Elite Handball Research Articles

Analysis of the relationship between upper body speed capacity and lower body strength of elite handball players specialized in winger position

Background and Study Aim. The physical demands of the winger position in elite handball require a unique combination of upper body speed and lower body strength. Therefore, identifying the optimal relationship between these two physical characteristics could improve performance for players in this role. This study aims to analyze the relationship between upper body speed capacity and lower body strength in elite handball players specializing in the winger position. Material and Methods. The study included 16 elite handball players specializing in the winger position from various teams in the National Handball League (Liga Zimbrilor). Four of these players were members of the Dinamo Bucharest team. Tests for evaluating the explosive strength of the lower limbs included the Squat Jump (SJ), Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Counter Movement Jump with Free Arms (CMJb), and the maximum strength test (1RM) in squats. Specific technical training tests included triangular movement, a 30-meter sprint, and long-distance handball throws, focusing on speed and execution technique. Data analysis was conducted using KyPlot 6.0 software. Statistical indicators included median, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and non-parametric Spearman correlation tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results. The results show no statistically significant differences in lower limb strength between high-performance handball players (HPHP) and those specialized in the winger position (PSW) across various jump and squat tests (p > 0.05). The Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test approached statistical significance (p = 0.084), while the CMJ with free arms (CMJb) and squat strength test did not show significant differences (p = 0.231 and p = 0.789, respectively). In the specific fitness tests, no significant differences were observed in the Triangle Movement test (p = 0.826), the 30-meter sprint (p = 0.404), or the handball throw test (p = 0.147). Correlation analysis indicated that squats and CMJb had positive correlations with improved performance in speed and distance tests, while CMJ showed a negative correlation with technical performance in agility tests. Conclusions. The findings suggest that lower limb strength and technical fitness are similar between elite handball players, regardless of specialization. This supports a unified training approach across player roles. However, targeted exercises like squats and CMJb may enhance specific performance aspects. These exercises improve dynamic strength and stability, which can benefit wingers' technical execution and speed.

Analysis of Game Variables and Influence on Defensive Success in Elite Handball

Background: The analysis of defensive game variables in handball is essential to increase the performance of a team. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse defensive success based on the game variables and situational variables that predict defensive efficiency in elite handball. Methods: The sample was composed of 1925 competition units in the defensive phase. Data from 16 matches of the XXIII Men's Handball World Championship of 2013 were analysed. The dependent variable was the defensive efficiency in each unit, and the independent variables were defensive actions, zones of field, location of the shot, numerical situation, and duration of the defense. Data were obtained from the HandballTAS tool (Handball Tactic Analysis System). The collected data were analysed quantitatively through inferential statistics (independent sample t-test) with the assistance of SPSS 22.0. Results: The defenses analysed in which an offensive foul, a ball recovery or steal, a throw block and a passive play action were recorded, achieved defensive success. In the analysis of field areas, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in shots from zone 1, with 60%, and from zone 2, with 54%. The highest percentages of goalkeeper effectiveness correspond to the middle zone, and the central zone. The greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in a warning of passive play situation with 70% and in numerical superiority situation with 67%. Finally, in the analysis of the duration, the greatest defensive efficiency was obtained in the half defenses (26 ≤ 50 seconds) with 60%. Conclusion: This study serves to demonstrate which defensive game variables have the greatest influence on defensive efficiency. This aspect will serve to help the coach make decisions during a handball match and increase the probability of success in each defense.

Analyzing the effects of competitive fatigue on body composition and functional capacities of youth elite handball players

Handball demands intense movements like rapid direction changes and physical contact. Consecutive competitions expose player fatigue and weaknesses due to the sport’s exhaustive nature. Therefore, the aims of this study are twofold: (i) to investigate the impact of competitive fatigue on the body composition of youth elite handball players, and (ii) to analyze the impact of concentrated competition on their functional capacity performance. Seventeen young male handball players (age: 16.2 years, height; 177.8 cm, body mass: 73.0 kg) were assessed twenty-four hours before (TM1) and after the competitive period (TM2) in body composition, static strength, lower- and upper-body explosive strength, speed, agility, balance, and flexibility indicators. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was conducted to assess differences in body composition and functional capacities assessment between TM1 and TM2. Regarding results, body mass significantly increased in TM2 (p < 0.01), while increases in waist circumference and body fat percentage were not statistically significant. Functional capacity assessments revealed a significant decline in jumping performance (CMJ and SJ; p ≤ 0.01). Speed and agility assessments showed worse performance in TM2, significantly increasing 30 m sprint time (p ≤ 0.01). Balance indicators showed no significant differences, with mixed results in performance across different conditions. In sum, evaluating vertical jumps and long-distance maximum speed (i.e., 30 meters) could be valid tests for measuring and controlling fatigue in young elite handball players. Future research should regularly monitor young handballers after the competition to analyze the entire fatigue recovery process.

Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutritional Knowledge of Elite Handball Players.

Nutrition affects both body composition and, consequently, athletic performance. Only a few studies have assessed the nutritional behavior and knowledge of elite players. The present study aimed to assess the dietary intake, body composition, and nutritional knowledge of elite handball players. Thirty-nine handball players (age: 23.2 ± 2.7 years, weight: 88.2 ± 10.1 kg, height: 1.87 ± 0.07 m, and years of training: 13 ± 2) participated in the study. The athletes completed a set of anthropometric measurements, a 24 h food recall, and a translated edition of Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (A-NSKQ). The average body fat percentage was 16.7 ± 3.8%, while the average fat free mass was 73.9 ± 8.5 kg. The athletes' average daily energy intake was 2606.6 ± 756 kcal, while the average daily intake for carbohydrates, proteins, and fats was 243.85 ± 107.79 g [2.8 ± 1.3 g/kg BW/d-37.2 ± 10.5% of Total Energy Intake (TEI)], 131.59 ± 53.28 g (1.51 ± 0.7 g/kg BW/d-20.3 ± 6.9% of TEI), and 117.65 ± 40.52 g (40.9 ± 9.9% of TEI), respectively. For iron, calcium, and vitamin D, the average daily intakes were 19.33 ± 10.22 mg, 1287.7 ± 676.42 mg, and 3.22 ± 3.57 mcg respectively. The average success rate on the A-NSKQ was only 38.5 ± 10.7% out of 100. Elite handball players exhibit inadequate dietary intake and sports nutrition knowledge. Nutritional education should be a primary concern towards the amelioration of their athletic performance.

Hip joint motion amplitude control based on exponential product formula

Background: Handball is a team sport, and during a game, there is a lot of direct squabbling and close contact between the players. Objective: The goal of the research is to determine how handball training affected several aspects of physical fitness. The study also investigates the relationship between playing handball, passive hip range of motion (ROM), and the development of radiologically detectable hip osteoarthritis (OA) in formerly elite handball players. The research employed the exponential product algorithm for evaluating bilateral radiographs to classify and diagnose hip OA. This technique most likely evaluated subchondral sclerosis, osteophyte formation, joint space narrowing, and other radiological signs of OA in the individuals’ hip joints. Methods: The relationship among the risk of hip OA in long-term top handball players is explored, as well as the connections among hip ROM, OA, and pain. The research was conducted using a sample size of 20 ex-professional handball players and 39 control subjects. Information on demographics, loading patterns during exercise, and history of lower limb joint injury were gathered via a questionnaire. The inclusion criteria for individuals consisted former professional handball players with significant elite-level competitive experience, as well as control subjects with no background of high-impact sports. Confounding characteristics such as age, gender, and previous lower limb joint injuries were carefully controlled for using extensive demographic and injury history evaluations. To identify and categorize hip OA, bilateral radiographs were analyzed using the exponential product algorithm. The goniometer was used to assess the bilateral passive hip ROM. Long-term participation in elite handball at a high level was found to have a strong correlation with the hip development of osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty percent of handball players had been identified with OA in at least one hip joint, compared to only thirteen percent of control patients. Results: Hip flexion and medial rotation in the handball players were significantly decreased, whereas abduction, extension, and lateral rotation were increased considerably compared to the control values. When doing daily activities, the hip joints of the handball players with OA were less painful than those of the OA-afflicted control participants. Retired handball players seem to be at a much higher risk than the general population for developing early hip OA. Conclusion: The repetitive nature of handball-specific movements may result in anomalies that are seldom seen in the general population, which makes diagnosing pain and discomfort a challenging diagnostic challenge for sports physicians.

دراسة مقارنة لمستوى التصور العقلي للاعبين وفقاً لمراكز اللعب بكرة اليد

The research problem was represented by the following question: Do elite handball club players differ in their level of mental perception according to their playing positions on the field? The research aimed to identify the mental level of elite handball club players for the 2023-2024 sports season, as well as to identify the differences in the mental level between players according to playing positions. The researcher used the descriptive approach in a comparative manner, and the research community was represented by elite club players, numbering (275). Players were distributed among (11) teams, according to the federation’s lists. As for the sample, it was represented by (110) players who were randomly selected according to the playing positions. The researcher used the mental perception scale by Reiner Martins and applied it to the research sample after confirming the scientific soundness of the scale. The results showed that the level of mental perception among elite handball club players was high, and dimension 1 (individual practice) came in first place with a very high degree of agreement, while dimension 4 (practice during competition) came in last place with a moderate degree of agreement. There has been a difference in the level of mental perception of elite club players depending on the playing positions in favor of the (playmaker).

Anabolic/Catabolic Hormone Imbalance but Still Jumping Further? Negative Association of Free Testosterone With Jumping Performance in Elite Handball Players Following a Preparatory Period

ABSTRACT Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of a 10-week preparatory training period on biomarkers and jumping performance and associations of changes in biomarkers, load, and jumping performance from the beginning (PRE) to the end of the preparatory period (POST) in elite handball players. Methods: Seventeen elite handball players competing in the first Slovenian men’s League were recruited. Training, competition and academic loads were reported weekly, while biomarkers and jumping performance were assessed at PRE and POST. Results: At POST, decreased levels of free testosterone (large effect size [ES] = -1.69, p < .001) and free testosterone to cortisol ratio [FTCR] (large ES = −.95, p = .004) were observed; whereas, better performance on the single leg lateral hop test [SLLH] (large ES = .85, p = .007) and single leg triple hop test [SLTH] (large ES = 1.05, p = .002) were observed compared to PRE. Furthermore, changes in FTCR correlated with changes in cortisol (high r = -.751, p = .001), SLLH (moderate r = -.603, p = .022), and SLTH (moderate r = -.643, p = .013), while changes in free testosterone correlated with SLTH (moderate r = -.645, p = .013). Conclusions: High intensity trainings with a saturated competition schedule can result in disturbed anabolic/catabolic hormone ratio observed through FTCR decrease, which could indicate either an optimal state or early exhaustiveness. It seems that SLLH and SLTH are more sensitive to changes in biomarkers than a single leg hop test. Sport professionals may use the results for individualized monitoring of an athlete’s health and performance, specifically, as an aid for adjusting training loads accordingly to prevent performance declines and potential injury/illness events.

Risk factors for shoulder injury in professional male handball players: A systematic review

Handball is a globally popular and physically demanding sport that requires high-intensity intermittent activities, with a particular emphasis on frequent ball throwing or shooting. The primary aim of this systematic review was to identify the risk factors for shoulder injuries in professional male handball players. The secondary aim is to propose preventive measures for reducing shoulder injuries in professional or elite handball players. This study followed the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to identify relevant studies. Only 8 studies met the eligibility requirements and were incorporated into the review. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was assessed for the methodological quality of studies. Seven of the total eight studies were considered moderate quality, however, only one study was considered low quality. Based on this review findings, the following risk factors for shoulder injury are prominent among professional and elite male handball players. The primary factors for eventual shoulder injury are shoulder muscle imbalances, range of motion (ROM) discrepancies, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD), and scapular dyskinesis. Also, in one study authors specified player position as a potential risk factor.

Flow Training Program: Mindfulness, Decision Making, and Mental Well-Being of Young and Adult Elite Handball Athletes.

This study aimed to analyze the effect of a flow training program based on mindfulness applied to young and adult elite handball athletes. A quantitative, quasi-experimental, descriptive data analysis approach was carried out. The sample included 105 athletes (51 female and 54 male). The athletes were divided into two groups: (i) experimental (n = 53) and (ii) control (n = 52). The results of the repeated ANOVA indicated that the experimental group achieved significant improvements compared to the control group in decision making (n2p = 0.086), mental well-being (n2p = 0.045), dispositional flow state (n2p = 0.103), non-judgment (n2p = 0.040), refocusing (n2p = 0.052), and mindful traits in daily life (n2p = 0.058). A Pearson analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between dispositional flow state and mindfulness in sport and mental well-being. The correlation analysis also showed an inverse correlation between decision making and sense of control and mindful traits in daily life. The findings revealed that the program can be effective in decision making, mental well-being, dispositional flow state, mindfulness in sport, and mindful traits in daily lives of athletes.

The Myometric Assessment of Achilles Tendon and Soleus Muscle Stiffness before and after a Standardized Exercise Test in Elite Female Volleyball and Handball Athletes-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: The high prevalence of injuries in female athletes necessitates a course of action that not only enhances research in this field but also incorporates improved prevention programs and regular health monitoring of highly stressed structures such as tendons and muscles. Since myometry is already used by coaches and physiotherapists, it is important to investigate whether tissue stiffness varies in different types of sports, and whether such measures are affected by an acute training session. Methods: Myometric measurements of the Achilles tendon (AT) and soleus muscle (SM) were performed in the longitudinal plane and relaxed tendon position. In total, 38 healthy professional female athletes were examined, applying a quasi-experimental study design, with subgroup analysis performed for different sports. To investigate the stiffness of the AT and SM, 24 female handball and volleyball athletes performed a standardized maximal incremental performance test on a treadmill. In this subgroup, myometric measurements were taken before and after the exercise test. Results: The measurements showed no significant difference between the mean pre- (AT: 661.46 N/m; SM 441.48 N/m) and post-exercise stiffness (AT: 644.71 N/m; SM: 439.07 N/m). Subgroup analysis for different types of sports showed significantly lower AT and SM stiffness in swimming athletes compared to handball (p = 0.002), volleyball (p = 0.000) and hammer throw athletes (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Myometry can be performed on the same day as an acute training session in healthy female professional volleyball and handball athletes. Female swimmers have significantly lower AT and SM stiffness compared to female handball, volleyball and hammer throw athletes. These results show that the stiffness differences in the AT and SM can be assessed by myometry.

Effect of Off-Season Iron Supplementation on Aerobic Capacity of Female Handball Player: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study

BackgroundIron supplementation, especially in female athletes, is 1 of the influential factors in aerobic capacity, and its deficiency can lead to significant problems related to reduced aerobic capacity. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effect of 3 wk of iron supplementation on the aerobic capacity of female handball players. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blinded, and placebo control trial, 14 elite handball players (age: 21.6 ± 5.68 y; height: 169.5 ± 4.9 cm; weight: 62.2 ± 9.25 kg; body mass index (in kg/m2): 21.5 ± 2.9) randomly divided into 2 supplement groups (receiving a 100 mg/d of poly-maltose tri hydroxide iron complex in the form of tablets) and the placebo group (receiving a tablet containing 100 mg/d starch which is the same color and shape as iron tablets). The supplementation protocol was performed for 3 wk during the off-season. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), amounts of carbon dioxide at the first ventilatory threshold, amounts of carbon dioxide at the second ventilatory threshold, time to exhaustion (TTE), pulmonary ventilation (VE), ventilatory equivalents for oxygen, amounts of oxygen at the first ventilatory threshold, amounts of oxygen at the second ventilatory threshold, time to reach first ventilatory threshold, end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen at the first ventilatory threshold, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide at the first ventilatory threshold and ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide were measured using the Bruce test and gas analyzer in 2 pretest and posttest stages. ResultsThere were significant improvements in oxygen at the first ventilatory threshold, time to reach first ventilatory threshold, and end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide at the first ventilatory threshold and a significant decrease in end-tidal partial pressure of oxygen at the first ventilatory threshold (P < 0.05). Also, no significant changes were found in VO2max, carbon dioxide at the first ventilatory threshold, carbon dioxide at the second ventilatory threshold, oxygen at the second ventilatory threshold, TTE, VE, ventilatory equivalents for oxygen, and ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide after 3 wk of iron supplementation (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe study found that 3 wk of off-season iron supplementation positively impacted female handball players’ aerobic capacity; however, it did not significantly improve their VO2max.

Competitive profile analysis according to playing positions of female handball players during the European Championship 2020

ABSTRACT Handball is one of the most popular team sports and requires the correct analysis of players’ physical condition for its development, especially in women´s handball. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse for the first time the competitive demands of professional handball players during the EHF Championship 2020, using the innovative Local Positioning System (LPS) technology. In order to achieve this goal, 231 female players from 16 national teams were analysed during 47 matches using LPS and a specific handball analytic system developed for this purpose. Players covered more distance in the offensive phase (1205.6 ± 636.7 m) and in all locomotion categories, with the exception of high intensity running, than in the defensive phase (834.2 ± 471.5 m), with a similar average total time on court. The running pace was significantly higher in attack (56.0 ± 26.2 m/min) than in defence (39.2 ± 19.8 m/min). Regarding playing positions, wing players covered higher distances in the high intensity categories than the rest of the playing positions. It could be concluded that the training workload of elite handball players should be programmed according to specific positions.

Foot posture index and hip joint rotation mobility in handball and soccer players

Purpose: To assess the foot posture and hip joint mobility of elite handball and soccer players and to investigate possible correlations between these measurements. Methods: We compared the differences in means of Foot Posture Index (FPI), passive hip internal (IR), and external (ER) rotation range of motion (ROM) between three groups of male subjects (17 handball players, 17 soccer players, and 16 non-athletes). The Kruskal-Walli’s test and post-hoc pairwise comparison with the Mann-Whitney U test were used to determine the differences between the group means, and associations between variables were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: No significant differences in the mean FPI were found between the soccer players (1.3 ± 2.9), handball players (0.7 ± 2.1), and the control group (1.7 ± 2.5) (p &gt; 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was found between the groups in the hip ER ROM. In contrast, a significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) hip IR ROM was observed in the soccer players (30.6° ± 5.3°) compared to the handball players (41.0° ± 8.1°) and the control group (41.1° ± 6.4°). A weak positive correlation was only observed between the FPI and hip IR ROM in the soccer players (ρ: 0.36, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Handball and soccer players show a tendency toward less pronated feet compared to non-athletes, but the differences are not significant and the mean FPI values are still within the range of normal foot posture. The range of hip IR seems to be reduced in soccer players and weakly, but significantly and positively associated with the FPI value, which needs to be further investigated in future studies.

The oral contraceptive cycle and its influences on maximal and submaximal endurance parameters in elite handball players.

The usage of the oral contraceptive pill is widespread among athletes of various levels. However, there is limited knowledge on how the intake of the pill alters the submaximal and maximal endurance parameters between the oral contraceptive phases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine potential differences between the pill intake and withdrawal phase on endurance-related parameters in first-division handball players. In total, 15 female team handball players performed two graded exercise tests until volitional exhaustion on a motorized treadmill. Tests were performed during the pill intake (days 16-17) and withdrawal phase (day 2-3). Throughout the test, respiratory gases were measured breath-by-breath, and the heart rate was measured continuously. Before and after the graded exercise test, blood samples were obtained in order to assess the blood lactate concentration. Before each test, venous blood samples were taken to determine endogenous sex hormone levels. Ventilatory parameters (O2, CO2, and E, and respiratory equivalents for O2 and CO2) were measured, and the oxidation of fat and carbohydrates was calculated. A paired-sample t-test was used to assess differences between the two time points, and the significance was accepted as p < 0.050. Significant differences with lower values during the consumption phase were found for absolute (mean difference ± SD: 88 ± 131mL∙min-1; p = 0.021) and relative O2peak (mean difference ± SD: 1 ± 2mL∙min-1∙kg-1; p = 0.012). Higher values during the consumption phase were found for submaximal respiratory equivalents for O2 (mean difference ± SD: -1.1 ± 1.7; p = 0.028) and CO2 (mean difference ± SD: -0.9 ± 1.5; p = 0.032). No differences were found for all other parameters, including differences for endogenous sex hormones (p > 0.050). The results of the current study suggest only marginal and physiologically insignificant differences in endurance-related parameters between oral contraceptive phases.

Knee Biomechanics During Cutting Maneuvers and Secondary ACL Injury Risk: A Prospective Cohort Study of Knee Biomechanics in 756 Female Elite Handball and Soccer Players.

An athlete who returns to sport after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has a substantially high risk of sustaining a new secondary ACL injury. Because ACL injuries most frequently occur during cutting maneuvers, such movements should be at the center of research attention. To investigate whether knee biomechanical parameters during side-step cutting maneuvers differ between female elite athletes with and without a history of ACL injury and to evaluate whether such parameters are associated with future secondary ACL injury. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. A total of 756 female elite handball and soccer players, of whom 76 had a history of ACL injury, performed a sport-specific cutting task while 3-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were measured. ACL injuries were registered prospectively over an 8-year follow-up period. Seven knee-specific biomechanical variables were the basis for all analyses. Two-way analyses of variance were applied to assess group differences, whereas logistic regression models served to evaluate associations between the knee-specific variables and future secondary ACL injury. When players with a previous ACL injury performed the cutting maneuver with their ipsilateral leg, they exhibited lower knee abduction angles (mean difference [MD], 1.4°-1.5°; 95% CI, 0.2°-2.9°), lower peak knee flexion moments (MD, 0.33 N·m/kg-1; 95% CI, 0.18-0.48 N·m/kg-1), lower peak knee abduction moments (MD, 0.27 N·m/kg-1; 95% CI, 0.12-0.41 N·m/kg-1), and lower peak knee internal rotation moments (MD, 0.06 N·m/kg-1; 95% CI, 0.01-0.12 N·m/kg-1) compared with injury-free players. When players performed the cut with their contralateral leg, no differences were evident (P < .05). None of the 7 knee-specific biomechanical variables was associated with future secondary ACL injury in players with an ACL injury history (P < .05). Approximately 4 years after ACL injury, female elite team-ball athletes still unloaded their ipsilateral knee during cutting maneuvers, yet contralateral knee loading was similar to that of injury-free players. Knee biomechanical characteristics were not associated with future secondary ACL injury.

Characteristics of specific training in elite handball players specialized in goalkeeper position

Background and Study Aim. Elite handball goalkeepers undergo intensive training for reflexes and advanced techniques. They develop mental toughness to handle the pressure and responsibility at key moments of the game. Thus, they protect the goal of the team. This study aims to investigate and highlight the specific training characteristics of elite handball players specialized in the goalkeeper position. Material and Methods. The best 4 goalkeepers specialized in elite handball in Romania, aged between 22 and 33 years, were selected. Specific motor tests were used: Test 1 - Jumps 15 seconds; Test 2 – Reaction speed to visual stimulus; Test 3 – Execution speed. Technical tests were used: Test specific to goalkeeper, Triangle moving, The Ten Jump, Ball throwing, Standing long jump, Passes to a fixed point; The Cooper test. To improve specific training, there were applied strategies for training optimization which include stretching for mobility, segmental muscle strength, goalkeeping specific exercises and plyometrics. The nonparametric Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the relationship between technical training and motor skills parameters. The statistical significance level was set at p&lt;0.05. Results. The performance of elite handball players specializing in goalkeeper position highlighted significant improvements in the Jumps 15 sec test. Contact time decreased by 0.13 seconds while the jump height increased by 0.55 cm, showing improved efficiency and power. In the Reaction speed to visual stimulus test, waiting time and reaction time decreased considerably, while the foot rising height increased. In the right and left leg Execution speed test, the differences observed reveal individual adaptations. The overall time is low in the right foot and there is a significant increase in the left foot. The nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis showed the relationship between the indices of technical fitness tests and the strength and speed motor skills. During Test 1 - Jumps 15 sec - 49 correlations were identified, of which 5.36% were statistically significant, highlighting strong connections between certain parameters. The analysis of Test 2 showed 56 correlations, but the lack of statistical significance reveals the absence of connections between the technical tests and the parameters of reaction speed manifestation. Regarding Test 3, a number of 28 correlations were identified. The lack of statistical significance suggests the absence of significant correlations between the technical tests and the execution speed. Conclusions. The performances of elite handball goalkeepers show significant improvements in motor and technical skills, highlighting the effectiveness of specific training and its adaptability. The progress in jumping and reaction speed indicates essential improvements for goalkeeping success, emphasizing the necessity for personalized and holistic training.

The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) Performance in Elite Team Handball Players Playing with Shoulder Pain, Previous Pain, or No Pain.

Physical therapists use tests that could determine strength and weaknesses of the shoulder for overhead throwing athletes to enhance performance, prevent injury, and safely progress rehabilitation. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) has been proposed to assess muscular capacity and dynamic shoulder stability in overhead athletes, which could provide information to determine a risk of injury. To investigate if the CKCUEST is an appropriate test to implement within team elite handball players to evaluate dynamic shoulder stability across sexes and in the screening of shoulder pain. Cross-sectional study. Elite team handball players were recruited and performed the CKCUEST from which three different scores (raw, touch, and power) were calculated and compared among handball players playing with shoulder pain, previous pain, and no pain. A total of 106 handball players were included: 49 females (1.74±0.03 m, 70.4±6.7 kg, and 22±4.9 years) and 57 males (1.90±0.08 m, 91.6±11.4 kg, and 22±5.4 years), A significant difference was found between the female and male handball players when comparing all three CKCUEST scores (p<0.01). No significant differences were found in the CKCUEST scores among the three different groups (F≤1.23, p≥0.30, η2≤0.03). Among the female participants, no significant differences were found between performing the CKCUEST and the modified test. A significant correlation was found between height and the power score for men (r=0.661, p≤0.001) and women (r=0.434, p=0.01). A comparison of scores across sexes appears unsuitable, due to the possible positive influence of height on the final score. But within the female group, performances of the CKCUEST and the modified CKCUEST were comparable. Additionally, the CKCUEST was not able to differentiate among elite handball players who are playing with shoulder pain, previous shoulder pain, and no pain. 3.

Proactive leadership and its relationship to managing the organizational error of the Iraqi Handball Federation from the point of view of the clubs participating in the Iraqi Elite League for the season 2023-2024

This research seeks to study the role of proactive leadership as an essential element that helps all federations that lead the wheel of sports, including the Iraqi Handball Federation, so that it builds a correct environment that helps manage the organizational errors that the Handball Federation may fall into, and this in turn helps in early detection of errors and obstacles that may occur. It is likely that the Federation will fall into the process of managing and organizing the Iraqi Handball League, in addition to increasing the clubs’ ability to assist the Iraqi Handball Federation by being proactive so as not to make mistakes. The research community included the administrative bodies of the clubs participating in the Iraqi Elite Handball League. They are (the club’s representatives in the Union - the team supervisor - coaches - administrators) and their number is (90), for the season (2023-2024) and their number is 15 clubs: the police, the army, the Popular Mobilization Forces, Diyala, the municipality of Basra, Kufa, Al-Taawoun, Karbala, Kut, Al-Musayyab, the Arabian Gulf, Al-Karkh, Al-Fatwa, Naft Maysan, and Nasiriyah. The exploratory sample was (10), the construction sample was (80), and the application sample was (90) people. The researcher concluded that there is a positive relationship between proactive leadership and organizational error management for the Iraqi Handball Federation. The results also indicate the availability of proactive leadership in the Iraqi Handball Federation to a moderate degree. Therefore, the researcher recommends activating the effect of proactive leadership on managing organizational error through union members acquiring proactive leadership behavior because it bears fruit. Accordingly, it is necessary for the union’s senior management to pay greater attention to working to spread an idea of how to manage organizational error in how to deal with errors that occur in an environment. Work because of its impact on the effectiveness of union members.

14–21 éves sportolók klasszikus antropometriai és modern műszeres technikákkal becsült testzsírszázalékának összehasonlító elemzése

Currently, one of the most accurate measurements of body composition components, including the fat content of the body is based on the method of dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The application of the DEXA method in clinical setting is usually limited to the assessment of bone health status due to the device’s cost and immobile nature, therefore in sport diagnostics the body composition estimation is usually carried out with other methods, such as bioimpedance analysis or anthropometrical methods based on the measurement of body dimensions, which ensure a rapid, accurate and frequently repeatable way of examination. For our research goal we choose the comparison of the most frequently used body fat percentage estimation methods. The accuracy of the other methods in the light of the DEXA estimations is presented. Sport Sciences and Diagnostic Research Centre of the Hungarian Handball Federation coordinated the assessment of 171 young elite handball players (14–21-year-olds), whose body composition estimations were performed in the spring and summer of 2023. The preliminary analysis of body fat percentage estimates in handball players carried out with different methods showed that the rapid and cost-efficient estimations based on anthropometric skinfold measurements can substitute the body fat percentage estimation method based on the clinically acclaimed golden standard dual X-ray absorptiometry technology. Body fat percentage estimation via InBody 770 device showed significantly lower values compared to the DEXA method, however this difference was consistent, therefore body composition assessment via InBody device can serve as an alternative of monitoring personal progress and status. We also carried out examinations with a novel ultrasound technology aided by BodyMetrix device, its subcutaneous fat thickness measurement estimated accurately the skinfold thicknesses on human body, its body fat percentage estimation based the skinfold thicknesses was adequately accurate compared to the DEXA method. With the aid of available DEXA measurement results and with the aim of creating an alternative method with low instrument requirement for body fat percentage estimation, which can be used with the highest accuracy particularly considering the body composition of young elite athletes, we created a modified sport-specific body fat percentage estimation equation. Our new estimation method was based on classical anthropometric skinfold measurements, and it accurately correlated with the DEXA body fat% estimates in case of young elite handball players.

Effects of Black Maca supplement on isokinetics muscular performance of elite women's handball players: placebo-controlled, crossover study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in isokinetic muscular performance among female adolescent elite handball athletes with the supplementation of Black Maca (BM). Eight elite handball athletes were recruited for the present study. The intake capsules contained 2,500 mg of 100% concentrated BM extract and a placebo each, for 4 weeks. Isokinetic muscular performance and physical fitness were measured three times at 4-week intervals after the intake of BM and placebo, including baseline. The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis showed a significant improvement in 20 m-shuttle run (P < 0.001), 30°/s flexor (P < 0.01), and 120°/s flexor (P < 0.01) in isokinetic muscle function of the trunk, and 180°/s right extensor (P < 0.05), 180°/s left extensor (P < 0.05), and 180°/s left flexor (P < 0.01) in isokinetic muscle function of the knee, after BM supplementation. Post-hoc analysis indicated that the BM group had significantly higher results compared to the baseline and placebo groups in terms of 20 m-shuttle run, 30°/s flexor and 120°/s flexor of the trunk, 180°/s right extensor, 180°/s left extensor, and 180°/s left flexor of the knee. BM supplementation can have a positive effect on improving the performance of elite handball players who engage in high-intensity movements by enhancing their isokinetic muscle function and endurance.