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BACKGROUND: Optimal neuromuscular performance is essential for futsal athletes and it has been linked to body composition. AIM: The present study aimed to verify the relationship between absolute (total amount; kg) and relative (percentage; %) lower-limb and thigh lean and fat mass with isometric and dynamic maximal strength in professional futsal players. METHOD: Sixteen male elite futsal athletes participated in this study. Unilateral lower-limb and thigh lean and fat mass were evaluated using DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) and strength performance using unilateral isokinetic concentric-eccentric knee extension (KE) and flexion (KF) peak torque (PT), KE and KF isometric PT at 30° and 70°, and hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratios (H:Q). RESULTS: Unilateral lower-limb lean mass amount showed a significant positive correlation with concentric and isometric KE PT (60°/s: r=0.58; 30°: r=0.55; 70°: r=0.65), and with concentric (60°/s: r=0.61), eccentric (60°/s: r=0.67) and isometric (30°:r=0.79; 70°: r=0.70) KF PT. No significant relationship between lower-limb lean and fat mass percentage with isokinetic performance was verified. Thigh lean mass amount had a significant positive correlation with concentric and isometric KE PT (60°/s:r=0.52; 30°: r=0.51; 70°: r=0.84) and also with concentric (60°/s: r=0.75) and eccentric KF PT (60°/s:r=0.54), while thigh fat mass amount was only associated with eccentric KF PT (r=0.54). No significant correlation between lower-limb and thigh body composition with H:Q ratios was observed. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, contrary to the relative (%) values, absolute (kg) lower-limb and thigh fat and lean mass present a significant correlation with dynamic and isometric KE and KF performance in futsal players.

Introduction: Futsal is a sport that requires nutritional support to support the high-energy expenditure and significant loss of fluids and electrolytes during training and matches. It is important that high-level athletes follow appropriate, evidence-based nutrition. To our knowledge, there is a lack of data on the eating habits and nutrition knowledge of Futsal players. Therefore, this study aims to describe the nutritional knowledge and eating habits of players of the national Brazilian Futsal Team. A secondary aim was to translate the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Questionnaire into Portuguese for use in Portuguese-speaking athletes. Material and methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The evaluations were carried out during the preparation period of the Brazilian Futsal Team for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2020 qualifiers.  We evaluated anthropometry (weight, height, body mass index) nutritional knowledge (assessed using a translated version of the Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire) and eating habits (assessed using a validated Brazilian FFQ), as well as supplement use. The translation of the ANSKQ was undertaken using previous validated forward-backward translation procedures. Results: The mean total correct score on the ANSKQ was 12 out of a possible 35 (34.45%). The mean total correct score on the ANSKQ was 12 out of a possible 35 (34.45%). Players had a statistically significantly higher score for “General Nutrition” knowledge than Sports Nutrition Knowledge (47.27% vs 28.53%, p<0.005). Futsal players had infrequent consumption of the food group "Milk and dairy products", and frequent consumption of "Snacks" as well as fruits. Regarding dietary supplements, 46% of athletes said they consume, or previously consumed, with Whey Protein being the most common supplement. Conclusions: There is room from improvement in athletes nutrition knowledge, especially sports specific knowledge. Futsal players may also require education on appropriate supplement use and dietary intake.