Performance In Handball Players Research Articles

Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players

ABSTRACT Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Method:Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV, n = 12; GAM, n = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups significantly improved V-cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (p < .05; d = 0.79–2.05). Notwithstanding, the GAM group demonstrated greater improvements in V-cut and COD180ASY compared with the MOV group (p < .05) with small effect. Handball throwing speed performance remained unchanged independently of training condition (p > .05). Conclusions: These findings provide further support for the training principle of “specificity” and highlight the importance of including a game-based training stimulus during resistance training. This is a key consideration for coaches wanting to enhance physical performance in youth handball players.

Phase angle as an indicator of body composition and physical performance in handball players

BackgroundPhase angle (PhA), obtained from the bioimpedance analysis, is widely used in clinical situations and in sports. This study evaluated the association between PhA with body composition and physical performance of handball athletes.Methods43 national-level players (22.19 ± 3.86 years) of both sexes were evaluated regarding anthropometry, body composition, squat (SJ) and countermovement (CMJ) jumps, handgrip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness.ResultsWe verified a correlation between PhA of the whole body and fat-free mass (r = 0.511), body mass index (r = 0.307), and body fat % (r = -0.303). There was a positive correlation between PhA of the whole body and SJ (r = 0.376), CMJ (r = 0.419), and handgrip for the dominant hand (r = 0.448). Moreover, PhA of the upper limbs was more strongly correlated with handgrip for the dominant (r = 0.630) and non-dominant hand (r = 0.575) compared to PhA of the whole body considering both sexes. Similarly, segmental PhA had a stronger significant correlation with SJ (r = 0.402) and handgrip for the dominant hand (r = 0.482) in males, as well as CMJ (r = 0.602) in females, compared to PhA of the whole body.ConclusionPhA of the whole body was positively related to fat-free mass, body mass index, body fat %, and lower- and upper-limbs strength in handball athletes. Segmental PhA might be used as a tool for estimating lower and upper limbs performance considering the sex, in preference to the PhA of the whole body.

Acute effects of kinesiology taping on physical parameters and functional performance in handball players: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Acute effects of kinesiology taping on physical parameters and functional performance in handball players: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThrowing is one of the most important movement in handball. Throwing performance is crucial for success in handball.ObjectiveΤo investigate the level of evidence for the effect of resistance training (RT) on throwing performance in handball players.MethodsSystematic searches of Pubmed, Medline complete, Cinahl, Sport Discus and Scopus were undertaken for peer reviewed articles published between 18 March 1995 to 18 March 2023. Randomized, controlled, clinical studies, written in English, aiming to investigate the effect at least one modality of RT on throwing performance (velocity or/and accuracy) in handball players were considered for inclusion in the study. The eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDRO) scale. The Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) approach was used for synthesizing and reporting the results. Furthermore, the random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and the Q-statistic was used to test the null hypothesis that all studies in the analysis share a common effect size.ResultsOne hundred ninety-eight studies were identified, of which 30 were included. A total of 727 handball players (males = 388, females = 292) were included. 28 of the 30 studies were rated as high methodological quality studies (PEDRO score > 70%) while the rest of the studies were rated as moderate methodological quality studies (PEDRO score ≤ 60%). The mean effect size for the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in improving jumping throw, running throw, and standing throw velocity were 1.128 (95% CI 0.457 – 1.798), 1.756 (95% CI 1.111 – 2.400), and 1.098 (95% CI 0.689 – 1.507) correspondingly. Traditional weight training using barbells in mostly compound lifts yielded the most significant and robust results. Other RT modalities such as elastic bands, medicine balls, core training and ballistic training showed no significant results or positive effects due to the limited number of the studies.ConclusionStrong evidence exists only for the effectiveness of RT using barbells in increasing throwing velocity. In contrast, the remaining RT modalities, while yielding positive results, have limited support due to limited number of studies and the high heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to support various forms of RT in increasing throw distance. Finally, medicine ball training and elastic band training demonstrated no benefits in improving throwing accuracy.Trial registrationPROSPERO ID: CRD42023393574.

Reference Values of Physical Performance in Handball Players Aged 13-19 Years: Taking into Account Their Biological Maturity.

Biological maturity status significantly influences success in handball, impacting an athlete's performance and overall development. This study aimed to examine the anthropometric and physical performance variables concerning age and maturity status, establishing reference values for physical performance among Tunisian players. A total of 560 handball players (309 males and 251 females aged 13-19 years) were categorized based on maturity status: early (n = 98), average (n = 262), and late (n = 200), determined through Mirwald and colleagues' equations. Anthropometric, physical fitness, and physiological data were collected for reference value creation. Our findings revealed significantly higher anthropometric parameters (p = 0.003) in late-maturing athletes compared to their early-maturing counterparts. Post-pubertal athletes showed significantly superior (p = 0.002) jumping ability, change of direction, and aerobic performance compared to their pre-pubertal peers. Additionally, male athletes outperformed females in both fitness (p = 0.001) and aerobic (p = 0.001) performance. A notable age-by-maturity interaction emerged for most performance outcomes (η2 ranging from 0.011 to 0.084), highlighting increased sex-specific differences as athletes progressed in age. Percentile values are provided for males and females, offering valuable insights for coaches and sports scientists to design personalized training programs. Understanding a player's performance relative to these percentiles allows trainers to tailor workouts, addressing specific strengths and weaknesses for enhanced development and competitiveness.

High-intensity interval training programs and their impact on endurance performance in handball players: A systematic review

Abstract Study aim: This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze the available evidence about the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions on endurance performance in handball players. Material and methods: The search for relevant literature was conducted across prominent databases, including PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The eligibility criteria focused on healthy handball players, without restrictions on age, sex, or competitive level, who were exposed to HIIT interventions, either alone or in combination with other training methods. The methodological assessment employed the RoB2 and ROBINS scales. A screening process was executed, evaluating 434 titles, leading to the inclusion of 17 eligible studies in this systematic review, comprising a total of 369 participants. Results: Most studies on HIIT in handball involved tier-two athletes (trained/developmental) and mostly men. The training frequency typically implemented was twice per week, with a duration between 4 and 12 weeks, with different types of HIIT. There was considerable variation in outcomes across the included studies, with most of them demonstrating a significant positive impact of HIIT on improving endurance performance when compared to controls. Conclusion: In conclusion, the predominant focus of the overall analyzed studies was on the effects of different HIIT interventions in obtaining positive performance adaptations assessed by field-based tests in handball players.

The effects of a high intensity resistance and eccentric strength training program on the performance of handball players

This study aimed to was to determine the effect of interval and resistance training with a focus on the eccentric phase on the cardiovascular fitness and strength of elite handball players. Thirty handball players were recruited and randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (age= 20.93±1.70; weight= 78.20±4.58; height= 178.26±3.86) and a control group (age= 21.40±1.76; weight= 77.64±5.92; height= 176.87±4.43). The variables of this study were muscle strength and stamina, power, and cardiovascular fitness. They were assessed by chest press test, push-up, medicine ball throw test, and the Cooper Test, respectively. The training program took place over 12 weeks, with five sessions per week, consisting of two aerobic exercises, and three muscular resistance training exercises focused on the eccentric phase. To analyze the effect of training, a paired sample t-test was employed. The results of this study showed that there were significant pre- to post-test differences in muscle strength (p=0.001), muscle stamina (p=0.001), muscle power (p=0.001), and cardiovascular fitness (p=0.001). The results of the present study indicated that a 12-week eccentric-focused interval and resistance training program improved the strength, stamina, power, and cardiovascular fitness of elite handball players. Keywords: Interval training, Push up Test, medicine ball throw, preseason.

Hentbolcularda Pliometrik Ve Patlayıcı Kuvvet Antrenmanlarının Uygulama Sırasının Atletik Performansa Etkisi

Amaç: Hem pliometrik hem de geleneksel direnç antrenman yöntemleri hemen hemen her branşta performans gelişimi bakımından faydalıyken, bu yöntemlerin periyodik bir antrenman programında uygulama sıralamalarını irdeleyen çalışmalara literatürde çok az sayıda rastlanmaktadır. Bu nedenle, bu çalışmanın amacı patlayıcı kuvvet antrenmanlarının pliometrik antrenmanlardan önce geldiği ya da tam tersi bir uygulama sırasının 12 haftalık antrenman periyodunda karşılaştırılarak incelenmesidir. Yöntem: Araştırmaya 16-18 yaşları arasında aktif hentbol oynayan 22 kadın sporcu “Bilgilendirilmiş Gönüllü Olur Formu” doldurarak katıldı. Katılımcılar randomize olarak pliometrik antrenman sonrasında patlayıcı kuvvet antrenman grubu ve patlayıcı kuvvet sonrasında pliometrik antrenman grubu şeklinde 2’ye ayrıldı. Katılımcılara klasik antrenmanlarına ek olarak (her iki grubun total antrenman yükleri eşit olacak şekilde) pliometrik antrenman sonrasında patlayıcı kuvvet antrenman grubuna önce 6 haftalık pliometrik antrenman sonrasında 6 hafta patlayıcı kuvvet antrenmanları, patlayıcı kuvvet sonrasında pliometrik antrenman grubuna ise önce 6 hafta patlayıcı kuvvet sonrasında 6 hafta pliometrik antrenman uygulandı. Tüm katılımcılara antrenman dönemi başlamadan önce yaş, boy ve vücut ağırlığı gibi fiziksel ölçümler yapıldı. Her iki grup içinde uygulama başlamadan önce ve sonrasında 5-10-20 m sprint, CMJ (aktif sıçrama testi), 1 TM squat (1 tekrar maksimal squat testi), reaktif kuvvet indeksi (RKİ), durarak uzun atlama (DUA), RAST (koşu temelli anaerobik sprint testi) ve hentbola özgü çeviklik testleri uygulandı. PKPL ve PLPK farklı ölçüm dönemlerinde (ön test-son test) kaydedildi. Zaman içerisinde değişimin farklı olup olmadığı eşleştirilmiş t testi ile incelendi. Ayrıca her bir ölçüm dönemine ilişkin PKPL ve PLPK grupları arasındaki farklılıklar bağımsız Örneklerde t testi değerlendirildi. İstatiksel işlemler SPSS 20 paket programında yapıldı ve tüm istatiksel işlemler p0,05) ve pliometrik antrenman ile patlayıcı kuvvet antrenmanının uygulanma sırası ile ilgili parametrelerde değişiklik oluşmadı (RAST= 0,06; 1 TM Squat=0,54; DUA=0,40; Çeviklik=0,05; RKİ=0,09; CMJ=0,10; 20 metre sprint= 0,58). Diğer yandan grup içi karşılaştırmalarda her iki grupta kendi içerisinde araştırma konusu olan tüm değişkenlerde anlamlı bir farklılık oluşturmuştur (p

Comparison of Dynamic Balance and Unilateral Hop Performance Between Women and Men Handball Players After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Pilot Study.

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), long-term functional deficiencies can occur, with controversial results reported when comparing women and men. Dynamic balance and unilateral hop test performance are considered important indicators for the risk of reinjury of the lower extremity. Although both sexes seem to have a similar risk to experience a second anterior cruciate ligament injury, sex-specific differences of dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance in handball players following ACLR are unknown. To compare dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance between women and men handball players at least 6months after ACLR. Cross-sectional pilot study. Ten women (27.6 [4.5]y) and 10 men (26.5 [3.1]y) handball players 6 to 16months after ACLR. Dynamic balance and unilateral hop performance were assessed using the Y-Balance Test and the Single-Leg Hop for Distance Test. Women players demonstrated significantly better results in the anterior direction of the Y-Balance Test for both legs compared with men players. Hop performance was not significantly different between sexes. Dynamic balance and single-leg hop performance seem not to differ between women and men handball players 6 to 16months after ACLR. The difference between sexes in the anterior reach direction of the Y-Balance Test should be considered small, rather than representing a true difference.

Acute Effects of Isometric Conditioning Activity on the Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles and Sprint and Jumping Performance in Handball Players.

Krzysztofik, M, Spieszny, M, Trybulski, R, Wilk, M, Pisz, A, Kolinger, D, Filip-Stachnik, A, and Stastny, P. Acute effects of isometric conditioning activity on the viscoelastic properties of muscles and sprint and jumping performance in handball players. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1486-1494, 2023-The effects of conditioning activity (CA) on muscle stiffness are currently unknown, suggesting that maximum CA effort can increase or decrease the stiffness of involved muscle groups. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of maximal isometric half-squats on the viscoelastic properties of muscles and postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) in sprints and jumps. Twelve handball players underwent a standard warm-up and baseline assessment of muscle stiffness and tone of vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius medialis muscle, followed by 20-m sprint with intermediate measures at 5 and 10 m and countermovement jump. The PAPE was assessed by repeating the tests (at 4th, 8th, and 12th minute post-CA) after a CA protocol consisting of 3 sets of 3-second maximal isometric half-squats (EXP) or a control condition (CTRL) without any CA. The vastus lateralis stiffness in the 4th and 12th minute and muscle tone in the 4th minute post-CA significantly decreased compared with baseline ( p = 0.041, ES = 0.57; p = 0.013, ES = 0.52; p = 0.004, ES = 0.81, respectively) in the EXP condition. The 20-m sprint time significantly decreased at all post-CA time points compared with the baseline for the EXP condition ( p < 0.033) and the after values in the CTRL condition ( p < 0.036). In comparison to baseline, the 10-m sprint time decreased in the eighth minute post-CA ( p = 0.021; ES = 0.82) in the EXP condition. Moreover, it was significantly lower at the 8th and 12th minute post-CA ( p = 0.038; ES = 0.71 and p = 0.005; ES = 1.26) compared with that time points in the CTRL condition. The maximal isometric half-squats effectively improved sprint performance and significantly decreased vastus lateralis tone and stiffness. These findings offer new insights into the assessment of viscoelastic properties for evaluating the fatigue or potentiation state, which requires further investigation.

Effects of Arm Dominance and Decision Demands on Change of Direction Performance in Handball Players.

This field study investigated the effect of unilateral dominance (handedness of players) on the change of direction speed in a specific cutting manoeuvre with a ball (in the direction of the throwing arm vs. against the direction of the throwing arm) in team handball. In addition, the effect of a cutting manoeuvre in response to an immediate stimulus compared to one planned in advance on the movement speed was analysed. Forty participants (22 male, 18 female, Mage 23 years) performed change of direction actions to the left and the right side (the direction of the throwing arm vs. against the direction of the throwing arm) under planned and reactive (light as visual stimuli) conditions. Change of direction speed was measured post-hoc by video-analyses. The results showed two effects. First, the decision demand in reaction to a visual stimulus reduced the speed in the change of direction compared to the planned action. Second, participants performed their action faster in the direction of the throwing arm than against it. The results replicate the effects of decision demands of previous studies and regardless of the reaction to the stimuli being unspecific, further studies could investigate if specific training can reduce the speed loss due to decision demands. The lateral speed differences of cutting manoeuvres of handball players have been analysed for the first time in this study. This effect could have several causes (e.g., coordination, power, motivation) which should be investigated in future studies in more detail.

Effect of Six Months of Interval Training and Meditation Practices on Performance of Handball Players

Effect of Six Months of Interval Training and Meditation Practices on Performance of Handball Players

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, kinanthropometric characteristics and physical performance of young male handball players.

Handball is a team sport whose performance depends on a large number of factors. The objectives of the present study were to analyze the differences in physical performance, kinanthropometric variables, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), in handball players according to sports category, as well as the possible relationships between these variables. One hundred and thirty-three male handball players (35 infant; 46 cadets; 26 juniors and 26 seniors players) underwent a kinanthropometric analysis following the ISAK protocol, self-completed the KIDMED questionnaire, and their physical condition was evaluated with different physical tests. Significant differences (p<0.001-0.007) were found between the sports categories in most of the physical condition variables and anthropometric characteristics, but not in the degree of adherence to the MD. The predominant level of adherence to the MD was medium (47.4%), followed by good (42.1%), and correlated with the body mass, the height, the BMI, the muscle mass and the ∑3-girths sum corrected, but not with physical test results. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that the fat mass and muscle mass variables had a more specific weight in the results of the physical fitness tests. There are differences according to sports category in kinanthropometric characteristics and physical fitness tests in adolescent handball players. The predominant degrees of adherence to the MD were medium and good. A relationship was found between anthropometric characteristics and physical performance in handball players.

English

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential relationship between ACTN-3 and ACE gene expression over the change in muscle mechanical and functional properties in youth handballers through a congested tournament. 30 players of the first handball division of Costa Rica participated in this study. The participants played a national tournament during three consecutive days (one match per day). The collection of genetic samples was through a mouth rinse with a 5% sucrose solution before the tournament. PCR tests were used to detect the alleles of the ACE and ACTN3 genes and the product´s reaction was visualized by electrophoresis. Before and after each match, tensiomyography (TMG) and Countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were used to assess mechanical and functional properties respectively. Descriptive frequency analyses and a one-way analysis of variance of independent groups were the statistics test applied. The results showed that the most prevalent polymorphisms expression was ACTN-3 R-X (56.7%) and ECA I-D (43.3%). No significant differences (p&gt; 0.050) were found between genes expressed in the mechanical responses (contraction time (TC), delay time (TD) and, maximum radial displacement (DM)) of the rectus femoral muscle of the dominant leg neither in performance in the test CMJ. Likewise, there was no significant change (p&gt; 0.050) in muscle mechanical or functional properties post official matches. In conclusion, handball players have the genes ACE and ACTN. Nevertheless, it seems to have no influence of these genes on the mechanical or functional muscles acute responses. More investigations will be needed to explain and understand the real impact of this gene’s expression on muscle performance in handball players.

핸드볼 지도자의 리더십 유형이 선수의 성취목표성향에 미치는 영향

초록·키워드 목차 오류제보하기 The purpose of this study was to provide basic information for the best performance of handball players by examining the impact of the coach"s coaching type perceived by handball players. The convenient sampling method was used with the survey of 337 Korean handball players. Data analysis were performed by using t-test, one-way ANOVA, and regression analysis was done by using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 programs. On gender basis, male handball players recognized the coach"s training and instructional behavior higher whereas, female players perceived dictatorial leadership behavior higher. University athletes showed a lower score distribution than middle and high school athletes in instructional behavior, democratic behavior, social support behavior, and positive reward behavior whereas, university athletes showed a higher score distribution than the middle and high school players, in player satisfaction behavior. The distribution of scores appeared in the order of high school, middle school and University in terms of environmental satisfaction factors. The influence of coaching recognized by handball players on player satisfaction was democratic behavior, and the influence on social recognition was training and instructional behavior. #instruction type #exercise satisfaction #social satisfaction #handball satisfaction #environmental satisfaction AbstractⅠ. 서론Ⅱ. 연구방법Ⅲ. 결과Ⅳ. 논의Ⅴ. 결론 및 제언참고문헌

Determinants of Reactive Agility in Tests with Different Demands on Sensory and Motor Components in Handball Players

This study investigates the relationship between reactive agility and reaction speed, sprint speed, and muscle strength and their contribution to Y-shaped agility test and reactive agility test (RAT) performance in handball players. Seven handball players performed a Y-shaped agility test and RAT, simple and choice-based reaction time test, reaction test to fast and slow generated visual stimuli, 5 m and 20 m sprint tests, a 505 Agility test, a squat jump, a countermovement jump, and a drop jump. The results reveal a significant relationship between the times for the Y-shaped agility test and the 20 m sprint (r = 0.777, p = 0.040, R = 0.604), as well as the time for the 505 Agility test (r = 0.770, p = 0.043, R2 = 0.593), and RSI (r = −0.755, p = 0.050, R2 = 0.570); however, no relationship was found with parameters pertaining to reaction speed. RAT performance did not significantly correlate with RSI, time in the 505 Agility test, squat jump height, time in the 20 m sprint, and reaction time to fast generated visual stimuli, although large effect sizes were found (r &gt; 0.5). It seems that the contribution of sensory and motor components depends on the structure of the agility test. While the Y-shaped agility test is mainly determined by sprinting, the change of direction speed, and reactive strength, there is the tendency for the reactive agility test to be determined by strength, speed, and visual reaction time.

핸드볼 지도자의 리더십 유형이 선수의 성취목표성향에 미치는 영향

This study aims to provide basic information about satisfactory athletic career and the best performance of handball players through analyzing the effect of coach’s leadership types that players recognize on achievement objective. The convenient sampling method was used with the survey on 350 Korean handball players but 337 surveys were selected after excluding missing questions. The data was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis, reliability verification, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and regression analysis by SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0.<BR> Male handball players percieved the coach

Effects of jump training on jumping performance of handball players: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

This study aimed to assess the effects of jump training on the jumping performance of handball players compared with a control condition. The data sources utilised were PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection and SCOPUS. Only peer-review randomised controlled trials were included. The inclusion criteria comprised: a jump training programme of at least 2 weeks; a control group; the assessment of the countermovement jump. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale was used to assess the risk of bias and methodological quality of eligible studies included in the meta-analysis. Risk of publication bias across studies was assessed using the extended Egger’s test. Cohen’s d effect sizes (ESs) were calculated from the countermovement jump and presented together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). From 6108 records initially identified through database searching, 5 were eligible for meta-analysis. A significant improvement in countermovement jump height was observed, corresponding to 6.4 cm (95% CI = 4.9–7.9; Z = 8.4, p &lt; 0.001), showing moderate heterogeneity ( I2 = 51.4%). The magnitude of the main effect was very large (ES = 2.2 (95% CI = 0.95–3.4), Z = 3.5, p &lt; 0.001). Jump training is effective in increasing vertical jump performance in handball players. However, the insufficient number of studies conducted precluded analyses of moderator variables. In future, researchers are advised to conduct jump training studies of high methodological quality (e.g. randomised controlled trials) and assess different jump exercise prescriptions across handball players of different sexes, ages and competitive levels to analyse if exercise prescription and player characteristics may influence training responses.

Povezanost varijabilnosti položaja stopala nedominantne noge sa ubrzanjem i agilnošću rukometaša

The horizontal acceleration and agility are both an essential part of sports performance in handball. The foot placement variability has been shown to vary between differences in speed and direction of running. However, no studies have considered the connection between the foot placement variability, forward acceleration and agility performance. In the present study, a proposed repetitive single leg countermovement drift test was analyzed as a measure of the foot placement variability and correlated with forward sprinting and agility performance in handball players. Twenty-three male handball players performed a series of 10 consecutive single leg countermovement jumps, 10 m forward acceleration sprint, a handball adapted T-agility test and a single leg countermovement jump test. Correlations between the drift area, T-agility test duration, acceleration performance are measured as well as the time used to accelerate at a 5 m and 10 m distance and the height of the single leg countermovement jump. The drift area for the non-dominant leg had high and significant negative correlations with the first 5 m of forward acceleration sprinting and a positive correlation with the T-agility test to the non-dominant side. The countermovement jump height had no significant correlation to any other parameters. This data indicates that the foot placement variability of the jumps performed on the non-dominant leg could be an indicator of the ability to control stability during short forward acceleration sprints and a quick change of direction. On the contrary, these correlations disappeared when the direction change was performed under reaction time conditions.

The effect of low-Dye taping on hopping performance in handball players

Low-Dye taping is a useful technique for preventing foot injuries. However, the use of inextensible tape may lead to a decline in movement performance as a result of limited foot joint mobility and a change in vertical stiffness due to the passive stiffening of the tarsus and metatarsus. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of low-Dye taping on sport movement performance observed during a hopping task. The study was carried out on a group of 11 male handball players. The Myotest accelerometer was used to evaluate the effect of low-Dye taping on jumping height, ground contact time and vertical stiffness during the hopping test. Each study participant performed four series of 5 hops (hopping test): two series before low-Dye taping and two after. No statistically significant differences were found between the values recorded before and after low-Dye taping for the variables that describe the hopping task: mean jump height, mean ground contact time and mean vertical stiffness. Low-Dye taping can be successfully used in handball players since it has a preventive effect that reduces the risk of injury to the foot and does not influence vertical stiffness or jump height to a significant extent.