Female Team Handball Research Articles

Test–retest reliability of strength, power, agility, and sprint performance in female team handball players

ObjectivesThis study assessed the test–retest reliability of athletic performance tests in a cohort of trained Norwegian female handball players, as well as a sub-analysis of the test–retest reliability for naturally menstruating players. DesignEighteen handball players (naturally menstruating: n = 8) completed performance test batteries on three separate occasions. MethodsThe performance test battery included: a 1-repetition Smith machine back squat, maximal handgrip strength tests, counter-movement jumps, squat jumps, a modified agility T-test, and 15-m linear sprints. For the naturally menstruating players, the testing sessions were completed at three hormonally-distinct points within a menstrual cycle (i.e., early follicular, ovulation, and mid-luteal phases). Reliability statistics (intraclass correlations, standard error of measurement, minimum difference, and coefficient of variation) were calculated for each performance test. ResultsGood-to-excellent test–retest reliability was found for all performance measures (intraclass correlation2,1 point estimates = 0.82 to 0.94), although max squat jumps were somewhat lower (intraclass correlation2,1 = 0.75 [95 % confidence interval = 0.55, 0.88]). Subgroup analysis for naturally menstruating players also revealed consistently high reliability values for all tests (intraclass correlation2,1 point estimate = 0.83 to 0.74). ConclusionsThese reliability data support the periodic use of selected athletic tests in routine handball assessments, in order to identify changes in sporting performance and monitor player progress. As test reliability does not appear to be influenced by the menstrual cycle phase, coaches and sports practitioners may schedule testing sessions for all athletes, without concern of a confounding effect from menstrual phases.

Electrocardiographic manifestations in female team handball players

Electrocardiographic manifestations in female team handball players

Electrocardiographic manifestations in female team handball players: analyzing ECG changes in athletes.

Long-term intense training leads to structural, functional, and electrical remodeling of the heart. How different sports affect the heart has not been fully investigated, particularly for female athletes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the morphology of 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (ECG) in elite female handball players compared to non-athlete female subjects. Potential changes will be explored to see if they could be explained by differences in cardiac dimensions and exercise hours. A cross-sectional study of 33 elite female team handball players compared to 33 sex and age-matched, non-athletic controls (age range 18-26 years) was performed. All participants underwent a resting 12-lead ECG and an echocardiographic examination. ECG variables for left ventricular hypertrophy and durations were evaluated and adjusted for cardiac dimensions and exercise hours using ANCOVA analysis. A linear regression analysis was used to describe relation between echocardiographic and ECG measures and exercise hours. The female handball players had larger cardiac dimensions and significantly lower heart rate and QTc duration (Bazett's formula) as well as increased QRS and QT durations compared to controls. The 12-lead sum of voltage and the 12-lead sum of voltage ∗ QRS were significantly higher among handball players. Changes in ECG variables reflecting the left ventricle could in part be explained by left ventricular size and exercise hours. Correlation with exercise hours were moderately strong in most of the echocardiographic measures reflecting left ventricular (LV), left ventricular mass (LVM), left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) size. Poor to fair correlations were seen in the majority of ECG measures. Female team handball players had altered ECGs, longer QRS and QT durations, higher 12-lead sum of voltage and 12-lead sum of voltage ∗ QRS as well as shorter QTc (Bazett's formula) duration compared to non-athletic controls. These findings could only partly be explained by differences in left ventricular size. Despite larger atrial size in the athletes, no differences in P-wave amplitude and duration were found on ECG. This suggest that both structural, and to some degree electrical remodeling, occur in the female team handball players' heart and highlight that a normal ECG does not rule out structural adaptations. The present study adds knowledge to the field of sports cardiology regarding how the heart in female team handball players adapts to this type of sport.

Test-retest reliability of lower limb muscle strength, jump and sprint performance tests in elite female team handball players.

This study aimed to assess the reliability of lower limb muscle function (knee extensor/flexor peak torque, rate of torque development (RTD), impulse, and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance) and sprint performance (acceleration capacity). CMJ performance was evaluated on a force plate. MVIC, RTD and impulse variables were investigated using a portable isometric dynamometer and sprint performance was assessed with dual-beam photocells in elite female athletes. CMJ test variables maximal vertical jump height, peak and mean power, concentric work, and body center of mass displacement demonstrated good-to-excellent test-retest correlations between Test 1 and Test 2 (ICC ≥ 0.70, CWw-s = 3.4-11.0%). Peak MVIC torque for the knee extensors and flexors demonstrated excellent test-retest correlations (both ICC = 0.84) along with CVw-s values of 6.8 and 6.0%, respectively. Late-phase (0-100ms, 0-200ms) RTD for the knee flexors demonstrated excellent test-retest correlations (ICC = 0.89-0.91, CVw-s = 4.8-8.5%). Sprint times at 10- and 20-m demonstrated excellent test-retest reproducibility (ICC = 0.83 and ICC = 0.90, respectively) with CVw-s values of 1.9 and 1.5%. For 5-m sprint times, test-retest reproducibility was good (ICC = 0.71) with CVw-s of 2.8%. Sprint testing performed while dribbling a handball improved (p < 0.05) from test to retest at 5-, 10- and 20-m. In conclusion, the force plate, the mobile isometric dynamometer, and dual-beam photocells provide reproducible tools for field-based testing of countermovement jump performance, knee extensor and flexor strength and sprint performance.

Effects of post warm-up short-term inactivity on physical and physiological parameters in female elite team handball players

Abstract: In team handball, coaches can make unlimited substitutions, allowing players to enter the game at any time, even if they haven't been active on the bench. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of inactivity following a warm-up on the physical performance and physi-ological responses of female elite team handball players. The secondary aim of the study was to examine a possible connection between the examined parameters. Twelve female adult elite field handball players (n = 12; age, 31.9 ± 4.05 years; weight, 66.1 ± 5.8 kg; height 173 ± 3.8 cm and body mass index, 2.2 ± 0.2 kg/cm2) were examined. All tests were assessed in two distinct situations: (a) immediately after warm-up (T1-AW) and (b) after a 15-minute inactivity period (T2-IP). The physical tests performed were: countermovement jump with arms fixed (CMJ AF), squat jump (SJ), medicinal ball rotational throw test right (MBTT-R) and medicinal ball rotational throw test left (MBTT-L) and 10 m acceleration test (TA 10m). Heart rate (HR) was measured during warm-up and at T2-IP, while body temperature (BT), lactic acid (LA), serum glucose (G), and blood oxygen sat-uration (SpO2) were measured at T1-AW and T2-IP. Significant differences were found at T2-IP for RSI1 (t= 2.88, p &lt; 0.01) and PP (t= 2.24, p &lt; 0.05), specific to CMJ AF and RSI1 (t= 3.88, p &lt; 0.01), and for PP specific to SJ (t= 2.28, p &lt; 0.05). All physical indices correlated positively with the physio-logical ones. In addition, two significant correlations were identified, one between the decrease in the RSI 1-CMJ AF index and the PP-CMJ AF index (r=0.59, p&lt;0.05) and another between the decline in the PP- SJ and Tc (r=0.60, p&lt;0.05). The results obtained from the present study indicate that short-term inactivity can negate some of the physical and physiological benefits that players gain from warming up. The study revealed a significant reduction in certain parameters related to jump tests after a 15-minute period of inactivity. Moreover, it was observed that there is a direct corre-lation between the decrease in body temperature and the reduction in peak power specific to squat jump performance. This implies that lower body temperatures that result from a short period of inactivity can have a negative impact on jumping performance just before players enter the game.

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.

Comparison of Shoulder Kinematics and Muscle Activation of Female Elite Handball Players With and Without Pain-An Explorative Cross-Sectional Study.

Non-traumatic shoulder injuries are common in team handball. However, many athletes continue to throw, despite pain in the shoulder. This study investigated upper body kinematics and muscle activation while throwing in female elite handball players with and without shoulder pain. Thirty female elite team handball players, 15 with pain (age 22.2 ± 2.9 yrs.) and 15 without pain (age 20.4 ± 2.6 yrs.) performed five standing throws in which joint kinematics and muscle activity were measured in the following muscles: pectoralis major, infraspinatus, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, and upper-, middle-, and lower trapezius. The main findings revealed that peak joint angles and angular velocities were not different between groups; however, group differences were observed in earlier timing of position and longer time spent in maximal shoulder extension and external shoulder rotation in the pain group compared with the no pain group. The pain group also revealed a significant lower muscle peak activity in the serratus anterior during the cocking phase compared to the no pain group. After the cocking phase and at ball release, the groups had similar activation. In conclusion, the present study showed group differences in appearance and time spent in maximal humerus extension and external rotation and a different serratus anterior muscle peak activity between elite handball players playing with and without shoulder pain, which are identified as possible mechanisms of adaptation to avoid pain.

A Comparison of Sprint Mechanical Parameters Measured With Timing Gates and a Laser Gun.

The aim of the study was to compare sprint mechanical parameters measured with timing gates and a laser gun. Thirty-four female team handball players (age: 17.0 ± 2.3 years, height: 1.70 ± 0.07 m, body mass: 66.7 ± 9.7 kg) performed three 30 m sprints in which the times were measured at 5, 10, 20 and 30 m with timing gates (accuracy 0.01 s) together with the distance over time by a laser gun. The main findings were that with a correction of +0.21 s (timing gates) the times and sprint mechanical properties calculated with the spreadsheet of Morin between timing gates and laser gun were not different. But when peak velocity was derived directly from the laser gun (MusclelabTM system) this was significantly higher than maximal velocity (vmax), and lower than the theoretical maximal velocity (v0) calculated with the spreadsheet. It was concluded that a correction of +0.21 s should be used to get correct mechanical properties when measuring with timing gates compared with laser gun measurements on an indoor court.

ARE THERE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN HANDEDNESS, COMPETITIVE RESULTS AND MOTIVATION IN WHEEL GYMNASTS?

Handedness is a performance-influencing factor in many competitive sports. In female team handball, psychological factors such as motivation have been connected to handedness. It should be researched whether this is also the case in wheel gymnastics and whether motivation is related to performance or handedness. For this purpose, 203 German wheel gymnasts were studied. There are significant differences in motivational aspects between gymnasts of different handedness within the straight line discipline. No differences were found in the all-around. There were not enough cases of gymnasts competing in spiral or vault only. When comparing the prevalence of different types of handedness in the general population to those among wheel gymnasts, no specific evaluation could be conducted for male gymnasts due to too few cases, although it should be noted that all 13 male participants were right-handed. When comparing the percentages of the left-handed and ambidextrous among female gymnasts to those in the general female population, it is evident that there is a higher percentage of ambidexters and left-handers among wheel gymnasts than in the general female population. There are differences in the percentages of female gymnasts of different handedness competing in straight line and all-around. There are correlations between percentage of handedness and competitive results when considering quintiles of competitive results (e. g. r = 0.949 and p ≤ 0.014 for technical difficulty in left-handed athletes). Our results suggest that it might be necessary to consider handedness when it comes to individual coaching and selection.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis of Young Elite Team Handball Players.

Team handball is a highly dynamic sport where physical demands differ between categories and roles. Thus, physical characteristics are fundamental for the final performance. This study aims to (a) characterize a sample of young male and female elite team handball players with a non-athletic reference population; (b) to generate their 50%, 75%, and 95% percentiles of the bioelectrical variables. The study included 55 young elite team handball players (Males, n = 37, age = 17.0 ± 1.2 yrs, height = 185.8 ± 7.3 cm, weight = 82.0 ± 11.0 kg, body mass index (BMI) = 23.7 ± 2.5; Females, n = 18, age = 17.8 ± 0.9 yrs, height = 171.2 ± 6.4 cm, weight = 67.4 ± 7.2 kg, BMI = 23.0 ± 2.0). Height and bioelectrical variables were assessed in a state of euhydration and standard conditions. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was used to characterize the bioelectrical vector (BIA vector) distribution pattern for each group. Compared to the reference values, BIA vector showed statistically significant differences in males U17 (n = 19, T2 = 51.0, p < 0.0001), males U19 (n = 18, T2 = 82.0, p < 0.0001) and females U19 (n = 18, T2 = 85.8, p < 0.0001). Male groups were also bioelectrically different (T2 = 13.7, p = 0.0036). BIVA showed specific bioelectrical characteristics in young male and female elite handball players. This study provides an original data set of bioelectrical impedance reference values of young male and female elite team handball players. Our result might help to interpret individual bioimpedance vectors and define target regions for young handball players.

Effect of Small Sided Game Duration with Floater Player on Internal and External Load of Female Handball Players

Abstract Introduction. The present study deals with the effect of the duration of small-sided games (SSGs) with a floater player on the external (covered distance) and internal (heart rate) load of the elite female players. Material and methods. The research group consisted of nine professional elite female team handball field players (age 22.8 ± 4.5 years) playing in the first international league for female players in the Czech Republic. Their height was 170.4 ± 6.4 cm, weight 67.7 ± 9.2 kg, and maximal heart rate 200.2 ± 3.3 beats∙min-1. The duration of the SSGs was 4 (SSG4) minutes, 5 (SSG5) minutes, and 6 (SSG6) minutes. Results. The highest heart rate value of 177.2 ± 9.9 beats / minute resp. 88.5 ± 4.4% HRmax was measured in SSG5. The lowest mean heart rate values were measured at SSG6 of 172.01 ± 15.7 beats / min resp. 85.9 ± 6.8% HRmax. Most time 38 resp. 34% of the drill time, players were in the 85-90% HRmax load intensity zone of SSG4 and SSG5. There was a statistically significant difference in load intensity zones of 80-85% HRmax and ≥ 95% HRmax between SSG5 and SSG6 and p = .008 (η2 p = 0.22) and .013 (η2 p = 0.26), respectively. In the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) evaluation, there was a statistically significant difference in SSG6 and SSG4 p = .003 (η2 p = 0.27) and between SSG6 and SSG5 p = .004 (η2 p = 0.25). The total longest distance in SSG6 was 786.8 ± 41.9 m, but in the one-minute drill the longest average distance in SSG4 was 136.2 ± 21.1 metres per minute. Conclusions . SSGs with a floater are a suitable means for training technical and tactical activities in handball with an overlap into fitness training in women’s handball. According to our results, the intensity of the load will not decrease if we increase the game time to six minutes and also the covered distance will not decrease during the game.

The Team Handball Game-Based Performance Test Is Better than the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to Measure Match-Related Activities in Female Adult Top-Elite Field Team Handball Players

In team handball, suitable tests determining the match-related physical performance are essential for the planning of optimal physical training regimens. Thus, the aims of the present study were (a) to determine the relationships between the physical and physiological test results from a team handball game-based performance test (GBPT), the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1 test) and a separate linear 30-m single sprint performance test (SSPT) in female adult top-elite field team handball players, in order to establish the significance (validity) of tests for measuring relevant elements for team handball match-play; and (b) to compare and evaluate the results from the aforementioned tests for the same players in relation to the different playing positions. Twenty-three female adult top-elite field team handball players from the Danish Premier Female Team Handball League performed the GBPT, the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT test on separate days. As main findings, significant correlations between the GBPT and the Yo-Yo IR1 test in about 1/3 of the variables were found, indicating that the Yo-Yo IR1 test is reflecting most of the locomotive match activities in female adult top-elite team handball. However, the Yo-Yo IR1 test results were not correlated to the GBPT in any of the match-related activities in the team handball GBPT that included technical playing actions such as tackles, passes, jumping and shooting during specialized movements in offence and defence. Overall, the results revealed that the GBPT is better than the Yo-Yo IR1 test to evaluate female adult top-elite field team handball players’ ability to perform physical match-related activities including both locomotive and technical playing actions executed as during competitive match-play. Similar to the Yo-Yo IR1 test, the 30-m SSPT was not correlated to any of the team handball GBPT activities, which included technical playing actions. These data suggest that the SSPT only to a certain extent can measure the individual sprint capacity of elite team handball players. In addition, unexpectedly no significant differences between the various playing positions were found neither for the GBPT, the SSPT nor the Yo-Yo IR1 test. However, several effects sizes indicated that the lack of positional differences primarily was due to the relatively small sample size in each playing position and the composition of the specific group of players. In conclusion, this study clearly indicated that team handball specific physical performance, as measured by the GBPT, and general physical performance, as measured by the Yo-Yo IR1 test and the 30-m SSPT, are different components. This must be taken in consideration when using physical test results for the planning of optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.

The Anthropometric and Physical Performance Profiles of Female Handball Players: Influence of Playing Position

The purpose of the study was to compare anthropometric data and physical performance characteristics between different playing positions in professional female team handball. Twenty-nine female handball players were categorized as centers (n=6), pivots (n=9), wings (n=8) or goalkeepers (n=16). Measurement of anthropometrics data including body height and mass, body mass index; knee muscle strength, scores on the lower limb vertical power (vPower), lower and upper limb performance and trunk extension endurance were determined and analyzed with respect to playing position. The goalkeepers had higher knee strength in than pivots, wingers, and centers (p<.001). Pivot players achieved higher vPower than wings, centers and goalkeepers (p=.011). In addition, goalkeepers and wings achieved higher vPower than centers (p<.001). No significant differences were observed in trunk extension endurance and upper limb performance results according to play positions. The pivots and wingers had better lower limb performance than goalkeepers and centers (p<.001). The present study concludes that depending on their play positions, there are differences in terms of anthropometric values, knee muscle strength, vertical power and lower extremity performance in elite handball players. Results indicate that knee muscle strength and height should be considered in handball performance, as well as the fat tissue in career performance, especially in females by professionals involved in the development process and selection of talent in young handball players.

High bone mineral density in lifelong trained female team handball players and young elite football players.

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures are a major concern in the female population and preventative strategies are needed. Whether team sports participation may reduce age-related bone loss in elderly women is still uncertain. One hundred and thirty healthy, non-smoking women participated in this cross-sectional study, i.e., elderly (60-80years) team handball players (EH, n = 35), elderly untrained controls (EC, n = 35), young (18-30years) elite football players (YF, n = 30) and young untrained controls (YC, n = 30). A whole-body and two regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed to evaluate BMD and a blood sample was collected for measurement of bone turnover markers (BTMs). EH had higher BMD in all regions of the lumbar spine, except for L1, compared to EC (8-10%), and higher BMD in the femoral Ward's triangle (9%) and trochanter (7%) of the left leg. Furthermore, EH had higher mean leg BMD (8%) and whole-body BMD (5%) than EC. EH and YC had similar BMD in femoral trochanter, L1-L4 and mean leg despite an age difference of ~ 40years. YF had higher BMD in all regions of the proximal femur (18-29%) and lumbar spine (12-16%) compared to YC, as well as higher mean leg BMD (20%) and whole-body BMD (13%). Sclerostin was 14% lower in EH compared to EC. YF showed higher PINP (98%), osteocalcin (57%), and CTX (83%) compared to YC. Lifelong team handball training and elite football training are associated with superior bone mineralization and changed bone turnover in elderly and young women.

Medio-Lateral Hamstring Muscle Activity in Unilateral vs.Bilateral Strength Exercises in Female Team Handball Players - A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundReduced activation of the hamstring muscles and specifically the medial semitendinosus muscle (ST) has been shown to be a risk factor for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Specific hamstring strength exercises may show high ST activity, however the effect of unilateral vs. bilateral exercise execution on ST activation remains unknown.PurposeTo investigate selected lower limb strengthening exercises performed either unilaterally or bilaterally to identify 1) which exercise elicited the highest hamstring activation, 2) which exercise elicited the highest ST activation, and 3) to examine if unilateral exercise execution altered the medio-lateral hamstring activation pattern. Furthermore, the kinematic characteristics of each specific exercise and execution modality were determined to reveal possible causes for differences in medio-lateral hamstring activation between the different exercise conditions.Study designCross-sectional study.MethodsSingle-session repeated measures were obtained in a randomized manner. Twenty-three female elite team handball players were recruited. Hamstring electromyographic (EMG) activity and 3D kinematics were obtained during selected lower limb exercises (hip thrust, kettlebell swing, Romanian deadlift). Hamstring EMG activity, normalized to maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (nEMG), and inter-muscular activation difference between the ST and lateral hamstring biceps femoris (BF) were compared across exercises using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsBilateral hip thrust demonstrated highest overall hamstring activity (68.9±16.6 %). Kettlebell swing (Δ13%-point, p<0.01) and Romanian deadlift (Δ20-24%-point, p<0.01) demonstrated greater ST-BF activation differences (Δ=ST-BF) in favor of ST compared to hip thrust (Δ2-7%). Positive correlations were observed between knee joint angle and ST activity in kettlebell swing and deadlift.ConclusionKettlebell swing, deadlift and hip thrust all produced high activation of the hamstring muscles. Kettlebell swing and both deadlift exercises were superior in activating ST over BF, favoring these exercises in the prevention of non-contact ACL injury in female athletes, which should be evaluated in future intervention studies.Level of evidence3

First-time anterior cruciate ligament injury in adolescent female elite athletes: a prospective cohort study to identify modifiable risk factors

PurposeTo identify modifiable biomechanical and neuromuscular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors for first-time ACL injury in adolescent female elite football and team handball players.MethodsAdolescent female elite football and handball players with no previous ACL injury participated in the present study. At baseline, players were tested during side-cutting manoeuvres performed in a 3-dimensional motion analysis laboratory with concomitant electromyography (EMG) measurements. Maximal isometric lower limb muscle strength was assessed by handheld dynamometry. Players were prospectively followed for 2 years after baseline testing, and all magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) verified ACL injuries were registered. The effect of 16 risk factor candidates on the relative risk (RR) of ACL injury was estimated using Poisson regression analysis.ResultsNinety players (age 16.9 ± 1.2 years) were included in the analyses. Nine first-time ACL injuries (injury incidence 10.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.4–18.6%)) were registered during the 2-year follow-up period. Four risk factor candidates were significantly associated with the risk of ACL injury: (1) hip flexion angle at initial contact (IC) [RR 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.92], (2) internal knee rotation angle at IC [RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08–1.19], (3) semitendinosus EMG activity 50 ms prior to IC [RR: 0.62, 95% CI 0.43–0.89], and (4) external hip rotator strength [RR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.66–0.89].ConclusionFour distinct ACL injury risk factors related to the side-cutting manoeuvre were identified in a population of adolescent female elite football and team handball players with no previous ACL injury. As ACL injury typically occur during side-cutting, intervention programmes to modify these risk factors pose a promising strategy for ACL injury prevention in adolescent female elite football and team handball.Level of evidenceII.

The Effect of Eight Weeks of Sling-Based Training with Rotational Core Exercises on Ball Velocity in Female Team Handball Players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sling-based training focused on rotational exercises would improve shooting performance in outfield handball players during the competitive season, and whether changes in performance were related to altered levels of core strength and rotational velocity. Twenty-five female outfield handball players (mean age 19.5 ± 2.0 years, height 1.72 ± 0.06 m, body mass 71.5 ± 8.6 kg, training experience 10.3 ± 2.4 years), performed 7 m shots, with and without a run-up, and jump shots. Maximal ball velocity, peak rotational velocity of the trunk with different loads and 1RM in a core strength test were measured before and after an 8-week training intervention. Players were divided into a sling-based and a plyometric/sprint training (control) group that trained three times per week for 8 weeks. The main findings were that sling-based training increased ball velocity by on average 3.2% across three techniques tested, while shooting performance decreased by 3% in the control group. However, both training groups demonstrated increased peak rotational velocity with different loads, but not the calculated 1RM core strength after the training period. It was concluded that sling-based training with rotational core exercises could improve maximal ball velocity in female handball players during a competitive season by around 3%. However, this increased ball velocity may have been caused by increased angular velocity in the core, rather than absolute maximal core strength. It is suggested that sling-based training has impacted timing variables of the different involved segments, or possibly power transfer between segments, which may explain the enhancement in ball velocity.

Effect of Box Height on Box Jump Performance in Elite Female Handball Players.

Koefoed, N, Dam, S, and Kersting, UG. Effect of box height on box jump performance in elite female team handball players. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 508-512, 2022-This study aimed at investigating whether a link exists between performance in a countermovement jump and the height of the box an athlete could successfully jump onto. Furthermore, it was investigated whether the height of the box influences the takeoff. Ten, elite, female team, handball players were recruited for the study (age: 20.9 ± 3.2 years; height: 174.7 ± 7.6 cm; mass: 73.8 ± 6.7 kg). Subjects performed 3 maximal countermovement jumps. Subsequently, subjects jumped onto boxes of increasing height until they could no longer successfully jump onto the box. Subjects then performed 3 box jumps with maximal intention to boxes corresponding to 70% of their maximal center of mass displacement (LOW) and 90% of their maximal achieved box height (HIGH). Finally, subjects completed another 3 maximal countermovement jumps. There was no relationship between the maximal center of mass displacement in countermovement jumps and the maximal achievable box jump height (r2 = 0.35; p = 0.071). Between jumps to LOW and HIGH boxes, there were no differences in the chosen variables, peak force (-156 ± 390 N; p = 0.239), peak power (25 ± 236 W; p = 0.747), peak center of mass displacement (0.003 ± 0.039 m; p = 0.840), peak rate of force development (-3.055 ± 6264 N·s-1; p = 0.157), and concentric time to takeoff (0.005 ± 0.044 seconds; p = 0.721). Because no differences could be found, the added risk of failure leading to injury and the limited possibilities of improving specific landing technique with low impact when jumping to high boxes in training cannot be justified.

On‐court game‐based testing in world‐class, top‐elite, and elite adult female team handball players

On‐court game‐based testing in world‐class, top‐elite, and elite adult female team handball players

Physiological Performance Characteristics of Danish National Team Handball Players 1990-2016: Implications on Position-Specific Strength and Conditioning Training.

Bøgild, P, Jensen, K, and Kvorning, T. Physiological performance characteristics of Danish National Team Handball players 1990-2016: implications on position-specific strength and conditioning training. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1555-1563, 2020-The aims of this study were: (a) to examine the anthropometric and physiological performance characteristics in male and female national team handball (TH) players before and after 2000; and (b) to compare anthropometry and physiological performance characteristics between court playing positions in male and female national TH players. Using a federal database containing physiological test data from 1990 to 2016 of more than 800 national A and U (under 21 years) TH players, data from 175 men and 138 women were extracted by their first appearance for pre- or post-2000 and sorted by playing positions. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Pre- vs. post-2000 male A showed no differences, whereas differences were found in male U, female A, and female U. General position-specific differences for both sexes were wings being lowest, lightest, and having lowest fat-free mass (FFM), pivots having higher body mass and FFM than back-court players, and higher %BF than wings. Back-court players and wings had higher jump and reach (JR) than pivots, and wings were faster on 30 m than pivots. Based on these findings, no general differences seem to exist before and after the year 2000 in the observed physiological parameters. The primary differences between playing positions were anthropometric, whereas the physiological performance characteristics, in general, did not differ between playing positions, except for the pivots' lower JR and the wings' faster 30 m, indicating that earlier documented differences in on-court work demands had not, in general, impacted the players' physiological performance characteristics.