Professional Handball Players Research Articles

Elite athletes as research model: vitamin D insufficiency associates with elevated central blood pressure in professional handball athletes.

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with elevated blood pressure in the general population. Prospective studies, however, have produced conflicting evidence about the blood pressure-lowering effects of vitamin D supplementation. Cardiorespiratory fitness may modulate the vitamin D-blood pressure association. We therefore examined this association in professional athletes, whose high training load serves as a biological control for physical fitness. 50 male professional handball players (age 26 ± 5 years) were examined. We assessed the central aortic pressure parameters using transfer function-based analysis of oscillometrically obtained peripheral arterial waveforms. Serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay. The threshold for insufficiency was set at values of < 30ng/mL. Central blood pressure (cBP) was 98 ± 7/60 ± 10mmHg. The aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was 6.3 ± 1.0m/s. Nine athletes (18%) displayed insufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels and had a significantly (p < 0.01) higher cBP compared with the 41 (82%) athletes with sufficient 25-OH vitamin D levels (106 ± 5/68 ± 8 vs. 97 ± 7/58 ± 9mmHg). Central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) in vitamin D-sufficient athletes was significantly lower in comparison to the healthy reference population (97mmHg vs. 103mmHg, p < 0.001). This significance of difference was lost in vitamin D-insufficient athletes (106mmHg vs. 103mmHg, p = 0.12). Significantly raised central systolic and diastolic blood pressure in vitamin D-insufficient elite athletes implicates vitamin D as a potential modifier of vascular functional health.

Playing Level and Position Differences in Body Characteristics and Physical Fitness Performance Among Male Team Handball Players.

The primary aim of the study was to examine the anthropometric characteristics, as well as the physical performance of professional handball players classified by playing position and competition level. Twenty male players (age: 20.4 ± 0.88 years) from the first handball league and 18 male players (age: 21.3 ± 1.61 years) from the second handball league were categorized as backs (8/8), pivots (5/4), and wings (7/6). The following variables were measured in both groups: peak power; vertical squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ); sprint times over 15 and 30 m; handball throwing velocity during the jump shot (JS); and 3 steps shot (T3 step); upper and lower limb muscle volumes; Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test. Anthropometric data revealed significantly (p = 0.003, = 0.248) less muscle volume for second league players (3.13 ± 0.29 l) than for first league (3.71 ± 0.82 l). The cross-sectional area for the first league players was also larger (p = 0.010, = 0.192). Regarding performance parameters, we found significant (p < 0.05 and > 0.20) league differences in five of 15 (33%) performance parameters: running throw ( = 0.285), SJ power ( = 0.670), SJ velocity ( = 0.900), peak upper limb power ( = 0.231) and Yo-Yo-IR 1 ( = 0.348). The second league players showed higher SJ velocity than the first league players ( = 0.900). In contrast, we detected a greater difference in SJ power ( = 0.670) but in favor of the first league players. Pivots were the players with the highest throwing velocity and wings were the fastest (15, 30 m sprint), strongest (countermovement jump), and most enduring (Yo-Yo-IR 1) athletes. Backs showed consistently the lowest level throwing velocity and sprint performance (exception: second league). The anthropometric differences between playing levels and playing positions may indicate the advantageous characteristics that the respective position demands, whereas the playing position differences in physical fitness characteristics may indicate training specificity issues that must be addressed cautiously.

Composite vignettes of Swedish male and female professional handball players’ career paths

The aim of this study was to describe gender-specific career paths of Swedish professional handball players. A reanalysis of Ekengren et al. (2018) career interviews with nine male and nine female players led to creating two composite vignettes using the athletes’ own words, accounted for typical features in the male and female players’ career paths. Seven themes were identified in the analysis of the men’s transcripts and eight themes derived from the women’s transcripts. Further, the themes of both vignettes were aligned with career stages described in our previous study (Ekengren et al. 2018). The male players’ vignette is interpreted as a performance narrative congruent with elite handball culture that promotes performance success and profitable professional contracts. The female players’ vignette is more holistic, embracing handball, studies, motherhood, and how they ought to be as Swedish women. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Anthropometric and strength profiles of professional handball players in relation to their playing position – multivariate analysis

In team sports, the varied levels of physical demand associated with different field positions are reflected in the morphofunctional features of the players. The aim of this work was to recognize how the playing position in the team depends on the anthropometric profiles and the strength level of professional handball players. A body mass, stature, lower and upper extremity length, circumferences and skinfolds were measured in the male professional athletes. The body composition was analysed using a bioelectrical impedance method. Additionally, hand grip and back strength were measured. A statistical analysis was carried out using routinely statistic methods and principal component analysis. Pivot players usually have the most athletic figure in terms of size and weight and relatively short legs. The backs are characterized by the android body type and low subcutaneous fat content, and a large mass of body cells. The backs and pivots have the same strength of back and hand grip. Goalkeepers have relatively long upper and lower limbs and high back and hand grip strength. The wingers are usually slender, have medium length limbs, low body fat percentage, significant extracellular mass and the lowest muscle strength. The results of the multivariate analysis were a notable and valuable addition to the study of morphological and strength differences in a group quite homogeneous like a handball team. The principal component analysis allowed for a reduction of the multidimensional structure to three variables describing body massiveness, strength, and the length and height aspect of the body.

Are the functional movement analysis scores of handball players related to athletic parameters?

Handball is a popular sport in many countries. There is lack of knowledge about handball athlete’s functional movement capacity. The aim of this study is to investigate the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores, to evaluate the injury risks of handball athletes and to determine its relationship with athletic performance. A total of 51 professional handball players were included in this study. The sport-specific features and demographic data were recorded. The functional movement analysis was performed, agility and balance and force were evaluated. 37 were females and 14 were males. The mean age 21.00±4.50 years (range, 16–35 years). The mean FMS scores of handball athletes were 12.86±2.57. In addition, asymmetries were found between the left and right side FMS scores. There was a statistically significant poor correlation between the FMS and agility (r=0.292, P=0.038) and balance (right: r=0.224, P=0.024; left: r=0.228, P=0.022). Handball is a risky sport for injuries; therefore, athletes, coaches, and medical staff should recognize about the removal of functional deficiency before performance training. The FMS is a useful and cost-effective approach to identify these deficiencies. It is necessary not only to prevent injuries, but also to improve performance. These tests must be done before every season and, then, corrective, medical, or conservative approaches may be applied to athletes before performance training. (Clinical Trial ID: NCT03468569)

Benefits of Compression Garments Worn During Handball-Specific Circuit on Short-Term Fatigue in Professional Players.

Ravier, G, Bouzigon, R, Beliard, S, Tordi, N, and Grappe, F. Benefits of compression garments worn during handball-specific circuit on short-term fatigue in professional players. J Strength Cond Res 32(12): 3528-3536, 2018-The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of full-leg length compression garments (CGs) worn during a handball-specific circuit exercises on athletic performance and acute fatigue-induced changes in strength and muscle soreness in professional handball players. Eighteen men (mean ± SD: age 23.22 ± 4.97 years; body mass: 82.06 ± 9.69 kg; height: 184.61 ± 4.78 cm) completed 2 identical sessions either wearing regular gym short or CGs in a randomized crossover design. Exercise circuits of explosive activities included 3 periods of 12 minutes of sprints, jumps, and agility drills every 25 seconds. Before, immediately after and 24 hours postexercise, maximal voluntary knee extension (maximal voluntary contraction, MVC), rate of force development (RFD), and muscle soreness were assessed. During the handball-specific circuit sprint and jump performances were unchanged in both conditions. Immediately after performing the circuit exercises MVC, RFD, and PPT decreased significantly compared with preexercise with CGs and noncompression clothes. Decrement was similar in both conditions for RFD (effect size, ES = 0.40) and PPT for the soleus (ES = 0.86). However, wearing CGs attenuated decrement in MVC (p < 0.001) with a smaller decrease (ES = 1.53) in CGs compared with regular gym shorts condition (-5.4 vs. -18.7%, respectively). Full recovery was observed 24 hours postexercise in both conditions for muscle soreness, MVC, and RFD. These findings suggest that wearing CGs during a handball-specific circuit provides benefits on the impairment of the maximal muscle force characteristics and is likely to be worthwhile for handball players involved in activities such as tackles.

Variations of perceived load and well-being between normal and congested weeks in elite case study handball team

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was two-fold: (i) to analyze the variations in internal load and well-being in professional handball players between normal and congested weeks and (ii) to analyze the variations between training days within weeks. Twenty male players (26.5 ± 4.9 yo) were monitored during a full season. MD-1 (match day −1) revealed larger decreases in muscle soreness (−17.3%, [−26.6;−6.9]) and fatigue (−16.6%, [−24.8;−7.4]) in congested weeks. Regarding MD-2, larger decreases in DOMS (−19.9%, [−30.5;−7.6]), fatigue (−19.7%, [−30.0;−7.9] and the Hooper index (−16.7%, [−25.6;−6.7]) were found in congested weeks. The results of this study reveal that larger variations between normal and congested weeks occurred in MD-2 and MD-3, with greater values of load and lower levels of well-being occurring in normal weeks. Within-weeks changes revealed greater loads occurring on MD-3 and MD-2 in comparison to MD-1; in the opposite way, greater values of muscle soreness and fatigue occurred on MD-1.

Modification of Strength Training Programs in Handball Players and its Influence on Power During the Competitive Period.

A high level of muscle power is necessary for the effective use of technique during handball competitions. The presented research concentrated on comparing the effectiveness of two training modes directed towards the development of muscle power – plyometric and traditional strength training. Furthermore, we evaluated whether resistance training performed twice a week was sufficient to guarantee an increase in muscle power of handball players. We also investigated whether strength training designed according to the “waving” model (one training session per week oriented towards the development of maximal strength and one towards the development of power) was sufficient to increase muscle power in handball players. The study included 28 professional handball players who were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 subjected to additional strength training (8 individuals), Group 2 subjected to traditional plyometric training (8 individuals) and Group 3 following standard training (12 individuals). Research was conducted at the beginning and at the end of the 1st round of competitions and consisted of the following measurements: CMJ (countermovement jump) and SJ (squat jump), a 10-s trial on a cycle-ergometer and ball-throwing velocity. Analysis of the results showed that both the plyometric and strength training programs induced a statistically significant increase in jumping height and generated power during the CMJ. The group subjected to additional strength training achieved greater increases in CMJ power than the group carrying out plyometric training, which in case of the CMJ peak power turned out to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Different results were obtained when studying changes in the flight speed of the thrown ball; the group undergoing plyometric training registered minor increases (significant in the standing throw ), and there were decreases in the flight speed of the thrown ball (significant in the leaning back throw) in the group following the traditional strength training program.

High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in professional handball athletes

ABSTRACTObjectives: Vitamin D affects multiple body functions through the regulation of gene expression. In sports medicine, its influence on musculoskeletal health and performance is of particular interest. Vitamin D insufficiency might decrease athletic performance and increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Several studies have demonstrated vitamin D deficiency in professional athletes; however, the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in professional handball players is yet unknown.Methods: The study was planned as a prospective, non-interventional study. We examined 70 male elite handball athletes (first league) in a pre-competition medical assessment in July. Age, height, weight, body mass index, 25-OH vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone were evaluated, and a sun exposure score was calculated. Players were then divided into two groups of vitamin D levels: insufficient (<30 ng/mL) and sufficient (≥30 ng/mL).Results: The mean 25-OH vitamin D level of the 70 players was 33.5 ± 10.9 ng/mL (median 32.2, IQR 26.5–38.9 ng/mL). Thirty-nine (55.7%) had sufficient and 31 (44.3%) insufficient levels. Athletes with sufficient vitamin D levels had significantly lower parathyroid hormone levels than athletes with insufficiency (24.9 ± 12.1 vs. 33.5 ± 15.1 ng/mL, p = 0.02). All other parameters evaluated demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups.Conclusion: Vitamin D insufficiency is a common finding in professional handball athletes even in summer, which might negatively affect physical performance. Furthermore, it might lead to an increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries and infections. This should be evaluated in further studies.

Physiological adaptations to specific endurance training in professional female handball players.

Several Hungarian and foreign researchers have already studied the cardiorespiratory parameters of elite handball players. There are only a few studies though, which would separately review the changes in the functions of different organ systems. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an intervention (physical activity) on the cardiorespiratory system. In this study, 16 elite female handball players participated, whose body compositions were measured and took two vita maxima tests. During the analysis, each cardiorespiratory parameter was monitored for every 20s. Between the two examinations, 6 weeks passed and an intervention took place. There was a significant decrease in relative body fat and a significant increase in relative muscle mass. Remarkable positive changes occurred in the values of ventilation, oxygen pulse, and in both absolute and relative aerobic capacities as well. The mean values of the team developed as expected, but the individual changes in body composition and cardiorespiratory parameters are just as important. First, we chose four players, who had the most outstanding changes. Second, we analyzed such parameters, which were expected to show adequate results in terms of the apparatus(es) functioning.

Exploring career experiences of Swedish professional handball players: Consolidating first-hand information into an empirical career model

The study was aimed at developing the empirical career model of Swedish professional handball players by means of exploring their career experiences in athletic and non-athletic developments through the lens of the holistic athletic career model. Eighteen Swedish professional handball players (nine men and nine women), who had recently terminated or were finishing their careers took part in semi-structured interviews about their careers from the beginning to the end with an interest in both athletic and non-athletic developments. Thematic analysis initially focused on identifying the handball career structure (i.e. stages and sub-stages). Then, the interviews were analysed inductively to identify shared themes in the players’ experiences relevant to each career stage. These themes were incorporated in the relevant stages, and the empirical career model of Swedish professional handball players (further – the empirical model) was finalised. The empirical model describes careers of Swedish handball players as having four athletic stages – initiation, development (with three sub-stages), mastery (with four sub-stages), and discontinuation – complemented by players’ psychological, psychosocial, academic/vocational, and financial developments. Each stage is also aligned with age markers and contains themes describing players’ career experiences from the holistic perspective. The empirical model contributes to contextualised career research and serves as a basis for developing career-long psychological support services in Swedish handball including player/coach/parent education organised by the Swedish Handball Federation.

TRAJETÓRIAS ESPORTIVAS DE JOGADORAS DE HANDEBOL E SUAS NARRATIVAS SOBRE SER PROFISSIONAL DA MODALIDADE

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar o processo de profissionalização de atletas praticantes de handebol de um time do Rio Grande do Sul, considerando suas trajetórias e narrativas. A fundamentação teórico-metodológica está ancorada na História Oral, e sua captação de informações está centrada na realização de quinze entrevistas com atletas da equipe adulta da APAHAND/UCS/Prefeitura de Caxias do Sul. A partir das análises, foi possível verificar a centralidade que o handebol adquire na vida dessas atletas, assim como a estreita relação construída entre sua trajetória esportiva e sua formação acadêmica. Por fim, percebemos que o entendimento que expressam sobre ser uma profissional da modalidade se dá mediante a relação que estabelecem com a prática do esporte e não a partir de vínculos trabalhistas que façam dessa atividade uma profissão.

Kinematic Comparison of Feint Maneuver between Dominant and Non-Dominant Legs and its Relationship with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries in Female Professional Handball Players

Introduction: Changing the direction of the body in fast moving movements is a matter of injury, which is of special importance in the injury mechanism of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The present study investigated the kinematic comparison of feint maneuver between dominant and non-dominant legs and its relation with anterior cruciate ligament injuries injury. Materials and Methods: In this study, 18 professional female handball players were selected in a targeted and convenience way. The subjects, after attaching the markers, ran for 3 meters and when arrived to marked location on the ground, performed the feint maneuver with their dominant leg and passed the bar. Then, performed the same action with their non-dominant leg. Raw data processing was implemented using Cortex software. Then, the variables of the knee joint (flexion/extension and valgus/varus) entered the SPSS software; and the Shapiro-Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of the data. Lyon and dependent t tests were used for homogeneity and intragroup comparison, respectively. The significance level was considered at less than 0.05. Results: The changes in flexion (P = 0.346) and extension (P = 0.322) of knee joint were not significant between dominant and non-dominant legs; but the changes in valgus (P = 0.001) and varus (P = 0.001) of knee joint were significantly different between the dominant and non-dominant legs. Conclusion: The results of this study will help to understand the risk factors of kinematics in risky situations better, and thus can teach the correct way of performing techniques to athletes exposed to high-risk situations. It is better to use protective instruments such as brace or kinesiotape while doing this techniques.

A Preventive Model for Muscle Injuries: A Novel Approach based on Learning Algorithms.

The application of contemporary statistical approaches coming from Machine Learning and Data Mining environments to build more robust predictive models to identify athletes at high risk for injury might support injury prevention strategies of the future. The purpose was to analyze and compare the behavior of numerous machine learning methods to select the best-performing injury risk factor model to identify athlete at risk for lower extremity muscle injuries (MUSINJ). A total of 132 male professional soccer and handball players underwent a preseason screening evaluation that included personal, psychological, and neuromuscular measures. Furthermore, injury surveillance was used to capture all the MUSINJ occurring in the 2013/2014 seasons. The predictive ability of several models built by applying a range of learning techniques were analyzed and compared. There were 32 MUSINJ over the follow-up period, 21 (65.6%) of which corresponded to the hamstrings, 3 to the quadriceps (9.3%), 4 to the adductors (12.5%), and 4 to the triceps surae (12.5%). A total of 13 injures occurred during training and 19 during competition. Three players were injured twice during the observation period so the first injury was used, leaving 29 MUSINJ that were used to develop the predictive models. The model generated by the SmooteBoost technique with a cost-sensitive ADTree as the base classifier reported the best evaluation criteria (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve score, 0.747; true positive rate, 65.9%; true negative rate, 79.1) and hence was considered the best for predicting MUSINJ. The prediction model showed moderate accuracy for identifying professional soccer and handball players at risk for MUSINJ. Therefore, the model developed might help in the decision-making process for injury prevention.

Many Shoulder MRI Findings in Elite Professional Throwing Athletes Resolve After Retirement: A Clinical and Radiographic Study.

Anatomic findings on MRI scans of the shoulder likely affect patients differently based on their physical demands and fitness levels. The natural history of these anatomic findings once professional overhead athletes retire remains unclear. A better understanding of what happens with these findings after retirement may influence how we manage shoulder problems in athletes. (1) What is the natural history of MRI-observed findings in the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders of professional European handball players after retirement from the sport? What proportion of these individuals have diagnosable findings on MRI, and do these findings disappear after retirement? (2) Do clinical findings such as Constant and Murley score and shoulder ROM change after retirement in these professional overhead athletes? The inception cohort of this series consisted of the entire Swiss National European handball team except the goalkeepers. These 30 professional players also played in the highest Swiss handball league in 2001. None of these players previously had shoulder surgery. During their career, they had a clinical assessment and bilateral shoulder MRI as part of an earlier study. We sought to evaluate the players who had retired and did not have a history of shoulder surgery, to evaluate the natural history of MRI-observed findings made in the initial study during their professional career. Of the 30 players, 10 were excluded (four continued to play professionally, four declined participation, and two had surgery after the initial study), leaving 20 (66%) for analysis at a mean of 6 years (SD, 3 years) after retirement. To gain a better understanding of the evolution of these MRI findings in the longer-term, we also evaluated 18 additional former professional European handball players who did not have any history of shoulder surgery, had all played in the highest Swiss league and for the National Team, and had terminated their career at a mean of 15 years (SD, 3 years) ago. All the subjects in both study groups (those at 6 and 15 years after retirement) underwent a detailed interview, standardized clinical examination including ROM measurements, collection of the Constant and Murley scores and the subjective shoulder value of both shoulders, and bilateral shoulder MRI. MRI findings (consisting of abnormalities and normal variations) were reported as radiographic diagnoses, independent of the potential that these findings could be considered normal variations in people in this age group. At the initial MRI evaluation, the proportion of active professional European handballers with diagnosable MRI findings in the throwing shoulder was 19 of 20 (95%) and for the handballers with nonthrowing shoulders was 17 of 20 (85%), while 15 years after retirement, both shoulders of all subjects showed MRI findings. None of the rotator cuff tears progressed to full-thickness tears after retirement. In the throwing shoulders, we observed fewer individuals with ganglion cysts larger than 5 mm (initial followup: six of 20 [30%] versus 6 years after retirement: 0 of 20 (0%); odds ratio, 14.5; [95% CI, 0.7-283]; p = 0.044). The Constant and Murley score increased in the throwing shoulder from 93 points (SD, 6 points) at initial followup to 98 points (SD, 3 points) at a mean of 6 years after retirement (mean difference, 5 points; SD, 5 points; 95% CI, 2.5-7.4; p < 0.001), and to 97 points (SD, 3 points) at a mean of 15 years after retirement. However these differences are below the typically reported minimum clinically important difference for the Constant and Murley score, and so are unlikely to be clinically relevant. External rotation in 90° abduction remained increased in the throwing shoulder compared with the nonthrowing shoulder up to 15 years after retirement (initial followup: mean difference, 8°; p = 0.014; 15 years after retirement: mean difference, 4°; SD, 15; p = 0.026). Internal rotation remained decreased in the throwing compared with the nonthrowing shoulders (during the career: mean difference, 5° [SD, 10°], p = 0.036; 15 years after retirement: mean difference, 3° [SD, 4°], p = 0.021). Our data suggest that findings of the throwing shoulder like partial rotator cuff tears, bony cysts and ganglions do not progress after retirement, and sometimes they resolve. Because of this and because many MRI changes correlate poorly with clinical symptoms, the indication for surgical treatment of these findings should be questioned very carefully. Level II, prognostic study.

Increased injury rates after the restructure of Germany's national second league of team handball.

Scientific injury data in men's professional team handball injuries are rare and even less scientific information exists on injury prevention. In 2011, Germany's national second team handball league was restructured by merging the existing two regional leagues into one league. This study evaluates the injury patterns in professional team handball and compares the injury rates between the first and second league before and after the restructure. All players of Germany's national first and second men's team handball leagues have mandatory trauma insurance with the same insurance company. This retrospective cohort study analysed the injury data of three consecutive seasons 2010-2013 using standardized injury definitions. 1194 professional team handball players were included in this study. The majority of severe injuries affected the lower extremities, shoulders, and hands. The average injury incidence significantly differed between the first (4.9 injuries per 1000h) and the second league (3.9 per 1000h, p < 0.01). The injury incidence in the restructured second league had increased from 3.7 to 4.1 per 1000h (p < 0.01) and prevalence from 67.1 to 79.3% (p < 0.001), thus almost to the same levels of the first league. The second league showed more time-loss injuries at all severity levels. This study yielded a high injury incidence after the restructure of the national second team handball league and presents details on prevalence, incidence, and patterns of injury in professional men's team handball. This study is an important basis for developing injury prevention strategies that should focus on the shoulders, hands, and lower extremities and on reducing the number of matches and travel burden. III.

Investigation the effect of weightlifting training on apelin level and hematologic parameters of professional handball players

Objectives: Apelin is a member of myokines which has recently been characterized. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a weightlifting training (WT) program on some biochemical (glucose, insulin and apelin) and haematological parameters in professional male handball players. It was hypothesized that significant increase would be found in apelin levels of subjects. Material and Methods: Ten professional handball players (Trained Handball Player Group, THG) completed 6-week WT. Ten sedentary subjects (Trained Sedentary Group, TSG) also completed WT to compare with THG and investigate the effect of being a handball player. Ten subjects have been considered as control group (Control Group, CG). Results: The apelin levels of THG and TSG have been increased significantly (p<0.05) but the increase in THG (55%) is more than TSG (38%). CG subjects did not exhibit any significant changes during the 6- week period (p>0.05). Conclusion: It has been concluded that the WT has an important role on apelin level, especially in professional handball players.

Functional and Muscle-Size Effects of Flywheel Resistance Training with Eccentric-Overload in Professional Handball Players.

The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of 6 week (15 sessions) flywheel resistance training with eccentric-overload (FRTEO) on different functional and anatomical variables in professional handball players. Twenty-nine athletes were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EXP, n = 15) carried out 15 sessions of FRTEO in the leg-press exercise, with 4 sets of 7 repetitions at a maximum-concentric effort. The control group (CON, n = 14) performed the same number of training sessions including 4 sets of 7 maximum repetitions (7RM) using a weight-stack leg-press machine. The results which were measured included maximal dynamic strength (1RM), muscle power at different submaximal loads (PO), vertical jump height (CMJ and SJ), 20 m sprint time (20 m), T-test time (T-test), and Vastus-Lateralis muscle (VL) thickness. The results of the EXP group showed a substantially better improvement (p < 0.05-0.001) in PO, CMJ, 20 m, T-test and VL, compared to the CON group. Moreover, athletes from the EXP group showed significant improvements concerning all the variables measured: 1RM (ES = 0.72), PO (ES = 0.42 - 0.83), CMJ (ES = 0.61), SJ (ES = 0.54), 20 m (ES = 1.45), T-test (ES = 1.44), and VL (ES = 0.63 - 1.64). Since handball requires repeated short, explosive effort such as accelerations and decelerations during sprints with changes of direction, these results suggest that FRTEO affects functional and anatomical changes in a way which improves performance in well-trained professional handball players.

ANALYSIS ON THE RELATION BETWEEN VELOCITY AND POWER VALUES DURING PROPULSIVE PHASE OF BENCH THROW EXERCISE AND UPPER-BODY STRENGTH CHARACTERISTICS IN PROFESSIONAL HANDBALL PLAYERS

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relation between velocity and power values during propulsive phase of bench throw exercise and upper-body strength characteristics in professional handball players and to determine whether upper-body strength characteristics have a significant effect on velocity and power parameters. In accordance with this purpose, a total of 13 professional handball players competing in Turkish Handball 1. League (age: 25.4 ± 3.86 years; height: 187.5 ± 8.33 cm; body weight: 90.9 ± 14.8 kg) voluntarily participated in the research. In this study, maximal dynamic strength test was applied in bench press (BP) exercises in addition to the right and left hand grip strength test with the purpose of determining the upper-body strength characteristics. In order to determine velocity and power parameters, bench throw (BT) exercises were applied by using an external load that corresponds to 30% of body weights of the participants via an isoinertial velocity converter (T-Force dynamic measurement system) and values of mean propulsive velocity (MPV), peak velocity (PV), mean propulsive power (MPP) and peak power (PP) were obtained. Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis and Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality tests were used in order to analyze data. According to analysis results, while mean one-repetition maximal (1RM) strength values of the participants in BP exercise were obtained as 97.8 (± 15.0 kg), their right and left hand grip strength values were respectively obtained according to the order specified as 55.4 (± 8.16 kg) and 53.7 (± 5.81 kg). It has been concluded that while there is a statistically positive and significant relation between the MPV (r = .674, p 0.05, respectively) and PP values (r = .487; r = .401, p> 0.05, respectively). It has also been concluded that there is a statistically positive and highly significant relation between 1RM strength values in BP exercises of the participants and MPV (r = .728), PV (r = .775), MPP (r = .703) and PP (r = .759) values obtained during the propulsive phase of BT exercises (p < 0.01). As a result, it can be suggested that upper-body strength characteristic positively affects velocity and power parameters, velocity and power characteristics are dominant and provide a significant contribution to the performance and these results will contribute to trainers and conditioners while preparing training programs in sports branches. Article visualizations:

Symptoms of common mental disorders and related stressors in Danish professional football and handball

The aim of the study was twofold, namely (i) to determine the prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs) among current and retired professional football and handball players and (ii) to explore the relationship of psychosocial stressors with the outcome measures under study. A total of 1155 players were enrolled in an observational study based on a cross-sectional design. Questionnaires based on validated scales were set up and distributed among current and retired professional football and handball players by the Danish football and handball players’ union. In professional football, the highest prevalence (4 weeks) of symptoms of CMDs was 18% and 19% for anxiety/depression among current and retired players, respectively. In professional handball, the highest prevalence (4 weeks) of symptoms of CMDs was 26% and 16% for anxiety/depression among current and retired players, respectively. For both the current and retired professional football and handball players, a higher number of severe injuries and recent adverse life events (LE) were related to the presence of symptoms of CMD. Players exposed to severe injuries and/or recent adverse LE were 20–50% times more likely to report symptoms of CMD. The results suggest that it is possible to recognize the population of professional athletes that are more likely to develop symptoms of CMD. This could create the opportunity to intervene preventively on athletes that suffered from severe injury and/or recent adverse LE that could lead to a faster and safer recovery and psychological readiness to return to play.