Athletic Performance EnhancementFUTSAL-SQUAT-VNCT07644741
Load-Matched Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training in Elite Youth Futsal Players
A study testing Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training and Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training in people with Athletic Performance Enhancement and Futsal, run by Federal University of Vicosa at 1 site in Colombia.
Trial 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… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any age
- Conditions the study is for
- Athletic Performance Enhancement, Futsal, Sprint Performance
- What is being tested?
- Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training and Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 17 participants
- Where
- 1 siteColombia
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2023to 1 Nov 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- 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.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Velocity-Based Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training on Physical Performance in Elite Youth Futsal Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial
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.
Read the detailed description
Elite futsal requires repeated accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and lower-limb power actions within a compact playing area. Because many sport-specific actions occur under unilateral support, unilateral lower-body strength training is frequently proposed as a more specific conditioning strategy than bilateral strength training. However, previous comparative studies have often failed to equate training intensity objectively across unilateral and bilateral exercises.
This parallel-group randomised controlled trial was designed to compare unilateral and bilateral squat training under velocity-based training standardisation. Eligible elite youth futsal players were allocated to one of two training groups: unilateral squat training or bilateral squat training. Randomisation was conducted using matched pairs based on estimated one-repetition maximum and a permuted-block sequence generated in Epidat 2.0. Outcome assessors were masked to group allocation. Participants and training supervisors were not masked because blinding is not feasible in exercise modality interventions.
Both groups trained twice weekly for six weeks. Each session included three sets of six repetitions. The unilateral group performed six repetitions per leg per set using the single-leg squat, while the bilateral group performed six bilateral squat repetitions per set. Training intensity was prescribed using mean propulsive velocity targets: 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 passive recovery were provided between sets. All participants continued their usual futsal training programme during the intervention.
Assessments were performed at baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session. Testing included 10-metre and 20-metre sprint performance using photoelectric cells, bilateral countermovement jump testing, single-leg countermovement jump testing for both limbs, and progressive squat load assessment with a linear position transducer. Estimated one-repetition maximum was calculated from the mean propulsive velocity obtained during progressive squat loading.
- Being tested
- Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training, Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training
- Keywords
- neuromuscular adaptation, team sport, load-velocity profiling, inter-limb asymmetry, strength and conditioning
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat TrainingBehavioural
Participants assigned to the unilateral training arm completed a six-week supervised squat training programme using single-leg squats. Training was performed twice weekly. In each session, participants completed three sets of six repetitions per leg, with load prescribed using mean propulsive velocity.
Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat TrainingBehavioural
Participants assigned to the bilateral training arm completed a six-week supervised squat training programme using bilateral squats. Training was performed twice weekly. In each session, participants completed three sets of six repetitions, with load prescribed using mean propulsive velocity.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Receives: 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. Receives: Behavioral: Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: 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.
Measured: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Jun 2026
- Study start1 Aug 2023
- Primary completion1 Aug 2023
- Study completion1 Nov 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Athletic Performance EnhancementStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly allocated to one of two parallel active training groups: unilateral squat training or bilateral squat training.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 17 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Federal University of Vicosa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Édison Andrés Pérez Bedoya, Federal University of Vicosa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07644741
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUTSAL-SQUAT-VBT-01
- Acronym
- FUTSAL-SQUAT-V
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be publicly shared because the study involved a small cohort of elite youth athletes from an identifiable regional squad, which increases the risk of re-identification even after de-identification. Aggregated results are reported in the manuscript, and additional aggregate information may be made available upon reasonable academic request where ethically appropriate.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Velocity-Based Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training on Physical Performance in Elite Youth Futsal Players: A Randomised Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07644741
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUTSAL-SQUAT-V / FUTSAL-SQUAT-VBT-01
- Keywords
- neuromuscular adaptation, team sport, load-velocity profiling, inter-limb asymmetry, strength and conditioning
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 17 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Federal University of VicosaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Nov 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Elite futsal requires repeated accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and lower-limb power actions within a compact playing area. Because many sport-specific actions occur under unilateral support, unilateral lower-body strength training is frequently proposed as a more specific conditioning strategy than bilateral strength training. However, previous comparative studies have often failed to equate training intensity objectively across unilateral and bilateral exercises.
This parallel-group randomised controlled trial was designed to compare unilateral and bilateral squat training under velocity-based training standardisation. Eligible elite youth futsal players were allocated to one of two training groups: unilateral squat training or bilateral squat training. Randomisation was conducted using matched pairs based on estimated one-repetition maximum and a permuted-block sequence generated in Epidat 2.0. Outcome assessors were masked to group allocation. Participants and training supervisors were not masked because blinding is not feasible in exercise modality interventions.
Both groups trained twice weekly for six weeks. Each session included three sets of six repetitions. The unilateral group performed six repetitions per leg per set using the single-leg squat, while the bilateral group performed six bilateral squat repetitions per set. Training intensity was prescribed using mean propulsive velocity targets: 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 passive recovery were provided between sets. All participants continued their usual futsal training programme during the intervention.
Assessments were performed at baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session. Testing included 10-metre and 20-metre sprint performance using photoelectric cells, bilateral countermovement jump testing, single-leg countermovement jump testing for both limbs, and progressive squat load assessment with a linear position transducer. Estimated one-repetition maximum was calculated from the mean propulsive velocity obtained during progressive squat loading.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly allocated to one of two parallel active training groups: unilateral squat training or bilateral squat training.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Unilateral Squat Training | Experimental | Behavioral: Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat TrainingParticipants 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. |
| Bilateral Squat Training | Active comparator | Behavioral: Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat TrainingParticipants 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. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- 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.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat TrainingParticipants assigned to the unilateral training arm completed a six-week supervised squat training programme using single-leg squats. Training was performed twice weekly. In each session, participants completed three sets of six repetitions per leg, with load prescribed using mean propulsive velocity. | Behavioural | Unilateral Squat Training |
| Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat TrainingParticipants assigned to the bilateral training arm completed a six-week supervised squat training programme using bilateral squats. Training was performed twice weekly. In each session, participants completed three sets of six repetitions, with load prescribed using mean propulsive velocity. | Behavioural | Bilateral Squat Training |
Primary outcome
Change From Baseline in Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Change From Baseline in Right-Limb Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Change From Baseline in Left-Limb Single-Leg Countermovement Jump Height
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Change From Baseline in 10-Metre Sprint Time
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Change From Baseline in Estimated Squat One-Repetition Maximum
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be publicly shared because the study involved a small cohort of elite youth athletes from an identifiable regional squad, which increases the risk of re-identification even after de-identification. Aggregated results are reported in the manuscript, and additional aggregate information may be made available upon reasonable academic request where ethically appropriate.
Related trials for Athletic Performance Enhancement
Active, not recruiting
Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Physical Function, Muscle Adaptations, and Performance in Roller Skaters
Athletic Performance Enhancement
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Neuromuscular Function and Performance in Artistic Jump Rope Athletes
Neuromuscular Function, Athletic Performance Enhancement
Active, not recruiting
Effects of Microdosed Plyometric Training on Lower-Limb Neuromuscular Function and Sport-Specific Performance in Rope-Skipping Athletes
Athletic Performance Enhancement
Enrolling by invitation
Acute Effects of Bilateral Versus Unilateral Isometric Conditioning Activity on Jump Performance in Volleyball Players
Athletic Performance, Volleyball
Enrolling by invitation
NASM OPT for Pectoral Enhancement and Breast Firmness
Low Back Pain, Muscle Weakness
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training and Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training in people with Athletic Performance Enhancement and Futsal, run by Federal University of Vicosa at 1 site in Colombia.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Colombia. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change From Baseline in Countermovement Jump Height (time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Jun 2026.