Association of Hamstring Flexibility and Skills Performance among Collegiate Recreational Futsal Players in Subang Jaya, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Muscle flexibility is one of the most vital aspects of fitness and health that plays an
important role in the human body functions. In sports such as futsal, lower limb musculature has
its principle function that the properties of these muscles influence performance and skills within
the sport. The specific performance traits such as speed, power, and endurance were widely studied
however, the specific skills and attributes of futsal sports pass accuracy, ball control, trapping,
reflex, consistency, and agility in association with hamstring flexibility were not much reported.
Objective: This study aims to find the association between hamstring flexibility and skills
performance of collegiate recreational futsal players.
Methodology: This study includes 100 volunteered male collegiate recreational futsal players with
ages range18-25 years. The participants' hamstring flexibility was tested by using V-sit and reach
test and the futsal skills performance with the McDonald soccer skill test. The data were analyzed
statistically to find the association using Pearson’s Correlation and Linear regression.
Results: The participants showed a strong association between hamstring flexibility and futsal
skill performance with r = 0.701, p= <0.001. Linear regression analysis showed a strong
association and predictor value for hamstring flexibility as a factor for futsal skills performance
scores with r^2 = 0.492.
Conclusion: The study concludes hamstring flexibility is an integral part and plays a major role
in the betterment of futsal skills performances unique to the specific game, besides it pivotal in
maintaining performance and reducing the risk of injuries among players.