Abstract
PurposeThis study examined the effects of a 10-week combined upper and lower limb plyometric training (ULLPT) programs on components of physical performance in young female handball players.MethodsParticipants aged 15.8 ± 0.2 years were randomly assigned between the experimental (EG; n = 17) and control (CG; n = 17) groups. Two-way analyses of performance (group × time) assessed changes in handgrip force, back extensor strength; medicine ball throwing, 30-m sprint times, change of direction (CoD) [Modified Illinois test (Illinois-MT)], four jumping tests [squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with arms (CMJA) and 5 jump test (5JT), static and dynamic balance, and repeated sprint T-test scores (RSTT)].ResultsAfter 10 weeks of plyometric training (two sessions per week), group × time interactions showed significant changes in EG relative to CG in right and left handgrip force, back extensor strength and medicine ball throwing [p < 0.001, d = 1.51 (large); p < 0.0001, d = 0.85 (large); p < 0.001, d = 0.90 (large); p < 0.0001, d = 0.52 (medium), respectively]. Group × time interactions also showed improvements of EG relative to CG in sprint times [5 m (p = 0.02, d = 0.80 (large)); 10 m (p < 0.0001, d = 1.00 (large)); 20 m (p = 0.02, d = 1.41 (large)); and 30 m (p = 0.02, d = 2.60 (large))], CoD [Illinois-MT (p < 0.001, d = 1.58 (large))] and jumping [(SJ, CMJ, CMJA, and 5JT, p = 0.001, d = 0.87 (large); p < 0.001, d = 1.17 (large); p < 0.001, d = 1.15 (large); and p = 0.006, d = 0.71 (medium)) respectively]. Further, all RSTT scores (best time, mean time, total time, and fatigue index) improved significantly in the experimental group, with group × time interactions varying between p < 0.001 and p = 0.049 (d value large to medium). However, balance did not differ significantly between EG and CG.ConclusionWe conclude that 10 weeks of ULLPT improved many measures of physical performance in young female handball players.
Highlights
MATERIALS AND METHODSThe muscular power and strength of both the upper and the lower limbs are key contributors to performance in handball (Michalsik and Aagaard, 2015; Wagner et al, 2018), and plyometric training with quick and powerful multi-joint movements like jumping, hopping, and skipping is frequently used in handball to improve these aspects of a player’s physical fitness (Chaabene et al, 2019; Hammami et al, 2019; Prieske et al, 2019)
All repeated sprint T-test scores (RSTT) scores improved significantly in the experimental group, with group × time interactions varying between p < 0.001 and p = 0.049 (d value large to medium)
We conclude that 10 weeks of upper and lower limb plyometric training (ULLPT) improved many measures of physical performance in young female handball players
Summary
The muscular power and strength of both the upper and the lower limbs are key contributors to performance in handball (Michalsik and Aagaard, 2015; Wagner et al, 2018), and plyometric training with quick and powerful multi-joint movements like jumping, hopping, and skipping is frequently used in handball to improve these aspects of a player’s physical fitness (Chaabene et al, 2019; Hammami et al, 2019; Prieske et al, 2019). The ability to perform repeated sprints and changes of direction is regarded by many coaches and researchers as an important predictor of superior performance in intermittent and team sports (Wong Del et al, 2012)
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