Effects of an Eccentric Hamstrings Training on Components of Physical Performance in Young Female Handball Players.

Abstract

This study examined the effects of an 8-week Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training on components of physical performance in young female handball players. Participants were allocated to an experimental group (EG; n = 10; age: 15.9 [0.2]y) and a control group (CG; n = 9; age: 15.9 [0.3]y). The EG performed NHE (2-3sessions/wk) in replacement of some handball-specific drills, whereas the CG followed regular handball training. Pretraining and posttraining tests were carried out for the assessment of sprint speed (5m, 10m, and 20m), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ] height), change-of-direction (t test), and repeated-sprint ability (RSA total time [RSAtotal], RSA best time [RSAbest], and RSA fatigue index [RSAFI]). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Within-group analyses for the EG showed moderate performance improvements for 5, 10, and 20m (effect size [ES] = 0.68-0.82), t test (ES = 0.74), and CMJ (ES = 0.85). Trivial to small improvements were observed for RSA (ES = -0.06 to 0.35). For the CG, within-group outcomes showed performance decrements with moderate (t test [ES = 0.71]), small (5m [ES = 0.46] and RSAbest [ES = 0.20]), and trivial magnitude (10m [ES = 0.10], 20m [ES = 0.16], and RSAtotal [ES = 0.00]). Furthermore, trivial to small performance improvements were found for CMJ (ES = 0.10) and RSAFI (ES = 0.5). Between-group analyses revealed small to large effects in favor of EG for 5m (ES = 1.07), 10m (ES = 0.66), 20m (ES = 0.53), t test (ES = 1.38), and RSA (ES = 0.68-0.78). A trivial between-group difference was demonstrated for CMJ (ES = -0.01). The NHE training intervention, in replacement of some handball-specific drills, was more effective than regular handball training in improving physical performance (ie,linear sprint time, jumping, change-of-direction, and RSA) in young female handball players.