Effects of non and male futsal performance linear pedagogy and differential learning on neuromuscular adaptation

Efforts to identify the most effective educational methods, i.e. linear (LP), non-linear (NLP), and differential (DL) for motor learning has increased. This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to compare LP, NLP, and DL on neuromuscular adaptation and futsal shooting performance. For the selection of this study, 52 male university students (age = 25.87 ± 2.63) who play futsal recreationally were randomly assigned to one of three training groups; LP (n = 19), NLP (n = 15) and DL (n = 18). Each group participated in 24 training sessions (two 90-minute sessions per week over the course of 12 weeks). Neuromuscular adaptation was evaluated by TMS method and futsal shot (pre-test, post-test, and retention) with a valid test. The results revealed that in futsal shooting performance, the NLP group demonstrated a large and statistically significant advantage over the DL group immediately following training (post-test: p < 0.001). However, this advantage was not maintained, as there was no significant difference between NLP and DL (NLP > DL) at the retention test (p = 0.998). The NLP and DL groups both significantly outperformed the LP group at all time points. For the MEP variable, the post-hoc comparisons revealed no significant differences between the NLP and DL (NLP > DL) groups at either post-test or retention (both p = 0.999). Therefore, it is suggested to the practitioners to manipulate key task constraints to provide more exploration and flexibility, while recognizing that both NLP and DL can be effective approaches in recreational futsal training.