Load-Matched Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training in Elite Youth Futsal Players

NCT07644741 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: FUTSAL-SQUAT-VBT-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 17
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomised controlled trial compared the effects of two load-matched squat training modalities on physical performance in elite youth futsal players. Seventeen players from the Antioqueña regional futsal squad in Colombia were randomly allocated to either a unilateral squat training group or a bilateral squat training group. Both groups completed a six-week velocity-based training programme, with two supervised sessions per week, while continuing their usual futsal training. Training intensity was prescribed using mean propulsive velocity targets across three two-week blocks. The main outcomes were countermovement jump height, single-leg countermovement jump height for the right and left limbs, 10-metre sprint time, and estimated squat one-repetition maximum. Secondary descriptive data included 20-metre sprint time. The study aimed to determine whether unilateral squat training produced superior adaptations compared with bilateral squat training when training load was objectively standardised.

Conditions

Athletic Performance Enhancement; Futsal; Sprint Performance; Jump Performance

Keywords

neuromuscular adaptation; team sport; load-velocity profiling; inter-limb asymmetry; strength and conditioning

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Change From Baseline in Countermovement Jump Height

  Countermovement jump height was assessed using a contact mat system following a standardised jump protocol. Participants performed five valid trials, and the mean of the middle three trials was used for analysis after discarding the highest and lowest values. Higher values indicate better lower-limb explosive performance.

  Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

• Change From Baseline in Right-Limb Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height

  Right-limb single-leg countermovement jump height was assessed using a contact mat system. Participants performed unilateral jump trials using the right limb, and the mean of valid trials was used for analysis. Higher values indicate better unilateral lower-limb explosive performance.

  Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

• Change From Baseline in Left-Limb Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height

  Left-limb single-leg countermovement jump height was assessed using a contact mat system. Participants performed unilateral jump trials using the left limb, and the mean of valid trials was used for analysis. Higher values indicate better unilateral lower-limb explosive performance.

  Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

• Change From Baseline in 10-Metre Sprint Time

  Sprint acceleration performance was assessed over 10 metres using photoelectric timing gates positioned at 0 and 10 metres. Participants completed two maximal sprint trials separated by passive recovery, and the fastest trial was retained for analysis. Lower values indicate better sprint performance.

  Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

• Change From Baseline in Estimated Squat One-Repetition Maximum

  Estimated squat one-repetition maximum was calculated from progressive squat load testing using mean propulsive velocity recorded with a linear position transducer. The highest-velocity repetition at each load was retained, and one-repetition maximum was estimated using a validated load-velocity equation. Higher values indicate greater maximal strength.

  Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

Other Outcomes (1)

• Change From Baseline in 20-Metre Sprint Time

  Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

Study Arms (2)

Unilateral Squat Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants allocated to this group completed six weeks of unilateral squat training. Training was performed twice weekly, with three sets of six repetitions per leg per session. Training intensity was prescribed using velocity-based training targets based on mean propulsive velocity. Target mean propulsive velocities were 1.00 metres per second during weeks 1-2, 0.92 metres per second during weeks 3-4, and 0.85 metres per second during weeks 5-6. Three minutes of recovery were provided between sets. Participants continued their usual futsal training during the intervention period.

Behavioral: Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training

Bilateral Squat Training

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants allocated to this group completed six weeks of bilateral squat training. Training was performed twice weekly, with three sets of six repetitions per session. Training intensity was prescribed using velocity-based training targets based on mean propulsive velocity. Target mean propulsive velocities were 1.00 metres per second during weeks 1-2, 0.92 metres per second during weeks 3-4, and 0.85 metres per second during weeks 5-6. Three minutes of recovery were provided between sets. Participants continued their usual futsal training during the intervention period.

Behavioral: Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training

Interventions

Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training BEHAVIORAL

A six-week supervised unilateral squat training programme prescribed using mean propulsive velocity. Participants performed single-leg squats twice weekly, with volume standardised at three sets of six repetitions per leg per session.

Unilateral Squat Training

Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training BEHAVIORAL

A six-week supervised bilateral squat training programme prescribed using mean propulsive velocity. Participants performed bilateral squats twice weekly, with volume standardised at three sets of six repetitions per session.

Bilateral Squat Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Competitive futsal experience of at least two years.
• Affiliation with the Antioqueña regional futsal squad.
• Technical proficiency in bilateral squat and single-leg squat execution, verified by an accredited specialist.
• No musculoskeletal injury during the three months before enrolment.
• No pharmacological, ergogenic, or supplementary intervention likely to influence physical performance.
• Exclusive participation in standard futsal training during the intervention period.
• Written informed assent from the participant and written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian when required by age.

You may not qualify if:

• Musculoskeletal injury during the three months before enrolment.
• Inability to perform bilateral or single-leg squat exercises with acceptable technique.
• Participation in another structured lower-limb strength training programme during the study period.
• Use of pharmacological, ergogenic, or supplementary interventions likely to affect performance.
• Failure to complete baseline testing, the training intervention, or post-intervention testing.
• Withdrawal of participant assent or parental/legal guardian consent.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Federal University of Vicosa: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tecnológico de Antioquia

Guarne, Antioquia, 054080, Colombia

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Outcome assessors and data collectors were masked to group allocation. Participants and training supervisors were not masked because the allocated exercise modality was visible during training.
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants were randomly allocated to one of two parallel active training groups: unilateral squat training or bilateral squat training.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 9, 2026
• First Posted: June 12, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2023
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2023
• Study Completion: November 1, 2023
• Last Updated: June 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CO (1)