Elite Female Handball Players Research Articles

The effect of overhead target on the lower limb biomechanics during a vertical drop jump test in elite female athletes.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an overhead target on the jump height and lower limb biomechanics in all three planes of motion in a vertical drop jump (VDJ) task among elite female handball and football (soccer) players. The hypothesis was that adding an overhead target to the VDJ task improves jump height, increases joint loading, and decreases frontal plane knee control. Five hundred and twenty-three female handball and football players (mean±SD: 21±4years, 168±6cm, 65±8kg) completed the test. The overhead target increased jumping height by 5.8%. Furthermore, the overhead target led to statistically significant changes in many of the lower limb biomechanical variables examined. However, all the changes in kinematics and kinetics were clinically insignificant, as indicated by the small effect sizes. Strong to moderate positive Spearman's rank correlations were found between the two conditions. Therefore, an overhead target is unlikely to increase the range of responses in biomechanical variables in elite female handball and football athletes.

External and internal load of playing positions of elite female handball players (U19) during competitive matches

Background: Effective training depends on knowledge of the sport's requirements. Physical (external load) and physiological (internal load) analyses will provide valuable data that can be used for other research and to improve specific training requirements. Handball is an intermittent sport game, and it is important discover the factors, that affect the performance in a handball match. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare motion and heart rate of playing positions of female handball players during competitive matches.Methods: Heart rate and motion-time analyses were examined during six competitive matches of the Czech elite female handball league (U19). The average (± SD) age of the fourteen participants was 17.9 ± 0.3 years; their average weight 65.4 ± 6.9 kg, and their average height was 169.6 ± 6.9 cm. Results: During the matches, the longest average distance was covered by backs (7,138.3 ± 334.4 m), followed by wings (6,915.3 ± 362.2 m) and pivots (6,337.1 ± 477.3 m). A statistically significant difference was found only between backs and pivots (p = .01). The average heart rate of players in the most loaded position, pivots, was 185.3 ± 9.2 beats ⋅ min-1, corresponding to 90.1 ± 4.3% of HRmax. The second most loaded playing position were wings with the average heart rate of 183.8 ± 6.2 beats ⋅ min-1, corresponding to 89.9 ± 3.5% of HRmax. The average heart rate of backs was 182.9 ± 8.4 beats ⋅ min-1, corresponding to 89.2 ± 4.4% of HRmax. Conclusions: The results from the presented study show that handball is a game of intermittent high intensity and physiological profile where more than 80% of each game is spent in load-intensity above 85% HRmax. Between playing positions are differences in intensity of load, covered distance and in speed categories.

Biomechanical jumping differences among elite female handball players with and without previous anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a novel inertial sensor unit study

Persistent biomechanical and jumping capacity alterations have been observed among female athletes who have sustained anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine if biomechanical jumping differences persist among a cohort of elite female handball players with previous ACL reconstruction several years after return to top-level competition. In order to achieve this goal, a direct mechanics simplified analysis by using a single Inertial Sensor Unit (IU) was used. Twenty-one elite female (6 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed and 15 uninjured control players) handball players were recruited and evaluated 6.0 ± 3.5 years after surgical anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Bilateral and unilateral vertical jumps were performed to evaluate the functional performance and a single inertial sensor unit was employed in order to collect 3D acceleration and 3D orientation data. Previously ACL-reconstructed analysed athletes demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) alterations in relation to the three-dimensional axis (X–Y–Z) supported accelerations and differing jump phase durations, including jumping performance values, in both bilateral and unilateral jumping manoeuvres several years after ACL reconstruction. Identification of the encountered deficits through the use of an IU devise could provide clinicians with a new reliable tool for movement analysis in a clinical setting.

Perceived Coach Behavior in Training and Competition Predicts Collective Efficacy in Female Elite Handball Players

The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationships between athletes’ perceived coach behaviors during training and competition, and collective efficacy. Elite female handball players in Norway (N = 113) completed the Leadership Scale for Sport (LSS), the Coaching Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ), and the Collective Efficacy Questionnaire for Sports (CEQS). Relationships were identified between perceived coach behaviors in training and competition environments and with athlete collective efficacy. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that prediction of variance in collective efficacy improved when perceptions of coach behaviour during competition were entered in addition to perceptions of coach leadership behavior during training. Furthermore, the results indicated that greater levels of perceived training and instructional behavior, positive feedback, social support, and supportiveness predicted greater collective efficacy. In contrast, higher perception of negative activation predicted lower levels of collective efficacy. The results highlight the important relationships between coach behavior inboth training and competition, and their combined impact upon collective efficacy in elite female handball teams.

The Effect of Thigh Marker Placement on Knee Valgus Angles in Vertical Drop Jumps and Sidestep Cutting.

Knee valgus angles measured in sidestep cutting and vertical drop jumps are key variables in research on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury causation. These variables are also used to quantify knee neuromuscular control and ACL injury risk. The aims of the current study were to (1) quantify the differences in the calculated knee valgus angles between 6 different thigh marker clusters, (2) investigate the trial ranking based on their knee valgus angles, and (3) investigate the influence of marker clusters on the cross-talk effect. Elite female handball and football players (n = 41) performed sidestep cutting and vertical drop jumping motions. We found systematic differences up to almost 15° of peak valgus between the marker sets in the drop jump test. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient varied from .505 to .974 among the 6 marker sets. In addition, the cross-talk effect varied considerably between the marker clusters. The results of the current study indicate that the choice of thigh marker cluster can have a substantial impact on the magnitude of knee valgus angle, as well as the trial ranking. A standardized thigh marker cluster, including nonanatomical landmark, is needed to minimize the variation of the measurement.

Anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of top-elite, elite and non-elite youth female team handball players

In order to maximise the potential for success, developing nations need to produce superior systems to identify and develop talent, which requires comprehensive and up-to-date values on elite players. This study examined the anthropometric and physical characteristics of youth female team handball players (16.07 ± 1.30 years) in non-elite (n = 47), elite (n = 37) and top-elite players (n = 29). Anthropometric profiling included sum of eight skinfolds, body mass, stature, girths, breadths and somatotype. Performance tests included 20 m sprint, counter-movement jump, throwing velocity, repeated shuttle sprint and jump ability test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Youth top-elite players had greater body mass, lean mass, stature, limb girths and breadths than elite and non-elite players, while only stature and flexed arm were higher in elite compared to non-elite players (all P < 0.05). Sum of skinfolds and waist-to-hip ratio were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Top-elite performed better in most performance tests compared to both elite and non-elite players (P < 0.05), although maximal and repeated 10 m sprints were similar between playing standards (P > 0.05). Elite outperformed non-elite players only in throwing velocity. The findings reveal that non-elite players compare unfavourably to top-elite international European players in many anthropometric and performance characteristics, and differ in a few characteristics compared to elite European club team players. This study is useful for emerging team handball nations in improving talent identification processes.

Effects of 6-week sling-based training of the external-rotator muscles on the shoulder profile in elite female high school handball players.

In women's handball, the large numbers of throws and passes make the shoulder region vulnerable to overuse injuries. Repetitive throwing motions generate imbalance between shoulder internal- and external-rotator muscles. It has not yet been established whether sling-based training can improve shoulder external-rotator muscle strength. This study investigated the effectiveness of a 6-wk strengthening program in improving shoulder functional profile in elite female high school handball players. Crossover study. National elite handball training center. 25 elite female high school handball players. The program, completed twice per week for 6 wk, included sling-based strengthening exercises using a suspension trainer for external rotation with scapular retraction and scapular retraction alone. Maximal shoulder external- and internal-rotation strength, shoulder external- and internal-rotation range of motion (ROM), and maximal throwing velocity were assessed preintervention and postintervention for dominant and nondominant sides. After sling training, external- and internal-rotation strength increased significantly for both sides (P ≤ .001, and P = .004, respectively), with the result that there was no significant change in external- and internal-rotation strength ratios for either the dominant or the nondominant shoulder. No significant differences were observed for external-rotation ROM, while internal-rotation ROM decreased moderately, in particular in the dominant shoulder (P = .005). Maximal throwing velocity remained constant for the dominant arm, whereas a significant increase was found for the nondominant arm (P = .017). This 6-wk strengthening program was effective in improving shoulder external-rotator muscle strength but resulted in a decrease in the ROM in shoulder internal rotation, while throwing velocity remained stable. Adding a stretching program to this type of sling-based training program might help avoid potential detrimental effects on shoulder ROM.

Assessment of physical demands and fluid balance in elite female handball players during a 6-day competitive tournament.

Little data exists on drinking behavior, sweat loss, and exercise intensity across a competitive handball tournament in elite female athletes. Heart rate (HR), fluid balance and sweat electrolyte content were assessed on 17 international players across a 6-day tournament involving 5 games and 2 training sessions played indoors (23 ± 2 °C, 30 ± 2% relative humidity). Active play (effective) mean HR was 155 ± 14 bpm (80 ± 7.5% HRmax) with the majority of time (64%) spent exercising at intensities >80% HRmax. Mean (SD) sweat rates during games were 1.02 ± 0.07 L · h⁻¹ and on 56% of occasions fluid intake matched or exceeded sweat loss. A significant relationship was observed between estimated sweat loss and fluid intake during exercise (r² = .121, p = .001). Mean sweat sodium concentration was 38 ± 10 mmol · L⁻¹, with significant associations observed between player sweat rates and time spent exercising at intensities >90% HRmax (r² = .181, p = .001). Fluid and electrolyte loss appear to be work rate dependent in elite female handball players, whom appear well capable of replacing fluids lost within a tournament environment. Due to large between-athlete variations, a targeted approach may be warranted for certain players only.

Goal Orientation Effects on Elite Handball Players Motivation and Motivational Climate

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the goal orientation effects on the motivation and motivational climate perceived by elite female handball players. A sample was taken consisting of 63 players of ages ranging from 16 to 36 years. The instruments for data gathering were the Spanish versions of Perception of Success Questionnaire, Sport Motivation Scale and Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire. Data were statistically analyzed by descriptive and multivariate analyses (MANOVA 2x2). The main results show that high ego female players present a lower motivational climate for execution, and low ego ones an identified EM. On the other hand those with high task orientation show achievement as IM, stimulation as IM, identified EM and introjected EM, as well as a mastery-oriented motivational climate.

METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATION ON THIGH MARKER CLUSTERS ON KNEE VALGUS ANGLES IN SIDESTEP CUTTING AND VERTICAL DROP JUMPING

BackgroundRanking the athletes according to their knee valgus angle contributes to the development of screening tools for the risk of knee injury. However, studies used different thigh marker clusters to...

Expressing the joint moments of drop jumps and sidestep cutting in different reference frames – does it matter?

Joint moments help us understand joint loading and muscle function during movement. However, the interpretation depends on the choice of reference frame, but the different reference frames have not been compared in dynamic, high-impact sporting movements. We have compared the magnitude and the resulting ranking of hip and knee joint moments expressed in the laboratory coordinate system, the local system of the distal segment and projected or decomposed to the Joint Coordinate System (JCS) axes. Hip and knee joint moments of drop jumps and sidestep cutting in 70 elite female handball players were calculated based on recordings from an eight-camera 240Hz system and two force platforms and expressed with the four methods. The greatest variations in magnitude between conditions were seen for drop jump hip internal rotation (range: 0.31–0.71Nm/kg) and sidestep cutting knee flexion (2.87–3.39Nm/kg) and hip internal rotation (0.87–2.36Nm/kg) and knee internal rotation (0.10–0.40Nm/kg) moments. The rank correlations were highest between conditions for flexion moments (0.88–1.00) and sidestep cutting abduction moments (0.71–0.98). The rank correlations ranged from 0.64 to 0.73 for drop jump knee abduction moments and between −0.17 and 0.67 for hip and knee internal rotation moments. Expression of joint moments in different reference systems affects the magnitude and ranking of athletes. This lack of consistency may complicate the comparison and combination of results. Projection to the JCS is the only method where joint moments correspond to muscle and ligament loading. More widespread adoption of this convention could facilitate comparison of studies and ease the interpretation of results.

Does the Application of Kinesiotape Change Scapular Kinematics in Healthy Female Handball Players?

Elastic taping is widely used in sports medicine for correcting functional alignment and muscle recruitment. However, evidence regarding its influence on scapular dynamic positioning is scarce. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a specific kinesiotaping method on scapular kinematics in female elite handball players without shoulder complaints. 25 athletes (18.0±1.5 years) active in the highest national division were recruited. All subjects received an elastic adhesive tape (K-active tape©) with the purpose to correct scapular position. 3-dimensional scapular motion measurements were performed (Fastrak®) during humeral elevation in the sagittal, frontal and scapular plane. The results showed that taping has a moderate to large effect (Cohen's d>0.7) towards scapular posterior tilting, in all 3 planes of humeral movement and for all angles of elevation (mean posteriorizing effect of 4.23 °, 3.23 ° and 4.33 ° respectively for elevation in the sagittal, frontal and scapular plane, p<0.001). In addition, taping also moderately increased the scapular upward rotation at 30 °, 60 ° and 90 ° of humeral abduction (mean increase of 2.90 °, Cohen's d>0.7). Together these results suggest that kinesiotape application causes positive changes in scapular motion. This could support its use in sports medicine for preventing shoulder problems in overhead athletes.

Are There Any Differences in Physical Fitness and Throwing Velocity Between National and International Elite Female Handball Players?

This study compared physical characteristics in a 2003 national elite female team (NE; n = 16; fourth in the Spanish Championship) to the same team when it reached international level in 2009 (IE; n = 14; winner of the Spanish Championship and the European Handball Cup). Body height, body mass, body fat, and fat-free mass, 1-repetition maximum bench press (1RMBP), vertical jumping height, handball throwing velocity, power-load relationship of the leg and arm extensor muscles, 5- and 15-m sprint running time, and running endurance were measured in the second competitive mesocycle of a season. Results revealed that, compared with NE, IE players presented similar values in body mass, body height, sprint running time, handball throwing velocity, and jumping, but higher values (p < 0.01-0.05) in age (17%), 1RMBP (15%), power-load relationship of the arm (16%), and leg (10%) extensors, and endurance running velocities (7%). Significant correlations (r = 0.71-0.72, p < 0.05) were observed in IE, but not in NE, between individual values of standing throw and individual values of power at 30% of 1RMBP, and individual values of power at 60% of body mass during half-squat actions. The present results suggest that more experienced, powerful and aerobically conditioned players are at an advantage in international-level female handball. The ball throwing velocity of international elite female handball players depends on their ability to produce muscle power at submaximal loads with the upper and lower extremities. However, in lower-level players, this depends on the level of performance at maximal strength of the upper extremities.

Shoulder Strength Imbalances as Injury Risk in Handball

This study was conducted to analyze whether internal (IR) and external (ER) rotator shoulder muscles weakness and/or imbalance collected through a preseason assessment could be predictors of subsequent shoulder injury during a season in handball players. In preseason, 16 female elite handball players (HPG) and 14 healthy female nonathletes (CG) underwent isokinetic IR and ER strength test with use of a Con-Trex® dynamometer in a seated position with 45° shoulder abduction in scapular plane, at 60, 120 and 240°/s in concentric and at 60°/s in eccentric, for both sides. An imbalanced muscular strength profile was determined using -statistically selected cut-offs from CG values. For HPG, all newly incurred shoulder injuries were reported during the season. There were significant differences between HPG and CG only for dominant eccentric IR strength, ER/IR ratio at 240°/s and for IRecc/ERcon ratio. In HPG, IR and ER strength was higher, and ER/IR ratios lower for dominant than for nondominant side. The relative risk was 2.57 (95%CI: 1.60-3.54; P<0.05) if handball players had an imbalanced muscular strength profile. In youth female handball players IR and ER muscle strength increases on the dominant side without ER/IR imbalances; and higher injury risk was associated with imbalanced muscular strength profile.

Physical Characteristics and Abilities of Junior Elite Male and Female Handball Players

This study first aimed to examine strength, speed, and jumping abilities in 29 male and 29 female junior elite handball players and second to compare Under-18 and Under-16 players in the selected parameters. The players were chosen by the Norwegian Handball Federation, and all were tested in strength (squat and bench press), speed (10-, 30-, and 6 × 30-m repeated sprint ability), and jumping abilities (countermovement jump and squat jump [SJ]). Anthropometric qualities were also measured. Independent t-tests were applied to reveal possible mean differences between the U-18 and U-16 players within each sex. No significant differences in anthropometry were observed between the U18 and U16 players within either sex. Furthermore, we did not observe any significant between group differences among the male players in any of the tested performance parameters. On average, however, the U16 male (n = 14) players performed better in all the tests compared with in the U18 (n = 15) male players. Similarly, we did not find any significant differences in test performances between U18 female players and U16 female players. Still, a few trends (p ≤ 0.1) were observed because female U18 (n = 14) players were found to sprint faster on both 10 and 30 m and to jump higher in SJ vs. female U16 (n = 15) players. The empirical findings do not confirm the hypothesis of pubertal development and muscle growth leading to taller and heavier U18 players. Furthermore, we expected U18 players to perform better in all the tests when compared with U16 players. Again, the data did not substantiate this, although female U18 players tended to perform better in sprint and SJ compared with the U16 players.

Comparison of Drop Jumps and Sport-Specific Sidestep Cutting

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a serious problem, with a high incidence and serious consequences. Published clinical screening tests are based on 2-legged and controlled drop jumps, but ACL injuries are known to occur in single-legged landings and sidestep cutting, where the load is predominantly distributed to a single leg. Purpose: To describe knee kinematics and kinetics in drop jumps and sidestep cutting and investigate the rank correlation of knee valgus angles and knee abduction moments between and within these movements. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 120 elite female handball players (mean ± SD: age, 22.4 ± 7.1 years; height, 171 ± 7 cm; weight, 67 ± 7 kg), each performed 3 drop jumps and 3 sport-specific sidestep cuts to each side. Kinematics and kinetics were calculated from high-speed 3-dimensional motion analysis. Results: Knee kinematics and kinetics were significantly different between drop jumps and sidestep cutting. The knee abduction moment was 6 times higher in sidestep cutting (1.58 ± 0.60 Nm/kg vs 0.25 ± 0.16 Nm/kg). There was a poor correlation between knee abduction moments (ρ = 0.135) in the 2 tasks, but a moderate correlation (ρ = 0.706) for knee valgus angles. There was a poor correlation between knee valgus angles in drop jumps and knee abduction moments in sidestep cuts (ρ = 0.238). Conclusion: Motion patterns are different between drop jumps and sidestep cutting. There is a moderate correlation for knee abduction moments between the 2 tasks, but knee abduction moments are less consistent across tasks. Clinical Relevance: Knee valgus angles during drop jumps do not predict knee abduction moments during sidestep cutting. The moderate correlation of knee valgus angles in drop jumps and sidestep cutting indicates that this measure may be more relevant for screening efforts.

Time-motion analysis in women’s team handball: importance of aerobic performance

Manchado C, Pers J, Navarro F, Han A, Sung E, Platen P. Time-motion analysis in women’s team handball: importance of aerobic performance. J. Hum. Sport Exerc. Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 376-390, 2013. Women’s handball is a sport, which has seen an accelerated development over the last decade. Data on movement patterns in combination with physiological demands are nearly nonexistent in the literature. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to analyze the horizontal movement pattern, including the sprint acceleration profiles, of individual female elite handball players and the corresponding heart rates (HRs) during a match and secondly to determine underlying correlations with individual aerobic performance. Players from one German First League team (n = 11) and the Norwegian National Team (n = 14) were studied during one match using the Sagit system for movement analysis and Polar HR monitoring for analysis of physiological demands. Mean HR during the match was 86 % of maximum HR (HRmax). With the exception of the goalkeepers (GKs, 78 % of HRmax), no position-specific differences could be detected. Total distance covered during the match was 4614 m (2066 m in GKs and 5251 m in field players (FPs)). Total distance consisted of 9.2 % sprinting, 26.7 % fast running, 28.8 % slow running, and 35.5 % walking. Mean velocity varied between 1.9 km/h (0.52 m/s) (GKs) and 4.2 km/h (1.17 m/s) (FPs, no position effect). Field players with a higher level of maximum oxygen uptake (Vexecuted run activities with a higher velocity but comparable percentage of HRmax as compared to players with lower aerobic performance, independent of FP position. Acceleration profile depended on aerobic performance and the field player’s position. In conclusion, a high Vappears to be important in top-level international women’s handball. Sprint and endurance training should be conducted according to the specific demands of the player’s position. Key words: ACCELERATION, FEMALE ATHLETE, PHYSICAL ENDURANCE, VELOCITY.

Biomechanical evaluation of the side-cutting manoeuvre associated with ACL injury in young female handball players

The purpose of the study was to investigate the biomechanics of the knee and hip joint during handball-specific side-cutting on the dominant and non-dominant leg. Understanding the sports-specific biomechanics may improve prevention measures and post-injury treatment. Twenty-four young female elite handball players performed 5 handball side-cutting manoeuvres on the dominant and non-dominant legs. The local maxima of the joint moments in each plane, during the initial 100ms following foot contact, were collected. External knee moments of flexion, outward rotation and valgus-along with external hip moments of extension, abduction and internal rotation-were observed, coincidentally 30-40ms after foot contact. No side-to-side asymmetries were found. The external moments observed support the injury mechanisms previously described in case studies of handball injuries. The results underline the importance of implementing preventive exercises that increase activity of medial hamstrings, to match the external outward rotating knee moments and knee valgus moments, and increase activity of hip external rotators to match the external hip inward-rotating moment. Furthermore, the results may yield further information to the graft selection decision before ACL surgery. Diagnostic studies, Level II.

Anthropometric Profile, Vertical Jump, and Throwing Velocity in Elite Female Handball Players by Playing Positions

Women's handball is a sport, which has seen an accelerated development over the last decade. Although anthropometric and physical characteristics have been studied for male sports teams, in women's handball, studies are scarce. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to describe the anthropometric characteristics, throwing velocity, hand grip, and muscular power of the lower limbs in female handball players and second, to identify the possible differences in these parameters in terms of individual playing positions (center, back, wing, pivot, and goalkeeper). A total of 130 elite female Spanish handball players participated in the study (age 25.74 ± 4.84 years; playing experience 14.92 ± 4.88 years). Anthropometric assessment was performed for all the subjects following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols. Furthermore, all the subjects performed a vertical jump test (squat jump and countermovement jump). Hand grip and throwing velocity in several situations were also assessed. A 1-way analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc test were used to study the differences among individual playing positions. Wings were less heavy, shorter, and showed a smaller arm span than did goalkeepers, backs and pivots (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, pivots were heavier than centers. Backs and pivots exhibited higher muscular mass than did wings. Total players' somatotype was mesomorphy endomorphy (3.89-4.28-2.29). Centers showed higher throwing velocity levels than did wings in 9-m throws from just behind the line, with a goalkeeper. Backs exhibited higher hand-grip values than did wings. Statistical differences have been established between wings and other specific playing positions, especially with pivot and backs. Coaches can use this information to select players for the different specific positions.

Injury risk in Danish youth and senior elite handball using a new SMS text messages approach

ObjectiveTo assess the injury incidence in elite handball, and if gender and previous injuries are risk factors for new injuries.MethodsCohort study of 517 male and female elite handball players (age...