An interventional study of Velocity-Based Unilateral Squat Training and Velocity-Based Bilateral Squat Training in Athletic Performance Enhancement, Futsal and Sprint Performance, sponsored by Federal University of Vicosa. Completed at 1 site in Colombia. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-15.
Sponsored by Federal University of Vicosa · Not applicable, Interventional, and Other
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.
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.
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Exclusion Criteria
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: 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.
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
Change From Baseline in 20-Metre Sprint Time
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.
Time frame: Baseline and within 72 hours after the final training session
Plan to share: 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.
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Federal University of Vicosa