Abstract
Aim: The present study aimed to screen for differences in isokinetic peak torque, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio, and proprioception within the lower limbs of female handball athletes. Methods: Twelve college-level female handball athletes with no previous experience with resistance training performed five maximal isokinetic contractions of the knee extensors and knee flexors to determine isokinetic peak torque and hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios. Proprioception was determined by assessing passive position sense on an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The athletes presented significantly greater (p < 0.01) knee extensors isometric peak torque for the jumping limb (144.9 ± 23.1) when compared to the non-jumping limb (132.9 ± 21.5). The Hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio was below 0.6 for both limbs, being significantly greater (p < 0.01) for the non-jumping limb (0.56 ± 0.08) when compared to the jumping limb (0.50 ± 0.08). Conclusion: Female handball athletes that do not engage in resistance training can experience functional bilateral asymmetries in the knee extensors and knee-joint instability, as assessed by the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio due to the asymmetric characteristics of handball. Regular strength training might correct such asymmetries and instabilities.
Highlights
Handball (HB) is an invasion-based collective sport in which players must physically and technically overcome their opponents in order to score goals[1]
The present study aimed to screen for differences in isokinetic peak torque, H/Qratio, and proprioception within the lower limbs of female HB athletes
Special Issue: Women and Physical Exercise greater (p < 0.01) for the jumping limb (JL) when compared to the NJL
Summary
Handball (HB) is an invasion-based collective sport in which players must physically and technically overcome their opponents in order to score goals[1]. It is usually classified as predominantly aerobic by some authors, athletes frequently perform high-intensity powerful efforts like jumps, shots, and tackles during matches[2,3]. To optimally perform such athletic actions, professional athletes tend to present greater stature, body mass, arm span, and muscle power compared to general populations[4,5,6]. Even though professional athletes can successfully perform most of the key actions (i.e., passes, shots and receptions) in HB with both limbs, they usually prefer to perform them with their dominant upper limb[9,10,11]
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