Effects of Exercise-Based Programmes on Injury Incidence and Physical and Neuromuscular Outcomes in Futsal Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Exercise programmes effectively prevent sports injuries and enhance neuromuscular parameters, but their impact on futsal performance remains understudied. Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate the effects of exercise-based programmes on injury outcomes in futsal players. The secondary objective was to assess their effects on physical and neuromuscular outcomes potentially associated with injury risk. Material and Methods: A search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, risk of bias using the RoB 2 tool, and certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. A meta-analysis was performed using the Hedges’ g adjustment. Results: Fifteen reports corresponding to 12 unique studies and 405 randomized participants met the eligibility criteria. Two studies assessed direct injury outcomes. One reported significantly lower exposure-adjusted injury rates following the FIFA 11+ programme, whereas the other reported fewer injury events without a statistically significant between-group difference. Owing to differences in injury definitions and denominators, these findings were synthesized narratively. Random-effects meta-analyses showed significant effects favouring exercise-based programmes for muscle power (Hedges’ g = 0.616; 95% CI, 0.131 to 1.101; p = 0.013), muscle strength (g = 1.972; 95% CI, 0.214 to 3.731; p = 0.028), and flexibility (g = 0.569; 95% CI, 0.029 to 1.108; p = 0.039). The certainty of evidence was very low for injury outcomes and muscle strength and low for muscle power and flexibility. Conclusions: Exercise-based programmes may improve several physical and neuromuscular outcomes in futsal players. However, direct evidence regarding injury prevention is limited to two studies, and improvements in performance-related or biomechanical outcomes should not be interpreted as confirmation of a reduction in injury incidence.