kg) and relative (percentage; %) lower-limb and thigh lean and fat mass with isometric and dynamic maximal strength in professional futsal players. METHOD: Sixteen male elite futsal athletes participated in this study. Unilateral lower-limb and thigh lean and fat mass were evaluated using DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) and strength performance using unilateral isokinetic concentric-eccentric knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) peak torque (PT), KE and KF isometric PT at 30° and 70°, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratios (H:Q). RESULTS: Unilateral lower-limb lean mass amount showed a significant positive correlation with concentric and isometric KE PT (60°/s: r=0.58; 30°: r=0.55; 70°: r=0.65), and with concentric (60°/s: r=0.61), eccentric (60°/s: r=0.67) and isometric (30°:r=0.79; 70°: r=0.70) KF PT. No significant relationship between lower-limb lean and fat mass percentage with isokinetic performance was verified. Thigh lean mass amount had a significant positive correlation with concentric and isometric KE PT (60°/s:r=0.52; 30°: r=0.51; 70°: r=0.84) and also with concentric (60°/s: r=0.75) and eccentric KF PT (60°/s:r=0.54), while thigh fat mass amount was only associated with eccentric KF PT (r=0.54). No significant correlation between lower-limb and thigh body composition with H:Q ratios was observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, contrary to the relative (%) values, absolute (kg) lower-limb and thigh fat and lean mass present a significant correlation with dynamic and isometric KE and KF performance in futsal players.