Evolution of physiological responses and quantification of neuromuscular fatigue during competition in male amateur padel players

Although research on padel has increased in recent decades, the evolution of physiological responses and the analysis of muscular fatigue during competition have been scarcely investigated. This study aimed to analyze the progression of physiological responses and neuromuscular capacity throughout matches in amateur padel players. A total of 52 amateur players participated. Heart rate (HR peak , HR avg ), time in intensity zones (Z1–Z4), and internal load (TRIMP Edwards ) were recorded across sets. Countermovement jump (CMJ) and handgrip strength were assessed pre- and post-set. Significant rises were observed in HR peak and HR avg between set (S) 1 and S2 ( p ≤ 0.035, d = −0.16 to −0.17, no effect). Regarding time spent in Z2 and Z3, notable increases were found between S2 and S3 ( p ≤ 0.006, d = −0.71 to −0.86). For Z4, significant increases were also observed between S1 and S2 ( p = 0.047, d = −0.26), and between S2 and S3 ( p = 0.043, d = −0.58). Moreover, TRIMP Edwards significantly increased from S1 to S3 ( p < 0.001, d = −1.18) and from S2 to S3 ( p < 0.001, d = −1.32), indicating greater physiological demands in the final sets. No performance decline associated with fatigue was observed in CMJ or handgrip tests. The highest physiological demands occurred in the third set, highlighting the need to train cardiovascular endurance and the ability to sustain high-intensity efforts.