Effects of Water-Based Active Recovery on Physiological Responses and Skill Performance in Elite Futsal Players during an Intensive Training Program

Introduction: Futsal is a rapidly growing sport with high-intensity demands and limited recovery time, placing significant strain on players' physical systems. Active water-based recovery (AWBR) has been suggested to enhance physiological recovery and technical performance, but its effectiveness in futsal is not yet well studied. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the potential effects of bi-weekly aquatic-based recovery (AWBR) incorporated into an intensive-training block on physiological adaptations and skill performance indices in elite futsal players. Design: Twenty-four professional futsal players were purposefully categorized into two matched groups based on anthropometric and fitness characteristics. Both groups performed a six-week high-intensity training block (5 days/week; 85--90% HRmax). The AWBR group completed two sessions of recovery-based aquatics per week (low-intensity aquatic-based exercise; 30--40% HRmax), while the control group passively participated in recovery activities. Physiological measures (VO₂max, VO₂, HR, RQ, LAmax) were quantified using a modified Bruce treadmill test with a COSMED K5 analyzer, while skill performance (speed, accuracy, and total execution) was quantified from a common futsal skill test. Results: The AWBR group showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in aerobic capacity (VO₂max), recovery kinetics (VO₂, HR, RQ), speed, accuracy, and total execution compared to the control group. Additionally, the intriguingly high lactate levels (LAmax) noticed immediately following the exercise provided further evidence that the AWBR group relied heavily on anaerobic energy sources. Conclusions: Including AWBR in training sessions may aid elite futsal players' physical recovery and ability to retain skills throughout intense training sessions. To refine the application of AWBR and test its efficacy in the real world, more rigorous controlled trials with larger groups of players are needed.