Male Team Handball Players Research Articles

Comparison of the effects of 6 weeks of squat training with a plyometric training programme upon different physical performance tests in adolescent team handball players

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of six weeks of squat training with those of plyometric training upon different types of physical performance in adolescent male and female team handball players. Twenty-six adolescent male and female team handball players (age 13.8±0.5 yr, body mass 57.5±11.5 kg, body height 1.70±0.10 m) participated in the study. Half of the subjects (n=13) conducted a squat training program, while the other half conducted a plyometric training program, twice a week for six weeks, in addition to their normal team handball practice. Both groups increased their performance after six weeks in agility, 30 m sprint and Yo-Yo IR1 tests, while no changes were found in the CMJ, strength test and throwing velocity. The results suggest that either a short in-season 6-week squat orplyometric training regimen can improve the physical performance of the lower body, while these programs will not enhance the performance of the upper body.

Differences in ball speed and three-dimensional kinematics between male and female handball players during a standing throw with run-up.

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper was to examine differences in ball release speed and throwing kinematics between male and female team-handball players in a standing throw with run-up. Other research has shown that this throwing type produces the highest ball release speeds and comparing groups with differences in ball release speed can suggest where this difference might come from. If throwing technique differs, perhaps gender-specific coordination- and strength-training guidelines are in order.MethodsMeasurements of three-dimensional kinematics were performed with a seven-camera VICON motion capture system and subsequent joint angles and angular velocities calculations were executed in Mathcad. Data-analysis with Statistical Parametric Mapping allowed us to examine the entire time-series of every variable without having to reduce the data to certain scalar values such as minima/maxima extracted from the time-series.ResultsStatistical Parametric Mapping enabled us to detect several differences in the throwing kinematics (12 out of 20 variables had one or more differences somewhere during the motion). The results indicated two distinct strategies in generating and transferring momentum through the kinematic chain. Male team-handball players showed more activity in the transverse plane (pelvis and trunk rotation and shoulder horizontal abduction) whereas female team-handball players showed more activity in the sagital plane (trunk flexion). Also the arm cocking maneuver was quite different.ConclusionsThe observed differences between male and female team handball players in the motions of pelvis, trunk and throwing arm can be important information for coaches to give feedback to athletes. Whether these differences contribute to the observed difference in ball release speed is at the present unclear and more research on the relation with anthropometric profile needs to be done. Kinematic differences might suggest gender-specific training guidelines in team-handball.

The effects of aerobic fatigue on jump shot kinematics in team handball players

Background: Aerobic fatigue from running may contribute to altered kinematics and as a result the possibility of injury exists. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic fatigue on jump shot kinematics in team handball players. Methods: Ten male team handball players (23.60 ± 3.06 years; 184.68 ± 8.78 cm; 84.76 ± 9.23 kg) volunteered. An electromagnetic tracking system was used to examine the kinematics of the jump shot prior to and following aerobic fatigue. The fatiguing protocol consisted of running to exhaustion at a speed that corresponded with 80% of their heart rate maximum. Results: Significant pelvis and trunk kinematic differences were observed following the aerobic fatigue protocol. For both the trunk (F6, 54 = 5.10; P < .01; power = 0.99) and pelvis (F3, 27 = 14.47; P < .01; power = 1.00) a three-way interaction of event x time x direction was observed. At foot contact, significant differences were observed for pelvis lateral flexion, pelvis rotation, and trunk flexion. The pelvis was positioned with greater lateral flexion to the contralateral side (-1.25° ± 3.41° to -3.39° ± 4.14°) and increased contralateral pelvis rotation was observed (-43.07° ± 12.92° to -50.79° ± 12.26°). Pelvis lateral flexion towards the contralateral side was also significantly greater at ball release following fatigue (-21.90° ± 5.99° to -25.55° ± 7.79°). Trunk rotation significantly increased from -6.80° ± 10.07° to -12.55° ± 10.97° at maximum external rotation following fatigue. Conclusion: Altered mechanics were observed at the pelvis and trunk and these alterations may contribute to injury in team handball players as a player reaches fatigue.

Influence of Different Work and Rest Distributions on Performance and Fatigue During Simulated Team Handball Match Play.

This study investigated the effect of different interchange strategies on performance and pacing strategy during a simulated team-sport protocol. Eight youth male team handball players completed 2 conditions (LONG-work: 3 × 13:00 minutes, rest: 8:00 minutes; SHORT-work: 5 × 7:48 minutes, rest: 3:45 minutes). Participants were tested for 20-m sprint, countermovement jump, throwing performance, and heart rate (HR) during conditions. Postcondition measures included repeated shuttle-sprint and jump ability, session rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate, and glucose. Faster sprint (3.87 ± 0.27 seconds cf. 3.97 ± 0.24 seconds, effect size [ES] = 0.39, p = 0.03) and throwing performance (70.02 ± 7.40 km·h(-1) cf. 69.04 ± 5.57 km·h(-1), p > 0.05, ES = -0.15) occurred in SHORT compared with LONG by a "likely small" difference. Higher summated HR (157 ± 21 cf. 150 ± 15 AU) occurred in SHORT compared with LONG by a "likely small" difference (ES = 0.37, p > 0.05). SHORT resulted in lower session rating of perceived exertion (224 ± 45 AU cf. 282 ± 35 AU, ES = 1.45, p = 0.001) and higher blood glucose (6.06 ± 0.69 mmol·l(-1) cf. 4.98 ± 1.10 mmol·l(-1), ES = -1.17, p = 0.03) by a "most likely moderate" difference compared with LONG. Repeated shuttle sprint was better preserved after SHORT, with "moderately lower" 10 and 25 m times (p ≤ 0.05). Interchange strategies using SHORT rather than LONG work and rest periods result in lower physiological load, leading to improved fatigue resistance and better preservation of high-intensity movements during matches.

Technical match characteristics and influence of body anthropometry on playing performance in male elite team handball.

Modern team handball match-play imposes substantial physical and technical demands on elite players. However, only limited knowledge seems to exist about the specific working requirements in elite team handball. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the physical demands imposed on male elite team handball players in relation to playing position and body anthropometry. Based on continuous video recording of individual players during elite team handball match-play (62 tournament games, ∼4 players per game), computerized technical match analysis was performed in male elite team handball players along with anthropometric measurements over a 6 season time span. Technical match activities were distributed in 6 major types of playing actions (shots, breakthroughs, fast breaks, tackles, technical errors, and defense errors) and further divided into various subcategories (e.g., hard or light tackles, type of shot, claspings, screenings, and blockings). Players showed 36.9 ± 13.1 (group mean ± SD) high-intense technical playing actions per match with a mean total effective playing time of 53.85 ± 5.87 minutes. In offense, each player performed 6.0 ± 5.2 fast breaks, received 34.5 ± 21.3 tackles in total, and performed in defense 3.7 ± 3.5 blockings, 3.9 ± 3.0 claspings, and 5.8 ± 3.6 hard tackles. Wing players (84.5 ± 5.8 kg, 184.9 ± 5.7 cm) were less heavy and smaller (p < 0.001) than backcourt players (94.7 ± 7.1 kg, 191.9 ± 5.4 cm) and pivots (99.4 ± 6.2 kg, 194.8 ± 3.6 cm). In conclusion, modern male elite team handball match-play is characterized by a high number of short-term, high-intense intermittent technical playing actions. Indications of technical fatigue were observed. Physical demands differed between playing positions with wing players performing more fast breaks and less physical confrontations with opponent players than backcourt players and pivots. Body anthropometry seemed to have an important influence on playing performance because it is highly related to playing positions. The present observations suggest that male elite team handball players should implement more position-specific training regimens, while also focusing on anaerobic training and strength training.

Muscular Contraction Ability Develops in the Lower Trapezius Muscle of the Dominant Arm in Team Hand-Ball Players

Eleven male university team hand-ball players (22 shoulders) with 5 or more years of competitive team hand-ball experience who had no history of injuries were included in this study. We compared the thickness of the trapezius muscle between their dominant arm and non-dominant arm, to clarify the correlation between the muscle thickness and muscular strength during internal and external rotation in the shoulder joints used to throw a handball. We measured the thickness of the middle and lower trapezius muscles at an abduction angle of 90˚ descending by the ultrasonic LOGIQ e and measured internal and external rotational muscular strength of the glenohumeral joint by BIODEX. The players showed significantly greater thickness of the lower trapezius muscle during constriction in the dominant arm than that in the non-dominant arm. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between muscle thickness of the lower trapezius muscle and the muscular strength during internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint. It is highly probable that the height of the constricting ability in the lower trapezius muscle in the dominant arm is related to the prevention of throwing injuries.

Erratum to “Muscular Contraction Ability Develops in the Lower Trapezius Muscle of the Dominant Arm in Team Hand-Ball Players” [Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology 6 (2015) 368-374

Eleven male university team hand-ball players (22 shoulders) with 5 or more years of competitive team hand-ball experience who had no history of injuries were included in this study. We compared the thickness of the trapezius muscle between their dominant arm and non-dominant arm, to clarify the correlation between the muscle thickness and muscular strength during internal and external rotation in the shoulder joints used to throw a handball. We measured the thickness of the middle and lower trapezius muscles at an abduction angle of 90° descending by the ultrasonic LOGIQ e and measured internal and external rotational muscular strength of the glenohumeral joint by BIODEX. The players showed significantly greater thickness of the lower trapezius muscle during constriction in the dominant arm than that in the non-dominant arm. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between muscle thickness of the lower trapezius muscle and the muscular strength during internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint. It is highly probable that the height of the constricting ability in the lower trapezius muscle in the dominant arm is related to the prevention of throwing injuries.

Erratum to “Muscular Contraction Ability Develops in the Lower Trapezius Muscle of the Dominant Arm in Team Hand-Ball Players” [Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology Vol.6 No.5 (2015) 368-374

Eleven male university team hand-ball players (22 shoulders) with 5 or more years of competitive team hand-ball experience who had no history of injuries were included in this study. We compared the thickness of the trapezius muscle between their dominant arm and non-dominant arm, to clarify the correlation between the muscle thickness and muscular strength during internal and external rotation in the shoulder joints used to throw a handball. We measured the thickness of the middle and lower trapezius muscles at an abduction angle of 90&deg descending by the ultrasonic LOGIQ e and measured internal and external rotational muscular strength of the glenohumeral joint by BIODEX. The players showed significantly greater thickness of the lower trapezius muscle during constriction in the dominant arm than that in the non-dominant arm. Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between muscle thickness of the lower trapezius muscle and the muscular strength during internal rotation of the glenohumeral joint. It is highly probable that the height of the constricting ability in the lower trapezius muscle in the dominant arm is related to the prevention of throwing injuries.

Effects of a full season on stabilometric Parameters of team handball elite athletes

It is unclear whether athletes change their postural control over the course of a full sport season, or become more asymmetrical with respect to their neuromuscular performance over the same period. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a full sport season on the postural control of team handball elite athletes. Ten healthy, elite male team handball players performed bipodal standing (BP) and right and left unipodal standing (UP) during 30s. We used the RMS and speed of the center of pressure to describe postural sway. For the BP task, the sway was lower at the end of the season (p&lt;0.005). For the UP tasks, the sway was lower at the end of the season only for the non-dominant limb (p&lt;0.001). Differences between limbs were observed only at the end of the season (p&lt;0.03). In conclusion, a full team handball season did not lead to deterioration of the athletes' postural control, but by the end of the season, the athletes were more asymmetrical.

Attributes of Top Elite Team-Handball Players

Researchers in the field of excellence in sport performance are becoming increasingly focused on the study of sport-specific characteristics and requirements. In accordance with this, the purposes of this study were (a) to examine the morphologic-, fitness-, handball-specific skills and psychological and "biosocial" differences between top elite and nontop elite team-handball players and (b) to investigate the extent to which they may be used to identify top elite team-handball players. One hundred sixty-seven adult male team-handball players were studied and divided in 2 groups: top elite (n = 41) and nontop elite (n = 126). Twenty-eight morphologic-, 9 fitness-, 1 handball-specific skills and 2 psychological-based and 2 "biosocial"-based attributes were used. Top elite and nontop elite groups were compared for each variable of interest using Student's t-test, and 5 logistic regression analyses were performed with the athlete's performance group (top elite or nontop elite) as the dependent variable and the variables of each category as predictors. The results showed that (a) body mass, waist girth, radiale-dactylion length, midstylion-dactylion length, and absolute muscle mass (morphologic model); (b) 30-m sprint time, countermovement jump height and average power, abdominal strength and the class of performance in the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test (fitness model); (c) offensive power (specific-skills model); (d) ego-based motivational orientation (psychological model); (e) socioeconomic status and the energy spent (for week) in handball activity (biosocial model); significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to predict the probability of an athlete to be a top elite team-handball player. Moreover, the fitness model exhibited higher percentages of correct classification (i.e., 91.5%) than all the other models did. This study provided (a) the rational to reduce the battery of tests for evaluation purposes, and (b) the initial step to work on building a multidisciplinary model to predict the probability of a handball athlete to be a top elite player.

Throwing velocity predictors in elite team handball players

Team Handball (TH) consists of intense, intermittent activities such as running, sprinting, jumping as well as regular throwing, hitting, blocking, and pushing between players. In addition to technical and tactical skills, it has been argued that one of the key skills necessary for success in team handball is throwing performance (Gorostiaga et al., 2006; Marques and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2006). Although the technique of motion and the fitness level can be improved by the training process, others variables like strength and power can determine throwing ball velocity (TBv). To our best knowledge, few studies have examined the relationship between ball throwing performance in elite team handball players with dynamic strength and power metrics of the upper-extremity and lower extremities. The bench press is a widely used movement to develop strength and power in the upper-body in TH players. However, data about kinematics factors using light free weights is limited (Gorostiaga et al., 2006). Additionally, others studies observed that TBv is able to establish a strong correlation with lower-extremities, namely with maximum strength and vertical jump (Marques and Gonzalez-Badillo, 2006). Furthermore, once most throwing actions are made during a step running throw, we also hypostatized that TBv could be related with short srint running. Therefore, aim of this study was to examine the relationship between ball throwing velocity and bench press performance, squat strength, sprint ability, and jump power in a group of elite TH players. A group of fifteen senior elite male TH players volunteered to participate in the study (average age: 23 years-old, range 20-29 years-old), including five Portuguese international players. Subjects were required to sign an informed consent form prior to the study. Study was also approved by the Institutional Review Committee Board of the local Committee for Medical Research Ethics. Study was also developed according to current Portuguese law and regulations as well as, the Helsinki Declaration.

Locomotion Characteristics and Match-Induced Impairments in Physical Performance in Male Elite Team Handball Players

The purpose of this study was to determine the physical demands and match-induced impairments in physical performance in male elite Team Handball (TH) players in relation to playing position. Male elite TH field players were closely observed during 6 competitive seasons. Each player (wing players: WP, pivots: PV, backcourt players: BP) was evaluated during match-play using video recording and subsequently performing locomotion match analysis. A total distance of 3 627±568 m (group means±SD) was covered per match with a total effective playing time (TPT) of 53:51±5:52 min:s, while full-time players covered 3 945±538 m. The mean speed was 6.40±1.01 km · h - 1. High-intensity running constituted only 1.7±0.9% of TPT per match corresponding to 7.9±4.9% of the total distance covered. An average of 1 482.4±312.6 activity changes per player (n=82) with 53.2±14.1 high-intensity runs were observed per match. Total distance covered was greater in BP (3 765±532 m) and WP (3 641±501 m) than PV (3 295±495 m) (p<0.05), and WP performed more high-intensity running (10.9±5.7% of total distance covered) than PV (8.5±4.3%, p<0.05) and BP (6.2±3.2%, p<0.01). The amount of high-intensity running was lower (p<0.05) in the second (130.4±38.4 m) than in the first half (155.3±47.6 m) corresponding to a decrease of 16.2%.In conclusion, modern male elite TH is a complex team sport that comprises several types of movement categories, which during match-play place moderate-to-high demands on intermittent endurance running capacity and where the amount of high-intensity running may be high during brief periods of the match. Signs of fatigue-related changes were observed in terms of temporary impaired physical performance, since the amount of high-intensity running was reduced in the second half. Notably, physical demands differed between playing positions, with WP demonstrating a more intensive activity pattern than BP and PV, respectively.

Effects of Localized and General Fatigue on Static and Dynamic Postural Control in Male Team Handball Athletes

In team sports, sensorimotor impairments resulting from previous injuries or muscular fatigue have been suggested to be factors contributing to an increased injury risk. Although it has been widely shown that physical fatigue affects static postural sway, it is still questionable as to what extent these adaptations are relevant for dynamic, sports-related situations. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of whole-body and localized fatigue on postural control in stable and unstable conditions. Nineteen male team handball players were assessed in 2 sessions separated by 1 week. Treadmill running and single-leg step-up exercises were used to induce physical fatigue. The main outcome measures were center of pressure (COP) sway velocity during a single-leg stance on a force plate and maximum reach distances of the star excursion balance test (SEBT). The COP sway velocity increased significantly (p < 0.05) after general (+47%) and localized fatigue (+10%). No fatigue effects were found for the SEBT. There were no significant correlations between COP sway velocity and SEBT mean reach in any condition. The results showed that although fatigue affects static postural control, sensorimotor mechanisms responsible for regaining dynamic balance in healthy athletes seem to remain predominantly intact. Thus, our data indicate that the exclusive use of static postural sway measures might not be sufficient to allow conclusive statements regarding sensorimotor control in the noninjured athlete population.

Skill-dependent proximal-to-distal sequence in team-handball throwing

The importance of proximal-to-distal sequencing in human performance throwing has been reported previously. However, a comprehensive comparison of the proximal-to-distal sequence in team-handball throwing in athletes with different training experience and competition is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the ball velocity and proximal-to-distal sequence in the team-handball standing throw with run-up of players of different skill (less experienced, experienced, and elite). Twenty-four male team-handball players (n = 8 for each group) performed five standing throws with run-up with maximal ball velocity and accuracy. Kinematics and ball trajectories were recorded with a Vicon motion capture system and joint movements were calculated. A specific proximal-to-distal sequence, where elbow flexion occurred before shoulder internal rotation, was found in all three groups. These results are in line with previous studies in team-handball. Furthermore, the results of the present study suggest that in the team-handball standing throw with run-up, increased playing experience is associated with an increase in ball velocity as well as a delayed start to trunk flexion.

Associations Between Rate of Force Development Metrics and Throwing Velocity in Elite Team Handball Players: a Short Research Report

Performance assessment has become an invaluable component of monitoring participant’s development in distinct sports, yet limited and contradictory data are available in trained subjects. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ball throwing velocity during a 3-step running throw in elite team handball players and selected measures of rate of force development like force, power, velocity, and bar displacement during a concentric only bench press exercise in elite male handball players. Fitteen elite senior male team handball players volunteered to participate. Each volunteer had power and bar velocity measured during a concentric only bench press test with 25, 35, and 45 kg as well as having one-repetition maximum strength determined. Ball throwing velocity was evaluated with a standard 3-step running throw using a radar gun. The results of this study indicated significant associations between ball velocity and time at maximum rate of force development (0, 66; p<0.05) and rate of force development at peak force (0,56; p<0.05) only with 25kg load. The current research indicated that ball velocity was only median associated with maximum rate of force development with light loads. A training regimen designed to improve ball-throwing velocity in elite male team handball players should emphasize bench press movement using light loads.

Effect of Gender and Sports on the Risk of Full-Thickness Articular Cartilage Lesions in Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Injured Knees

Background: The presence of an articular cartilage lesion in anterior cruciate ligament–injured knees is considered a predictor of osteoarthritis. Purpose: This study was undertaken to evaluate risk factors for full-thickness articular cartilage lesions in anterior cruciate ligament–injured knees, in particular the role of gender and the sport causing the initial injury. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Primary unilateral anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions prospectively registered in the Swedish and the Norwegian National Knee Ligament Registry during 2005 through 2008 were included (N = 15 783). Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for cartilage lesions. Results: A total of 1012 patients (6.4%) had full-thickness cartilage lesions. The median time from injury to surgery was 9 months (range, 0 days-521 months). Male patients had an increased odds of full-thickness cartilage lesions compared with females (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.42). In males, team handball had an increase in the odds of full-thickness cartilage lesions compared with soccer (odds ratio = 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-4.19). Among female patients, no sport investigated showed a significant decrease or increase in the odds of full-thickness cartilage lesions. The odds of a full-thickness cartilage lesion increased by 1.006 (95% confidence interval, 1.005-1.008) for each month elapsed from time of injury until anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction when all patients were considered, while time from injury to surgery did not affect the odds significantly in those patients reconstructed within 1 year of injury (odds ratio = 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.02). Previous surgery increased the odds of having a full-thickness cartilage lesion (odds ratio = 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-1.63). One year of increasing patient age also increased the odds (odds ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.06). Conclusion: Male gender is associated with an increased risk of full-thickness articular cartilage lesions in anterior cruciate ligament–injured knees. Male team handball players had an increased risk of full-thickness lesions. No other sports investigated were found to have significant effect on the risk in either gender. Furthermore, age, previous surgery, and time from injury to surgery exceeding 12 months are risk factors for full-thickness cartilage lesions.

Transitional Postural Stability Differs Between Male and Female Team Handball Players: Potential Implications for ACL Injury

Transitional Postural Stability Differs Between Male and Female Team Handball Players: Potential Implications for ACL Injury

Injuries in icelandic male team handball players

BackgroundTeam handball has a rich tradition and interest among Icelanders. No studies have been published on the incidence and nature of injuries in Icelandic team handball.ObjectiveTo examine and document the...

In-Season Strength and Power Training for Professional Male Team Handball Players

STRENGTH AND POWER PERFORMANCE ARE 2 MAJOR FACTORS RELATED TO PERFORMANCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES. THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES STRATEGIES FOR STRENGTH AND POWER DEVELOPMENT IN PROFESSIONAL MALE ELITE TEAM HANDBALL PLAYERS

Direct Validity of the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test in Young Team Handball Players

The aim of this study was to examine the possible association between Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 performance (distance covered, Yo-Yo IR1) and match activities (direct validity) in young male team handball players. Eighteen young male players (age 14.3 +/- 0.5 years, body mass 64 +/- 28.7 kg, height 174 +/- 6 cm, body fat 11.2 +/- 3.9%) took part in this study. Players' match activities were videotaped during an experimental tournament (6 games/player) and analyzed using a computerized system. Games and Yo-Yo IR1 heart rates (HRs) (short-range telemetry, HR) and blood lactate concentrations ([la]b) were assessed throughout and at selected times of the games, respectively. Peak Yo-Yo IR1 HR was assumed as representative of individual maximal HR (HRmax). Mean and peak game HRs were 174 +/- 3 and 198 +/- 2 b.min, which corresponded to 87 and 99% of HRmax, respectively. Yo-Yo IR1 performance (1,831 +/- 373 m) was significantly related (r = 0.88, p < 0.01) to total game distance (1,921 +/- 325 m). Post-game (9.2 +/- 2.3 mmol.L) and Yo-Yo IR1 (8.8 +/- 1.6 mmol.L) [la]b were significantly related (r = 0.51, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrated the direct validity of Yo-Yo IR1. Consequently, Yo-Yo IR1 test may be considered as a team handball test relevant for the assessment of intermittent high-intensity endurance in young male team handball players.