Lower Limb Strength, Core Endurance, and Agility in Adolescent Male Futsal Players

Abstract

Background: Futsal is a high-intensity intermittent sport requiring rapid acceleration, deceleration, and repeated changes of direction, making agility an essential performance component. Lower limb muscle strength and core muscle endurance are considered important physical factors associated with agility performance; however, evidence among adolescent futsal players remains limited.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and core muscle endurance with agility in adolescent male futsal players in Denpasar City.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 60 male futsal players aged 13–18 years recruited from futsal clubs in Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia, between March and April 2026. Lower limb muscle strength was measured using a leg dynamometer, core muscle endurance using the McGill’s Torso Endurance Test, and agility using the T-Test Agility. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rho correlation and multiple linear regression at p < 0.05. 
Results: Lower limb muscle strength showed a significant negative correlation with agility (r = −0.770; p < 0.001), while core muscle endurance also demonstrated a significant negative correlation with agility (r = −0.787; p < 0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that lower limb muscle strength (B = −0.013; p = 0.024) and core muscle endurance (B = −0.021; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with agility performance.
Conclusion: Lower limb muscle strength and core muscle endurance were significantly associated with agility in adolescent male futsal players.