Load-Matched Unilateral Versus Bilateral Squat Training in Elite Youth Futsal Players (FUTSAL-SQUAT-V)

June 11, 2026 updated by: Édison Andrés Pérez Bedoya, Federal University of Vicosa

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.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

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 Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
17

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • Colombia
    • Antioquia
      • Guarne, Antioquia, Colombia, 054080
        • Tecnológico de Antioquia

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria

  • 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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Other
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Unilateral Squat Training
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
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.
Active Comparator: Bilateral Squat Training
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
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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
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.
Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
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.
Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

Other Outcome Measures

Other Outcome Measures

For clinical trials, a planned measurement described in the protocol that is used to determine the effect of an intervention/treatment on participants. For observational studies, a measurement or observation that is used to describe patterns of diseases or traits, or associations with exposures, risk factors, or treatment. Types of outcome measures include primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change From Baseline in 20-Metre Sprint Time
Time Frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
Sprint performance over 20 metres was assessed using photoelectric timing gates positioned at 0, 10, and 20 metres. Participants completed two maximal sprint trials separated by passive recovery, and the fastest trial was retained. This outcome was retained as descriptive because a relevant baseline imbalance was observed between groups.
Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Federal University of Vicosa

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
August 1, 2023

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
August 1, 2023

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
November 1, 2023

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
June 9, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
June 9, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
June 12, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
June 15, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
June 11, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • FUTSAL-SQUAT-VBT-01

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

IPD Plan Description

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.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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