Young Female Handball Players Research Articles

Assessment of bone mineral density in young female handball players

Optimizing bone mass gain during childhood and adolescence may help prevent bone diseases in advanced ages. The aim of this study was to verify the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in female adolescent’s handball players. This is a cross-sectional study where 68 female adolescents (12–17 years) were allocated into two groups: handball players (n = 29) (HG) and control group (n = 39) (CG). BMC and BMD from total body (TB), total body less head (TBLH), lumbar spine (L1–L4), femoral neck (FN), Ward’s triangle (WT) and respectively Z-scores were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Sexual maturity, menarche, PHV, time of sun exposure, physical activity level and Calcium and vitamin D intake were assessed. The HG showed significantly higher BMC, BMD as well Z-scores values (p≤0.05) of total body, TBLH, femoral neck, hip and lumbar spine than the CG. When the values were adjusted for lean soft tissue (LST) the HG showed significantly higher BMC of femoral neck (p≤0.05), as well as BMD of TBLH and femoral neck (p≤0.05) and Z-score values all bone sites except hip, than the CG. We conclude that handball players have significantly higher bone mass values compared to group of girls of the same age.

Anthropometric analysis and performance characteristics to predict selection in young male and female handball players

Abstract The aim of this study was two-fold. The first aim was to determine if there were any anthropometric and physical performance differences (controlling for maturation) between male and female handball players selected in training categories as well asthe relation of these differences with the performance level achieved. The second aim was to identify the discriminatory variables between the performance levels achieved. A total of 216 young handball players (125 men and 91 women) participated in the study. The data were classified by selection level (regional n=154; national n=62), gender (men; women) and age category (under-15; under-17). The use of MANCOVA analyses, controllingfor maturation, identified how gender could determine variables related to handball players' future competitive levels. The results revealed that anthropometric variables such as height, arm span, trochanter height, thigh girth, and leg girth were more influential in men than in women. In addition, the physical performance tests of vertical jump (squat jump and counter movement jump with/without arm) and 10x5m shuttle run were determinants in both sexes. Discriminatory analysis predicted that a combination of five variables (counter movement jump with arm, body mass, 10x5m shuttle run, dominant hand length and trochanter height) would successfully distinguish between regional and national players, with a predictive accuracy of 81.9% for all players.

Young female handball players and sport specialisation: how do they cope with the transition from primary school into a secondary sport school?

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine how six young female handball players (aged 13–14 years) perceived the transition from primary school to a sport-specialised secondary school.MethodsPhysical and...

Strength Training Using Elastic Bands: Improvement of Muscle Power and Throwing Performance in Young Female Handball Players.

Imbalance in shoulder-rotator muscles has been considered a risk factor for injuries in handball. Strength training programs (STPs) may play an important preventive role. To verify the effects of an STP using elastic bands on shoulder muscles and ball-throwing speed. Randomized and prospective controlled trial. Exercise physiology laboratory. Thirty-nine female handball players were randomly assigned to an experimental (EG, n = 21, 15.3 ± 1.1 y) or a control (CG, n = 18, 15.0 ± 0.8 y) group. The EG performed the STP with elastic-band progressive exercises for 6 wk before regular handball training, and the CG underwent only their regular training. Before and after the STP, both groups underwent a ball-throwing-speed test and isokinetic test to assess shoulder internal- (IR) and external-rotator muscle performance. Average power values for IR muscles presented a significant group-vs-time interaction effect (F = 3.9, P = .05); EG presented significantly higher values after the STP (P = .03). Ball speed presented higher values in EG after the STP in standing (P = .04) and jumping (P = .03) throws. IR peak-torque values and balance in shoulder-rotator muscles presented no group-vs-time interaction effect. STP using elastic bands performed for 6 wk was effective to improve muscle power and ball speed for young female handball players.

Morning–evening difference of team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performances in female team handball players

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the two different time-of-day effect on team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performances. At two different time-of-day, fifteen young female team handball players performed different physical tests: HandGrip (HG) test, Ball-Throwing Velocity (BTV) test, Modified Agility T-test (MAT) and Repeated Shuttle-Sprint and Jump Ability (RSSJA) test. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale was determined following the termination of the last test. Measurements were performed at two separate testing sessions (i.e., in the morning (7:00–8:30 h) and in the early evening (17:00–18:30 h)) in a randomised and counter-balanced setting on non-consecutive days. The results showed that HG (P = 0.0013), BTV (P = 0.0027) and MAT (P < 0.001) performances were better in the evening compared with the morning. During RSSJA, both best and mean sprint times were shorter in the evening compared to the morning (P < 0.001). Moreover, during the latter test, mean jump performance was higher in the evening compared to the morning (P = 0.026). However, there was no morning–evening difference in the best jump performance during RSSJA. Likewise, jump performance decrement was not affected by the time-of-day of testing. On the other hand, RPE fluctuated, with morning nadirs and afternoon/early evening highest values. The findings suggest that in female team handball players, team-handball-related short-term maximal physical performances were better in the afternoon than in the morning.

YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES HAVE CHANGED CONSIDERABLY IN THE TWO YEARS AFTER BASELINE EVALUATION IN A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

BackgroundA 3-year prospective cohort study has been initiated in Japanese young female handball and basketball players to identify risk factors for non-contact ACL injuries. Although we examined the baseline data...

THE INFLUENCE OF HIP JOINT CONTROL ON KNEE JOINT VALGUS MOMENT IN YOUNG FEMALE ELITE ATHLETES

BackgroundBiomechanical investigations of sports-specific movements may yield information on which measures could be most efficient for prevention of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries. High knee valgus moments have been related...

Neuromuscular Coordination and Proprioceptive Training in Young Handball Players

Specialized sensory receptors in the muscles, joints and connective tissues enable the body to process information from a variety of stimuli, and turn that information into action. The key to creating what specialists refer to as movement intelligence involves individuals becoming consciously aware of their movements, and of the information their body is absorbing. To do this, stimuli are created to elicit a movement reaction through a variety of tasks or exercises. As skill improves, more stimuli are needed to continue improvement. So, the aim of this study was to prove the utility of complex and specific drills using additional materials in young handball players. The study has been developed on a sample of 10 young female handball players from CSS. Bacău, aged between 13-14 years. The evaluation of the subjects has been performed using the “T – Test”, the “Slalom Test” and the “ZIGZAG Run Test”, taken from the book “Functional Testing in Human Performance”. The working protocol consisted in 8 coordinative and proprioceptive drills that were used during the training sessions and during warm-up, before official matches. An improvement in all values was recorded, as compared to the reference values.

A comparison of the posture between young female handball players and non-training peers

To evaluate and compare the posture in young female handball players and a group of non-training peers. 125 handball players and 135 non-training individuals as a control group. All the subjects were aged 12-15. Measurements of basic somatic parameters (body height and mass, BMI, fat mass and total body water) were taken with an electronic balance 'Tanita'. The posture was evaluated using the moiré method. We analysed the shape of the spine in the sagittal plane and the position of the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle in terms of symmetry. In 13-year-old handball players there was a smaller inclination of the thoracolumbar segment and a greater forward tilt of the torso. Among the training 15-year-olds, the inclination of the lower back, the sum of angles of anteroposterior curvatures and the angle of lumbar lordosis were smaller than in their non-training peers. Moreover, a correct pelvic alignment in the frontal plane, and pelvis and scapulas asymmetries in the transverse plane were more common in handball players. The formation of anteroposterior curvatures of the spine diversified some of the age groups of training and non-training young females. Handball training can affect the quality of posture.

The redox state of young female handball players following acute exercise and a one-month precompetitive training period

Although the relationship between exercise and oxidative stress has been intensively investigated for over 3 decades, there remains a lack of empirical data on exercise-induced oxidative stress in athletes engaged in sporting games, specifically among the population of elite female athletes. Blood samples were taken from female handball players on the Serbian U20 national team at the beginning and end of a one-month preparatory training period, as well as immediately before and after acute treadmill exercise. Levels of superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation were measured in plasma samples , while levels of reduced glutathione and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured in erythrocytes. Both experimental protocols demonstrated significant increases in plasma levels of hydrogen peroxide and decreases in superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes. Despite the increase in plasma levels of hydrogen peroxideafter both the treadmill exercise and the one-month training period, the levels of the two antioxidants responsible for eliminating H2O2 hydrogen peroxide were not significantly different, as may be expected. Moreover, the marker of lipid peroxidation, TBARS, was not significantly increased. These findings suggest that the first line of antioxidative defense was effective in the prevention of oxidative stress among young female handball players.

Biomechanical evaluation of the side-cutting manoeuvre associated with ACL injury in young female handball players

The purpose of the study was to investigate the biomechanics of the knee and hip joint during handball-specific side-cutting on the dominant and non-dominant leg. Understanding the sports-specific biomechanics may improve prevention measures and post-injury treatment. Twenty-four young female elite handball players performed 5 handball side-cutting manoeuvres on the dominant and non-dominant legs. The local maxima of the joint moments in each plane, during the initial 100ms following foot contact, were collected. External knee moments of flexion, outward rotation and valgus-along with external hip moments of extension, abduction and internal rotation-were observed, coincidentally 30-40ms after foot contact. No side-to-side asymmetries were found. The external moments observed support the injury mechanisms previously described in case studies of handball injuries. The results underline the importance of implementing preventive exercises that increase activity of medial hamstrings, to match the external outward rotating knee moments and knee valgus moments, and increase activity of hip external rotators to match the external hip inward-rotating moment. Furthermore, the results may yield further information to the graft selection decision before ACL surgery. Diagnostic studies, Level II.

Effects of 12-Week Medicine Ball Training on Muscle Strength and Power in Young Female Handball Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of medicine ball training on the strength and power in young female handball athletes. Twenty-one young female handball players (age, 16.9 ± 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group (n = 11) participated in a 12-week medicine ball training program incorporated into the regular training session, whereas controls (n = 10) participated only in the regular training. Performance in the medicine ball throws in standing and sitting positions, 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench and shoulder press, and power test at 2 different loads (30 and 50% of 1RM) on bench and shoulder press were assessed at pre- and posttraining testing. The athletes participating in the medicine ball training program made significantly greater gains in all medicine ball throw tests compared with the controls (p < 0.01). Also, the experimental group made significantly greater gains in bench and shoulder press power than control group (p < 0.05). Both training groups (E) and (C) significantly (p < 0.05) increased 1RM bench and shoulder strength, with no differences observed between the groups. Additionally, medicine ball throw tests showed stronger correlation with power tests, than with 1RM tests. These data suggest that 12-week medicine ball training, when incorporated into a regular training session, can provide greater sport-specific training improvements in the upper body for young female handball players.

Evaluation of respiratory and echocardiography parameters in young female handball players

Long-term handball training has a significant impact in increasing cardiovascular resistance and the performance of ventilation on the respiratory system. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the long-term handball training of young female athletes on respiratory function and echocardiography (ECG) values. Thirty (30) girls (12.58±0.51 years) participated in the study. Some physical measurements, respiratory function test and ECG values of female athletes were measured in pre and post-training. There were significant differences on physical values (p 0.05). In heart rate (HR) values, we found a significant difference (p<0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between QT interval and corrected QT (QTc) interval (p<0.001). As a result, it was seen that systematic handball trainings affect the level of physical development, pulmonary functions and ECG values of young girls significantly. Female players achieved major degree at the end of Turkish young women's championships.

Effect of long-term training on physical and hematological values in young female handball players

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long-term handball training on physical and hematological variables in young female handball players. Thirty girls (12.58±0.51 year) from different schools and clubs, voluntarily participated in this study for handball training. We found significant differences at height, weight, standing long jump, seated medicine ball throw and 30 m sprint test parameters ( P 0.05 ). However, significant differences was found at aspartate aminotransferase (AST‐SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT‐SGPT), power of hydrogen (Ph), urine density, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet (PLT) values ( P<0.05 ). We found significant differences in hemoglobin (Hgb), creatine, fasting blood glucose, mean corpuscular volume (MCH), mean hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean platelet volume (MPV) values (P<0.001 ). Research findings were obtained by using paired t test. In conclusion, significant effects were observed in some physical and physiological developments of girls. Especially, the girls who were selected for handball achieved major degree at the end of young women's Championships.

Effect of long-term training on physical and hematological values in young female handball players

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long-term handball training on physical and hematological variables in young female handball players. Thirty girls (12.58±0.51 year) from different schools and clubs, voluntarily participated in this study for handball training. We found significant differences at height, weight, standing long jump, seated medicine ball throw and 30 m sprint test parameters (P 0.05). However, significant differences was found at aspartate aminotransferase (AST–SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT–SGPT), power of hydrogen (Ph), urine density, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet (PLT) values (P<0.05). We found significant differences in hemoglobin (Hgb), creatine, fasting blood glucose, mean corpuscular volume (MCH), mean hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and mean platelet volume (MPV) values (P<0.001). Research findings were obtained by using paired t test. In conclusion, significant effects were observed in some physical and physiological developments of girls. Especially, the girls who were selected for handball achieved major degree at the end of young women's Championships. Key words: Handball, training, female, blood.

The effect of three-month pre-season preparatory period and short-term exercise on plasma leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and ghrelin levels in young female handball and basketball players.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of a 3-month pre-season preparatory period and shortterm moderate aerobic exercise and intensive fitness and speed exercise on adipokine and ghrelin levels in young female handball and basketball players. Fifty healthy young female professional basketball and handball players were enrolled into the study before the opening of the season (after a 2-month holiday with no training or dietary restrictions). Serum estradiol and plasma leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and ghrelin levels were determined at the beginning and the end of a 3-month period of moderate aerobic training. Plasma adipokines and ghrelin levels were additionally assessed after 2 h of moderate aerobic exercise or after intensive fitness and speed exercise training. Long-term moderate aerobic exercise was followed by a significant decrease in plasma ghrelin and leptin levels (921±300 vs 575±572 pg/ml, p<0.001 and 16.4±15.6 vs 11.8±16.3 ng/ml, p<0.01, respectively); plasma adiponectin and visfatin remained unchanged. No changes were observed in plasma ghrelin and leptin levels after short-term moderate aerobic exercise or after intensive fitness and speed exercise. Plasma visfatin concentration increased significantly after short-term moderate aerobic exercise (22.1±8.7 vs 27.6±9.0 ng/ml, p<0.001), whilst adiponectin increased after intensive fitness and speed exercise (16.7±7.8 vs 21.0±9.8 μg/ml, p<0.001). Regular moderate aerobic training in preparation for the match season is followed by a decline in circulating leptin and ghrelin levels even in athletes without body weight changes. Short-term intensive fitness and moderate aerobic exercise seem to modulate the production of different adipokines.

Psychological profiling of young female handball and basketball players – a pilot study

BackgroundThe influence of psychological factors on injuries in female handball and basketball is poorly documented.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the influence of psychological factors on injuries in...

Factors Influencing Ball Throwing Velocity in Young Female Handball Players

Aim of this study was the investigation of the relationship between throwing ball velocity and specific anthro- pometric and physical fitness characteristics of young female team handball players (n = 220, mean ± SD age 13.99 ± 1.06 yrs and playing experience 3.66 ± 1.66 yrs). Throwing velocity was assessed with a radar gun while body height, body mass, body mass index, arm span, hand length and spread, standing long jump, 30m sprint, sit and reach flexibility and es- timated maximal oxygen uptake were also measured. The results showed that throwing performance is significantly (p<0.05) correlated with all variables calculated in this study except of the body mass index. This suggests that high per- formance requires advanced motor abilities and anthropometric features for these ages.

Enhanced bone mass and physical fitness in young female handball players

This study evaluates the effect of physical activity on the bone content (BMC) and density (BMD) in 51 girls (14.2 ± 0.4 yr). Twenty-four were placed in the handball group as they have been playing handball for at least 1 year (3.9 ± 0.4). The other 27 who did not perform in any kind of regular physical activity other than that programmed during the compulsory physical education courses comprised the control group. Bone mass and areal density were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The maximal leg extension isometric force in the squat position with knees bent at 90° and the peak force, mean power, and height jumped during vertical squat jump were assessed with a force plate. Additionally, 30-m run (running speed) and 300-m run (as an estimate of anaerobic capacity) tests were also performed. Maximal aerobic capacity was estimated using the 20-m shuttle-run tests. Compared to the controls, handballers attained better results in the physical fitness tests and had a 6% and 11% higher total body and right upper extremity lean mass (all P < 0.05). The handballers showed enhanced BMC and BMD in the lumbar spine, pelvic region, and lower extremity (all P < 0.05). They also showed greater BMC in the whole body and enhanced BMD in the right upper extremity and femoral neck than the control subjects (all P < 0.05). As expected, total lean mass strongly correlated with total and regional BMC and BMD ( r = 0.79–0.91 P < 0.001). Interestingly, 300-m running speed correlated with BMC and BMD variables ( r = 0.59–0.67 and r = 0.60–0.70, respectively; all P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that the 30-m running speed test, combined with the height and body mass, has also predictive value for whole-body BMC and BMD ( R = 0.93 and R = 0.90, P < 0.001). In conclusion, handball participation is associated with improved physical fitness, increased lean and bone masses, and enhanced axial and appendicular BMD in young girls. The combination of anthropometric and fitness-related variables may be used to detect girls with potentially reduced bone mass.