Risiko-Screening im Handballsport – Welche funktionellen Tests sind sinnvoll?

Abstract

Applying functional tests in sports is one way to optimise injury prevention. Based on the results, corrective exercises may be recommended to address deficits. The aim of this study was to compare the results of selected functional tests with the occurrence of injuries in young handball players. Thirty-one players from youth teams of a Handball Bundesliga club participated in this study. In the run-up to the second half of the season, all players completed the Functional Movement Screen, the Y-balance test, front hop, side hop and square hop tests. All injuries that occurred after the tests were recorded until the end of the season. Within the investigation period, four non-contact and four contact injuries occurred. Players with non-contact injuries performed the side hop test with a limb symmetry index of 78 % (uninjured players and players with contact injuries: > 85 %) and the Y-balance test with a composite score of 87 % (uninjured players and players with contact injuries: > 90 %). Results of the Functional Movement Screen, the front and square hop tests did not differ between injured and uninjured players. The results of this study suggest that functional test batteries in handball should consider low-threshold as well as high-threshold tests. Based on this experience, the Y-balance test and the side hop test seem to be particularly suitable for handball athletes.