Professional Handball Players Research Articles

Effect of increasing the mass of the ball on power output during the overarm throw in professional male handball players

This study aimed to determine the effect of increasing the mass of the official handball ball on horizontal force, velocity, and power outputs. Twelve male handball players from the Spanish Asobal Handball League performed overarm throws with four balls: official (0.460 kg), Δ15% (0.529 kg), Δ45% (0.667 kg), and Δ75% (0.805 kg). The throws were filmed with two cameras temporally synchronized at 250 Hz and digitized at 125 Hz, making possible to obtain the spatial coordinates of a model composed by six body markers plus the geometric center of the ball. Incrementing the mass of the ball produced a progressive reduction in velocity and increase in force ( p < 0.001). The power tended to increase with the increment of the mass, but significant differences were only reached for the heaviest condition (Δ75%) and it was linked to changes in the application of force with respect to time. The maximum values of force, velocity and power with respect to the release of the ball, were delayed with the increment of the mass ( p < 0.001). These results evidence that the power applied to the ball can only be increased when heavy balls, which modify the structure of the throw, are used.

Effect of Coronavirus 19 on Maintaining Balance in Skilled Athletes.

Preliminary studies have reported that motor control is negatively impacted following an infection of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on maintaining balance in highly skilled athletes. As part of a larger investigation that was initiated in 2019, twelve professional handball players were recruited to participate in a study that was designed to measure static balance performance. Following the initial pre-test, six participants (body height 184.8 ± 4.7 cm; body weight 85.5 ± 3.3 kg; age 21.3 ± 1.2 years) were infected with COVID-19. The remaining six participants (body height 188.7 ± 2.6 cm; body weight 92.3 ± 3.7 kg; age 26.3 ± 3.3 years) never tested positive for COVID-19 and were presumably not infected with the virus. The experimental design required all the participants to complete an initial balance assessment (pre-test) and a later balance assessment (post-test). To fully analyze our data, we conducted a 2 (condition: COVID, no-COVID) X 2 (test: pre-test, post-test) ANOVA with repeated measures on the second factor. Our analysis revealed that the skilled athletes who contracted COVID-19 had a significant decrease in balance performance from the pre-test that occurred prior to being infected with COVID-19 relative to the post-test that occurred following the COVID-19 infection. Additionally, the skilled athletes who were not infected with COVID-19 did not demonstrate the same deterioration in balance performance in the same period. This study highlights the impact COVID-19 has on static balance performance in a group of highly skilled handball players. Longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand the lasting impacts COVID-19 has on motor behavior.

TRAINING EFFECTS ON BODY COMPOSITION AND STRENGTH OF JUNIOR HANDBALL PLAYERS

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Coaches and fitness trainers strive through various testing methods to identify appropriate short-term training techniques to achieve the greatest improvements in athletic performance in the shortest possible time. Therefore, studies are needed to evaluate the effects of handball-specific training on selected physical fitness (speed, agility, explosive power, and explosive arm strength) and physiological variables (body fat, body mass, capacity, maximal heart rate, anaerobic endurance) of handball players. The main aim of this study was to develop a complementary strength training program for the development of physical training of professional handball players at junior level, as well as the selection of a test methods to assess fitness. Materials and methods: The research was conducted over a period of 12 months, and during this time a complementary strength training program was applied on an experimental group. The experimental group was represented by 16 junior I athletes from the SCM Politehnica Timișoara handball club, and the control group consisted of 16 junior I athletes from the CSM Resita handball club. The tests aimed the evaluation of the following parameters: body composition and strength before and after training for both groups. Results and discussions: The results obtained show a slight progress of the experimental group in front of the control group in terms of body composition, but an important progress in terms of strength. Conclusions: The study validated that through the modern means of training applied, substantial contributions are made to the increase of sports performance.

Pilates Exercise Impact on Functional Movements, Core Stability and Risk of Injuries in Handball Players

Background. Handball is a dynamic and physically demanding sport, especially due to the excessive contact of players during the game. The high velocity of the game, high number of matches and the athletic conditioning puts a strain on the musculoskeletal system, leading to a high risk of injury. Prior research substantiates the belief that a better spinal stabilization function due to the application of Pilates exercises would help to achieve better sports results and reduce the risk of injuries.
 The aim. To evaluate the impact of a Pilates exercise program on functional movements, core stability and risk of injuries in young handball players.
 Methods. 12 professional handball players aged 18.25 ± 0.45 years participated in the study. A Pilates exercise program was applied in addition to the regular handball training. The program lasted for 8 weeks, with the sessions organized on-line, twice a week for 60 minutes. Before and after the program, functional movements were assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) method, core stability was assessed by McGill core muscle isometric endurance tests, dynamic stability and associated injury risk was assessed by modified star excursion balance test.
 Results. After the application of the Pilates exercise program, the evaluation of functional movements according to FMS scores significantly improved (p < 0.05). The isometric endurance ratio of the right and left side core muscles significantly improved (p < 0.05), and the isometric strength endurance ratio between the right side and back muscles also improved (p < 0.05). No significant change in either the total index of dynamic stability of the arms or legs, which indicates the risk of injury was found after the Pilates exercise program.
 Conclusion. This study illustrates the idea that a Pilates exercise program improved quality of the handball players’ functional movements and the isometric strength of some core-stabilizing muscles, while the risk of injuries did not change.
 Keywords: movement quality, static endurance, dynamic stability, athletes, core stabilization exercise.

Significantly Delayed Medium-Latency Response of the Stretch Reflex in Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness of the Quadriceps Femoris Muscles Is Indicative of Sensory Neuronal Microdamage.

Unaccustomed or strenuous eccentric exercise is known to cause delayed-onset muscle soreness. A recent hypothesis postulated that mechano-energetic microinjury of the primary afferent sensory neuron terminals in the muscle spindles, namely a transient Piezo2 channelopathy, could be the critical cause of delayed-onset muscle soreness in the form of a bi-phasic non-contact injury mechanism. This theory includes that this microlesion could delay the medium-latency response of the stretch reflex. Our aim with this study was to investigate this hypothesis. According to our knowledge, no study has examined the effect of delayed-onset muscle soreness on the medium-latency response of the stretch reflex. Our findings demonstrated that a significant delay in the medium-latency stretch reflex could be observed right after a multi-stage fitness test in the quadriceps femoris muscles of Hungarian professional handball players who consequently experienced delayed-onset muscle soreness. The long-latency stretch reflex and most likely short-latency stretch reflex were unaffected by delayed-onset muscle soreness in our study, which is in line with earlier findings. We translate these findings as indicative of proprioceptive Type Ia terminal microdamage in the muscle spindle in line with the aforementioned new acute non-contact compression axonopathy theory of delayed-onset muscles soreness.

The Importance of Posture and Body Composition for The Stability and Selected Motor Abilities of Professional Handball Players.

The aim of the research was to analyze body composition, body posture and postural stability of professional male handball players and to determine the differences between players with correct and incorrect body posture, considering power of the lower limbs and agility, speed, and change of direction deficit. The study comprised 16 professional handball players. Body composition analysis was performed using the method of electrical bioimpedance. Body posture was examined using the Diers formetric III 4D optoelectronic method. Postural stability was tested via the Biodex Balance System. Players performed the following fitness tests assessing lower limb muscle power (LP, HS, CMJ), linear speed (SLS 20 m), and COD speed (Zig-Zag test, COD deficit). Only 31.25% of players demonstrated body posture with correct physiological curvatures, while 68.75% showed changes in body asymmetry. The group with correct body posture performed better in SLS 20m than the group with incorrect posture, yet in the Zig-Zag agility test, the difference in the results was not significant and this affected the COD deficit, which was higher. The vast majority of participants demonstrated postural defects and incorrect physiological curvatures of the spine. The occurrence of scoliotic posture was also observed. The body deflection angles indicated that athletes’ postural stability was good. However, it is worth noting that the majority demonstrated a tendency towards asymmetrical body deflections to the right or to the left, backwards direction. One-sided sports specialization leads to disturbances in the statics of the body, therefore, it becomes necessary to include postural re-education exercises in training.

Evaluation of the frequency of consumption of vegetables, fruits and products rich in antioxidants by amateur and professional athletes

Athletes belong to a group with special nutritional needs. Strenuous physical activity causes an imbalance of oxidation reduction. The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency of consuming antioxidant-rich food products among amateurs and professionals practicing selected sports. A total of 119 athletes were included in the study. The study group consisted of amateur bodybuilders and Cross-Fit athletes, as well as professional football and handball players. A validated original questionnaire assessing the frequency of consumption of selected high-antioxidant products was used. The highest frequency of consuming raw fruits among amateur athletes was 5-6 times a week (40.68%, n = 24). Sport professionals usually reported 1 serving a day (26.67%, n=16). The highest frequency of consumption of raw vegetables was 2-4 portions a week (37.29%, n=22) in amateurs group, and 5-6 portions weekly (33.33%, n = 20) in professionals group. In addition, we evaluated the intake of red wine. Most of the amateurs (47.46%, n = 28) and professionals (41.67%, n = 25) did not consume wine. All the respondents consumed food products containing antioxidants in quantities that were much lower than those recommended. The obtained findings indicate the need to develop dietary recommendations on anti-oxidant-rich food products for athletes, as well as appropriate nutritional education.

INFLUENCE OF COVID 19 ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND CARDIOVASCULAR STATUS OF PROFESSIONAL HANDBALL PLAYERS

Handball is one of the very popular sports games in the world. The current COVID 19 pandemic directly affects handball players in the training and competition processes from all age categories but professional players seem to be at a higher risk of contracting the disease. This study aimed to assess morphological and cardiovascular status of 20 participants, professional handball players who compete at elite competition rank, and therewith to adjust their training process and to test the differences between COVID 19 positive and COVID 19 negative participants. Testing included measurements of basic morphological parameters while the function of the cardiovascular system (CVS) was assessed at rest and effort - exercise stress test with Vita Maxima protocol. The results of t-test did not show a statistically significant difference in morphological and cardiovascular characteristics of participants who had COVID 19 infection (with a positive PCR test), who had symptoms of infection but no PCR test for the virus, and those who did not contract COVID 19.

Patellar Tendon Structural Adaptations Occur during Pre-Season and First Competitive Cycle in Male Professional Handball Players

Background: While there is evidence that tendon adapts to training load, structural alterations in the patellar tendon in response to training loads are still unclear. The aim of this study is to identify changes in patellar tendon structure throughout pre-season and after finalizing the first competitive cycle. Methods: Nineteen professional handball players participated in the aforesaid cross-sectional study, in which patellar tendon scan and counter movement jump (CMJ) performance were conducted. Measurements were taken on the first and last day of pre-season training, and at the end of the first competitive cycle. Results: The results revealed that variation on the tendon structure occurred, mainly at the end of pre-season training; for injured tendons this occurred at the proximal (Right p = 0.02), distal (Right p = 0.01), and (Left p = 0.02) tendon, while changes in healthy tendons occurred at the mid (Left p = 0.01) and distal tendon (Right p = 0.01). At the end of the first competitive cycle, changes were observed in the distal injured tendon (p = 0.02). Conclusion: Patellar tendon shows greater structural change after completing pre-season training than at the end of the first competitive cycle, from which it may be inferred that gradual loading during pre-season training allows the tendon to adapt and potentially decrease the onset of patellar tendinopathy.

High-Protein Bar as a Meal Replacement in Elite Sports Nutrition: A Pilot Study.

This study was focused on the creation of high-protein bars formulated using whey protein isolate (24%) and soy protein isolate (6%) as the sources of proteins; oat flakes and inulin, both abundant in dietary fibres, and creatine monohydrate and other minor ingredients (vitamin and mineral mixture, potassium sorbate) to achieve the requirements for a meal replacement formula for physically active people. The nutritional profile of the high-protein bar was examined (energy 1215 kJ/288 kcal; protein 34.1 ± 0.20 g, fat 6.01 ± 0.13 g of which was saturated 3.12 ± 0.08 g, fibre 3.10 ± 0.17 g carbohydrate 23.0 ± 0.16 g of which sugars 1.50 ± 0.19 g and starch 21.5 ± 0.11 g in 100 g), and sensory properties with instrumental parameters (texture and colour) were determined and compared with bars commercially available on the market. The created high-protein bar was sensorily acceptable in comparison to other commercially available bars. The dietary intervention study was conducted on elite athletes (professional handball players) to evaluate effects of created versus control bar consumption on their metabolic parameters. The baseline characteristics (mean age, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, muscle mass, lean mass and fat percentage) of the athletes (8) were determined at the start of the study. The cross-over intervention study was organized in two successive phases (5 days each) with a seven-day long washout period between phases. Bars were consumed after the afternoon training unit. Blood samples were collected at the start and the end of the intervention study to analyse the metabolic profiles of the athletes. Serum levels of high-density cholesterol (HDL), low-density cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol (HOL), glucose, triacylglycerides (TAG), total and direct bilirubin, creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. The results showed that bar consumption significantly decreased serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increased total and direct bilirubin levels, suggesting lower exercise-induced muscle damage and increased antioxidative response, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that the consumption of the created high-protein bar was able to improve physiological adaptation after training.

The Relationship Between Reactive Agility and Change of Direction Speed in Professional Female Basketball and Handball Players.

Assessing the physical ability of players to perform change of direction and the cognitive and motor abilities revealed in reactive agility (RA) is necessary to understand the physical requirements and capabilities of professional players in handball and basketball. The main aim of this study was to determine the differences between professional female basketball and handball players in terms of anthropometric features, change of direction speed (CODS), and the RA task. Moreover, the relationships among anthropometric features, agility, and parameters of perception were determined. Two scenarios of the Five-Time Shuttle Run to Gates test (planned and unplanned) were used to evaluate the CODS and RA. The response time (RT) was also measured in the unplanned scenario. Additionally, the index of reactivity (REAC-INDEX) was specified as the difference between the RA test result and the measurement of CODS. There was a significant difference found in terms of body height, with basketball players being taller than handball players (p = 0.032). Professional female handball players achieved better results than professional female basketball players with regard to RA tasks (p = 0.01) and CODS (p = 0.041). Significant simple correlations between each anthropometric feature (body height, body mass) and values for CODS and RA were observed (r = 0.49–0.53). Applying partial correlation allowed for the assessment of actual relationships among CODS, RA, RT, and REAC-INDEX, without a confounding variable. Detaching the anthropometric parameters from the rest of the relationships resulted in maintenance or changes in r-values and an increased significance in the relationships between each pair: RA vs. RT, RA vs. REAC-INDEX, and RT vs. REAC-INDEX. The strongest associations were related to RT vs. REAC-INDEX (r = 0.97 at detaching body height or body mass, p < 0.001) and CODS vs. RA (r = 0.66 at detaching body height and r = −0.67 at detaching body mass, p < 0.001). It is recommended to use partial correlations in subsequent studies, as simple correlations are not reliable and may not reveal the apparent relationships between the variables. In addition, when determining the CODS and RA, it is suggested to take anthropometric and perception variables into account, such as reaction time or REAC-INDEX.

“Playing with injury”: the health-related aspects of a career in women’s handball

Abstract Health, injury, and pain within the social contexts of sports remain relevant. Sociologists have repeatedly pointed out a set of factors that shape the sociocultural background of sports and aim to normalize the high risk of injury, pain, and negative impacts on health. The literature contains inspiring studies with valuable guidelines for conceptualizing this issue. Some researchers have focused on the social factors shaping athletes’ experiences with health-related risks and have proven that it is possible to oppose the deeply rooted “culture of risk.” The fact that most studies on the subject involve men’s sports increases the importance of those that address health-related risks in women’s sports. The literature includes few works concerning the sociocultural contexts of injury, pain, or health issues in handball. The aim of this study was to learn about the opinions and experiences of professional female handball players related to health in their discipline. Three main directions of research were followed: 1) health as a value; 2) significance of injury and pain; and 3) effect of health-related risks on a career in sports. The data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic. The results do not reflect the opinions or experiences of the participants during the period of heightened epidemiological risk. The sample comprised female athletes (n=52) who participated in the Polish First League of women’s handball and represented the highest competitive level in their category in Poland.

Surgical Management of a Latissimus Dorsi Costal Tear in an Elite Female Handball Player: A Case Report

Introduction:Latissimus dorsi ruptures are rare injuries more commonly seen in elite overhead and hip throwers athletes. The most frequent mechanism of injury is indirect. The management of these injuries is unclear and controversial. Case Report:In this case report we present a professional female handball player with an acute intramuscular/costal tear of the latissimus dorsi, managed operatively. The patient injured extremity was the dominant throwing arm with a palpable muscle gap of 3 cm. Operative treatment was taken and objective follow-up using UCLA shoulder rating scale and DASH scores; demonstrating a progressive improvement between day zero (UCLA 13pts and DASH 36.7 pts) and the final 6 months (UCLA 33pts and DASH 0.8 pts) follow up; returning to sport at 12 weeks. Conclusion:Latissimus dorsi costal tears are uncommon injuries that can also be seen in hip throwing athletes. Surgical management should be considered if the dominant arm is affected and a 3cm muscle gap is present. Keywords:Latissimus dorsi, latissimus dorsi tear, latissimus dorsi costal tear, surgical management.

The Influence of Customized Mouthguards on the Muscular Activity of the Masticatory Muscles at Maximum Bite and Motor Performance During Static and Dynamic Exercises

BackgroundSome studies have suggested that a mouthguard is a performance-enhancing device due to a remote voluntary contraction. The extent to which a mouthguard can induce this phenomenon, e.g., by potentially increasing biting, has not been clarified. This study’s aim was to investigate the muscular activity of the maxillary and peripheral musculature and motor performance during a rest and exercise test.MethodsOur study comprised 12 active, male, professional young handball players (age 18.83 ± 0.39 years). Their performance, electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity (Σ), and lateral deviation (Δ) of the masticatory and peripheral musculature were measured during rest in a maximum bite force measurement, one-legged stand, a kettlebell swing exercise and a jump test while wearing a customized mouthguard (CMG) or not wearing one (Co).ResultsMaximum bite force measurements did not differ significantly in their mean values of muscle activity (Σ) for the masseter and temporalis muscles (Co 647.6 ± 212.8 µV vs. CMG 724.3 ± 257.1 µV p = 0.08) (Co 457.2 ± 135.5 µV vs. CMG 426.6 ± 169.3 µV p = 0.38) with versus without CMG. We found no differences in the mean activation values during a one-legged stand, the kettlebell swing, and jump test (Σ) in any of the muscles tested. Lateral deviations (Δ) wearing a CMG were significantly less in the erector spinae during the kettlebell swing (Co 5.33 ± 3.4 µV vs. CMG 2.53 ± 1.8 µV p = 0.01) and countermovement jump (Co 37.90 ± 30.6 µV vs. CMG 17.83 ± 22.3 µV p = 0.03) compared to the performance without a CMG. Jump height, rotation moment, and balance were unchanged with versus without CMG.ConclusionOur results at rest and during specific motor stress show no differences with or without a CMG. The improved peripheral muscular balance while wearing a CMG indicates improved muscular stabilization.

The Current Application of the OSTRC Knee Injury Prevention Program among Professional Basketball, Handball, Soccer, and Volleyball Players in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Sports are associated with an increased risk of lower limbs injury that may significantly impact the quality of life for the athletes and negatively affected several functions of individuals for many years. For this reason, several injury preventions programs have been developed. These programs involved exercises that focused on core stability, balance, stretching, and strengthening. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) Knee Injury Prevention Program is an evidence-based injury prevention program designed and developed to prevent knee injuries. The implementation of injury prevention programs is a challenge in sports medicine. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the implementation of the OSTRC Knee Injury Prevention Program among professional basketball, handball, soccer, and volleyball players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries. An online questionnaire to investigate the implementation of the program was dismissed to 500 professional players. A total of 433 players responded to the survey with a response rate of 86.6%. Basketball was the most practiced sport reported 119 (27.5%), followed by handball 109 (25.2%), then soccer 102 (23.6%), and volleyball 103 (23.8%). The highest percentage of participants were from UAE 79 (18.2%), and Saudi Arabia 78 (18%), followed by Oman 76 (17.6%), whereas an equal percentage of athletes participated from Bahrain and Qatar; 67 (15.5%), the least percentage was recorded from Kuwait 66 (15.2%). The most common exercises performed by the participants were squat+ 229 (52.9%), Nordic hamstring 225 (52%), single-leg sideways hop 223 (51.5%), jumping lungs 218 (50.3%), and flyer 217 (50.1%). This study concluded that implementation of OSTRC knee injury prevention exercise was low among participants, and the implementation was not statistically different between different sports or GCC countries.

The influence of calculation method and relative strength on the load-velocity relationship in bench press exercise

Purpose The objective of this study was: (1) to compare the effect of the calculation method using average (Avalue), and best value (Bvalue) of Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV) on the Load Velocity Profile (LVprofile) during the barbell bench press exercise in elite handball players. In addition, (2) to analyze the relationship between the individual coefficient of variation (CVind) of an incremental load protocol in the bench press exercise with relative strength (Frel) in professional handball players. Methods Nineteen elite international handball players (age 18 [±1] y; body mass 93 [±14] kg; height 191 [±6] cm) performed an incremental test during the barbell bench press exercise. General and individual LVprofile, Frel, and CVind were modelled through MPV and two calculation models (Avalue, vs Bvalue). Results There were significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between both conditions (Bvalue vs. Avalue). There was an inverse relationship between the Frel and the CVind (r = −0.66, p &lt; 0.001). When CVind was &gt;10% significant differences were found between the two calculations method (Avalue, vs Bvalue). However, no significant differences were found between Avalue, vs Bvalue when the CVind was &lt;10%. Conclusions The calculation method used to assess the barbell bench press LVprofile impacts the nature of the relationship. Regardless CVind values, Avalue is a good choice to determine the LVprofile when the CVind is &gt;10%, if the CVind is &lt;10%, Bvalue will be the better option to determine the LVprofile.

Outcomes After Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization in Professional Handball Players

Background:Although numerous studies have reported on the redislocation rate and functional results of arthroscopic treatment for anterior shoulder instability in athletes, they have not disclosed outcomes in the high-risk group of elite handball players.Purpose:To investigate the postoperative outcomes of arthroscopic treatment for anterior shoulder instability as well as the return-to-sport (RTS) rate in professional handball players.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Involved in this study were 44 competitive handball players (47 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral reconstruction between 2010 and 2018 and had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. After surgery, patients completed a questionnaire that collected Rowe and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores and RTS data, and we compared these results with their preoperative scores. We also compared results according to the following subgroups: true dislocations versus recurrent subluxations, younger (<20 years) versus older (≥20 years) age, male versus female sex, and shorter versus longer duration of instability. Statistical analysis included the paired-samples t test and nonparametric Fisher exact test.Results:The mean follow-up period was 52.2 ± 21.4 months. There were 4 shoulders (9%) with recurrent instability. There were significant preoperative to postoperative improvements in the mean Rowe score (from 45.2 to 91.8) and mean ASES score (from 70.6 to 95.7) (P < .001 for both). Overall, the RTS rate was 83%, and 64% (30/47 shoulders) were able to return to their preinjury level. The RTS rate was significantly lower in the younger players than in the older players (46% vs 86%, respectively; P = .005).Conclusion:The study results indicated that handball players with anterior shoulder instability can be treated using arthroscopic labral reconstruction successfully and 83% of the athletes were able to RTS activity. The handball players aged ≥20 years returned to their preinjury level of sport at a higher rate than did those aged <20 years.

Implementation of the OSTRC Handball Injury Prevention Exercises in Professional Handball

Purpose. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center (OSTRC) handball injury prevention exercise is an evidence-based injury prevention exercise designed to prevent handball injury. This study aimed to assess the implementation of the OSTRC handball injury prevention exercises among professional handball players in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A web-based survey to acquire information regarding the implementation of OSTRC handball injury prevention exercises was distributed to 267 professional handball players in six GCC countries. &#x0D; Results. A total of 250 handball players from the GCC countries responded to the survey (response rate 93.6%). The mean (±SD (Standard Deviation)) of the total implementation score was 13 (±2.558), with no statistically significant difference between the GCC countries, with a P-value of 0.123. The highest mean score was shown from Bahrain at 13.60 (±2.614), while the lowest was from Qatar at 12.10 (±2.427).&#x0D; Conclusions. A low implementation level of the OSTRC handball prevention exercises among the handball players in the GCC countries was reported in the current study.

Study of Physical Fitness, Bone Quality, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Professional Female Beach Handball Players: Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Beach handball is a relatively new type of sport, derived from team handball. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the physical fitness of elite players of this sport by studying some variables of sports performance, including strength, endurance and power, and dietary habits, and to assess bone ultrasonographic variables. (2) Methods: 33 beach handball players have participated in this research; 18 juniors (age: 16.7 ± 0.50) and 15 seniors (age: 24.8 ± 4.71). The athletes’ strength was evaluated using the Handgrip Test on the dominant hand, the height of jump was evaluated by a counter-jump on a contact platform, and velocity, agility, and resistance by the Yo-Yo test. The broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and the sound of speed (SOS) through the calcaneus were also measured. The Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED) was the questionnaire used to evaluate eating habits. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations were made between the study variables. (3) Results: Both in the case of the dynamometric hand strength test (p < 0.05) and in the lower extremity power test (p < 0.01), senior players presented significantly higher values compared to junior players (35.1 ± 3.84 vs. 31.8 ± 3.37 and 35.1 ± 6.89 vs. 28.5 ± 5.69 with the dynamometry and Abalakov tests, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the variables by playing position. Significant correlations between different variables have been established, highlighting negative correlations between BMI and weight with the Abalakov Jump Test and positive correlations between Yo-Yo and BUA, and, between BMI and BUA. (4) Conclusions: Older and trained players are in better physical fitness; high weight and BMI have a negative influence on power, agility, speed, and endurance. In general, adherence to the Mediterranean diet is moderate and it seems evident that there is a beneficial influence of beach handball on bone condition, as measured by ultrasound. However future research should be carried on, including dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessments and food intake registers for a whole week.

Injury Profile in Professional Handball Players During 4 Consecutive Seasons According to Playing Positions: A Longitudinal Study.

The injury profile of each playing position in handball is a key factor in being able to improve the injury risk management process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to longitudinally analyze the differences in professional handball players' injury profile according to their playing position (ie, goalkeeper, back, wing, and line). Injury incidence and burden would be higher in back players compared with the other playing positions, while ligament and knee would be the most common injury type and location. Prospective cohort design. Level 4. Sixty-eight male handball players belonging to the same professional team participated in this study over 4 consecutive seasons. Injury incidence and injury burden were recorded as well as the severity, type, and location following the International Olympic Committee consensus statement. Although nonsignificant differences in injury incidence were found according to playing position (rate ratios [RRs] from 0.43 to 2.47; P > 0.05), back players reported the highest burden (60.65 absence days/1000 h; RR from 0.12 to 7.75;P < 0.05), with wing players showing a greater burden (54.29 absence days/1000 h; RR from 0.09 to 4.91; P < 0.05) in comparison with goalkeepers (12.19 absence days/1000 h) and line players (13.10 absence days/1000 h). Muscle/tendon injuries and sprains presented higher incidence and burden than other type of injuries, and a greater incidence and burden was reported for knee injuries in all playing positions. The highest injury incidence and injury burden is in back players in professional handball. This study provides comprehensive information on the injury profile of professional handball players, which can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches when developing specific injury risk management programs.