Test-Retest Reliability of 3 Specific Strength Tests in Professional Handball Players.

CONTEXT: Current devices to assess strength performance in handball may not be sufficiently sports-specific and reliable methods. Functional electromechanical dynamometry is a new technology that allows the development of accurate strength tests in athletes. PURPOSE: To determine the absolute and relative reliability and to compare the reliability of the right and left side, and mean and peak force of 3 specific strength tests in handball players with a functional electromechanical dynamometer: unilateral pullover, standing lift, and step forward. METHODS: Fourteen male handball players of the first Spanish division (28.79 [4.81] y; 10.38 [4.63] y of professional experience) performed a repeated-measurement design. Three testing sessions were performed (one per week). The first measurement consisted of 4 isometric tests (right and left unilateral pullover, and right and left standing lift) to obtain isometric peak force, and in the second and third sessions, 6 incremental tests until failure (right and left unilateral pullover, and right and left standing lift, right and left step forward) were performed. RESULTS: The tests provided high reliability or acceptable reliability for mean and peak strength of unilateral pullover, standing lift and step forward (intraclass correlation coefficient = .83-.97; coefficient of variation = 3.90-11.57). Effect side was negligible in any of the parameters, except for a small effect side in the left peak force for unilateral pullover and a small effect side on the left side for a step forward. Significant differences in reliability (coefficient of variation ratio > 1.15) were found between the right and left sides and peak and mean force in all exercises except peak force in unilateral pullover and step forward. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that the tests could be applied to assess physical performance in handball at the same time as regular gym training. Moreover, this is an excellent opportunity to individualize the player's weekly load.

Influence of trunk rotator strength on rotational medicine ball throwing performance.

BACKGROUND: The strength of the trunk musculature plays an essential role in performance. The aims of this study were to analyze the relationship between the strength of the trunk rotation muscles with rotational medicine ball throwing velocity and distance, to study differences between sex in rotational medicine ball throwing and to compare the asymmetries of trunk rotational strength and rotational medicine ball throwing. METHODS: Thirty physically active college students participated on the study. Horizontal and low cable woodchop exercises were assessed with a functional electromechanical dynamometer and throwing was measured with a radar and a measuring tape. A Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for the relation between trunk rotational strength and rotational medicine ball throwing. Independent samples t-test was performed to determine the differences between sex in rotational medicine ball throwing and a paired samples t-test was performed to study the asymmetries. RESULTS: Large and very large correlations were obtained between trunk rotational strength and rotational medicine ball throwing (r=0.68-0.79). Significant differences and a large effect size were found between males and females for all throwing velocity and throwing distance variables (P<0.05; ES>0.90) and asymmetries in performance of mean velocity throwing (P=0.003; ES=-0.60) and peak velocity throwing (P=0.025; ES=-0.43). No significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant side in any of the trunk rotator strength assessment conditions (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a large or very large correlation between the STRM and the RMBT in all its modalities. Differences in strength were found between sexes, with no significant differences between dominant and non-dominant sides.

Reliability of a handball specific strength test battery and the association with sprint and throwing performance in young handball players.

BACKGROUND: A greater motivation for coaches to be more involved in assessment could be the development of specific strength tests closer to specific handball tasks. Therefore, the aims were to determine the reliability of a handball specific strength test battery in young handball players using a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) and to evaluate the association between the strength test battery and performance measurements. METHODS: Thirty-two young handball players (25% males and 75% females) performed a repeated-measurement design over four weeks. The players conducted one session per week, with each measurement consisting of two isometric tests to obtain isometric peak force, and four incremental tests. Moreover, performance handball tests (sprint and throwing velocity [TV]) were recorded. RESULTS: The reliability of the whole handball specific strength tests was very high for the peak and mean strength (ICC=0.70-0.85; CV=8.49-13.99; SEM=0.44-0.67 kg). The step forward had a moderate association with 5 to 10 meters' time. The highest correlation between TVmean was found with the peak strength of standing lift and between TVpeak with peak strength of unilateral throw. The sprint total time could be explained by Body Mass Index and peak strength of the standing lift in the 40% and the TVpeak could be explained by arm span and mean strength of the standing lift in the 68%. CONCLUSIONS: The high reliability for all exercises and the significant correlation with handball performance (sprint time and TV) allow us to include these tests in handball team evaluation and training.

Analysis of grip specificity on force production in grapplers and its effect on bilateral deficit grip specificity and bilateral deficit in force production among grapplers.

The use of strength training is important for athletes in combat sports such as judo and jiu-jitsu. Specificity is key when prescribing strength training programs for athletes, considering maximal strength, muscular power and strength-endurance. Grappling combat sports require grip control, which is necessary to execute throwing techniques and groundwork. The aim of this study was to verify the bilateral strength deficit in general and in grappling combat sport-specific action in the control group and grapplers. A sample of 73 subjects, divided into 2 groups, was used: the Student Group (15 females and 16 males) and the Grappler Group (29 males and 13 females). The male and female participants attended four laboratory sessions over a 48-hour interval, the first two to familiarize themselves with the Electromechanical Functional Dynamometer (EMFD), and the last two to collect maximal isometric strength data, using a standard grip and a judo/jiujitsu specific grip. Significant differences in mean and peak forces (p < 0.001) were found, with high performance combat sport athletes having greater maximal isometric strength compared to students both bilaterally and unilaterally (p < 0.001). All comparisons also indicated higher values for males compared to females (p < 0.001). The results suggest that specific training in combat sports as well as sex differences play a significant role in maximal isometric strength performance. The type of grip used affects the application of force in the upper limb isometric strength tests, finding a main effect of grip type (p < 0.001), with the standard grip obtaining higher levels. However, the dominance between hands remains constant. More research is needed on specific judogi/jiu-jitsu-gi grips and their impact on maximal isometric strength with the EMFD.

The cognitive benefits of basketball training compared to a combined endurance and resistance training regimen: a four-month intervention study.

Neurocognitive function, especially executive functioning, is positively associated with better fitness or higher levels of physical activity (PA). Previous research suggests that combined endurance and resistance (AER+R) training leads to greater improvements than training in either modality separately. Dynamic team sports with cognitive dimensions, such as basketball (BAS), may be an excellent context for improving cognition. This study compared the effects of following a four-month PA training program in BAS versus AER+R on executive functions along with a control group with low PA. Fifty participants completed the training period and were randomly distributed into three groups: BAS (16 participants), AER+R (18), and control (16). Participants in the BAS group showed improved inhibition and working memory and those in the AER+R group showed improved inhibition and cognitive flexibility, while inhibition deteriorated in the control group. There were significant differences between groups only in inhibition. It appears that following a four-month PA training program is enough to enhance executive functioning, and improvements in inhibition are more evident when the program includes an open sport such as BAS.

The Role of the Specific Strength Test in Handball Performance: Exploring Differences across Competitive Levels and Age Groups.

The aim of this study was to determine if specific physical tests are sufficiently discriminant to differentiate players of similar anthropometric characteristics, but of different playing levels. Physical tests were conducted analyzing specific strength, throwing velocity, and running speed tests. Thirty-six male junior handball players (n = 36; age 19.7 ± 1.8 years; 185.6 ± 6.9 cm; 83.1 ± 10.3 kg; 10.6 ± 3.2 years of experience) from two different levels of competition participated in the study: NT = 18 were world top-level elite players, belonging to the Spanish junior men's national team (National Team = NT) and A = 18 players of the same age and anthropometric conditions, who were selected from Spanish third league men's teams (Amateur = A). The results showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups in all physical tests, except for two-step-test velocity and shoulder internal rotation. We conclude that a battery combining the Specific Performance Test and the Force Development Standing Test is useful in identifying talent and differentiating between elite and sub-elite players. The current findings suggest that running speed tests and throwing tests are essential in selecting players, regardless of age, sex, or type of competition. The results shed light on the factors that differentiate players of different levels and can help coaches in selecting players.

Effects of post-tetanic potentiation induced by whole-body electrostimulation and post-activation potentiation on maximum isometric strength.

It is currently unknown the most effective potentiation protocol to increase maximum strength. Hence, we investigated the separated and combined effects of post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) induced by whole-body electrostimulation (WB-EMS) and post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by voluntary maximum isometric contractions on maximum isometric strength. Ten trained males were randomly evaluated on four occasions. In session A, maximum isometric strength (split squat) was measured in minutes 1, 4, and 8. In session B, the measurements were taken in minutes 2, 6, and 10. In session C, a WB-EMS protocol was applied to elicit PTP and the measurements were performed in minutes 1, 4, and 8. In session D, the same WB-EMS protocol was applied and the measurements were taken in minutes 2, 6, and 10. No significant differences in maximum isometric strength were observed between: (i) the control and WB-EMS in minutes 1 vs. 1 and 2 vs. 2; (ii) the control and PAP in minutes 1 vs. 4, 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 6, and 2 vs. 10; and (iii) the PAP and WB-EMS plus PAP in minutes 4 vs. 4, 8 vs. 8, 6 vs. 6, and 10 vs. 10. In contrast, the WB-EMS plus PAP revealed a significant increase of 54% (~450 N) compared to the WB-EMS in minutes 4 and 8 compared to the minute 1 (p < 0.001), but not between minutes 2 vs. 6 and 2 vs. 10. The present results showed that PTP induced by WB-EMS in isolation or combined with PAP induced by voluntary maximum isometric contractions did not produce a significant increase in maximum isometric strength compared to the control and PAP alone, respectively.

Throwing performance by playing positions of male handball players during the European Championship 2020.

The aim of this study was to analyze the throwing velocity and effectiveness of elite male handball players during the European Championship 2020. A local positioning system was used for the first time in a European Championship to collect 6568 throw events from 337 players of 24 national teams during 65 matches. ANOVA (F = 80.8, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.058) revealed that back players throws were significantly faster (24.3-26.5 m/s) than the rest of the players (22.2-22.5 m/s). Similarly, throws made from the central zone showed the highest speed values of 28.0 m/s (F = 43.2, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.050). In regard to the goal hit zone, higher speeds were shown for throws in side zones (24.9-26.8 m/s) compared to central zones (23.0-23.8 m/s) (F = 49.0, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.063). Effectiveness was higher in wing players (62%-64%) than the rest (45%-56%) (F = 30.9, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.023). Interestingly, the two higher velocity categories (>22 m/s) showed similar effectiveness (~60%), which were higher than the preceding slower category of 17-22 m/s (39.7%) (F = 175.1, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.074). Regarding court zones, throws from first-line zones (48%-60%), were more effective than from second line (38%-43%) (F = 13.1, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.016). With respect to the goal hit zone, effectiveness was higher in side (72%-77%) than in central zones (58%-64%) (F = 523.2, p < 0.01, η2  = 0.418). Coaches should improve the throwing velocity of players but also train at submaximal velocities (effective velocity) to save energy and reduce the potential risk of injury. Finally, training should be specialized according to the performance shown by players from different throwing zones, rather than from playing positions.

Changes in bench press performance and throwing velocity after strength-oriented and ballistic resistance training programs.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effect of two upper-body resistance training programs (strength-oriented vs. ballistic) on bench press (BP) performance and handball throwing velocity (HTV). METHODS: Thirty resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to a strength-oriented training group (STG) or a ballistic training group (BTG). The study consisted of 11 sessions: 2 pre-tests (week 1), 8 training sessions (weeks 2-5), and 1 post-test (week 6). The STG performed the BP at the 70-90% of the one-repetition maximum (1RM), and the BTG the BP throw at the 40% of 1RM. BP performance (BP 1RM and maximum velocity achieved against 20 kg [BP20]) and HTV were assessed before and after training. RESULTS: The STG enhanced BP 1RM (effect size [ES]=0.24) but not BP20 (ES=0.21) or HTV (ES=0.10). The BTG enhanced BP20 (ES=0.63) but not BP1RM (ES=0.27) or HTV (ES=0.02). HTV was not significantly correlated with the BP 1RM (r≤0.181) or BP20 (r≤0.220). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a short-term RT program based exclusively on the BP exercise performed against either heavy (strength-oriented) or light loads (ballistic) is not effective to increase HTV in resistance-trained men with little handball experience.

Influence of Grip Width and Anthropometric Characteristics on the Bench-Press Load-Velocity Relationship.

PURPOSE: To compare the load-velocity (L-V) relationship between bench-press exercises performed using 4 different grip widths, to determine the association between the anthropometric characteristics and L-V profile, and to explore whether a multiple linear-regression model with movement velocity and subjects' anthropometric characteristics as predictor variables could increase the goodness of fit of the individualized L-V relationship. METHODS: The individual L-V relationship of 20 men was evaluated by means of an incremental loading test during the bench-press exercise performed on a Smith machine using narrow, medium, wide, and self-selected grip widths. Simple and multiple linear-regression models were performed. RESULTS: The mean velocity associated with each relative load did not differ among the 4 grip widths (P ≥ .130). Only body height and total arm length were correlated with the mean velocity associated with light and medium loads (r ≥ .464). A slightly higher variance of the velocity attained at each relative load was explained when some anthropometric characteristics were used as predictor variables along with the movement velocity (r2 = .969 [.965-.973]) in comparison with the movement velocity alone (r2 = .966 [.955-.968]). However, the amount of variance explained by the individual L-V relationships was always higher than with the multiple linear-regression models (r2 = .995 [.985-1.000]). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the individual determination of the L-V relationship using a self-selected grip width could be recommended to monitor relative loads in the Smith machine bench-press exercise.

Reliability of isometric and isokinetic trunk flexor strength using a functional electromechanical dynamometer.

AIM: To determine the absolute and relative reliability of functional trunk tests, using a functional electromechanical dynamometer to evaluate the isokinetic strength of trunk flexors and to determine the most reliable assessment condition, in order to compare the absolute and relative reliability of mean force and peak force of trunk flexors and to determine which isokinetic condition of evaluation is best related to the maximum isometric. METHODS: Test-retest of thirty-seven physically active male student volunteers who performed the different protocols, isometric contraction and the combination of three velocities (V1 = 015 m s-1 , V2 = 0.30 m  s-1, V3 = 0.45 m s-1) and two range of movement (R1 = 25% cm ; R2 = 50% cm) protocols. RESULTS: All protocols to evaluate trunk flexors showed an absolute reliability provided a stable repeatability for isometric and dynamic protocols with a coefficient of variation (CV) being below 10% and a high or very high relative reliability (0.69 < intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.86). The more reliable strength manifestation (CV = 6.82%) to evaluate the concentric contraction of trunk flexors was mean force, with 0.15 m  s-1 and short range of movement (V1R1) condition. The most reliable strength manifestation to evaluate the eccentric contraction of trunk flexors was peak force, with 0.15 m  s-1 and a large range of movement (V1R2; CV = 5.07%), and the most reliable way to evaluate isometric trunk flexors was by peak force (CV = 7.72%). The mean force of eccentric trunk flexor strength with 0.45 m  s-1 and short range of movement (V3R1) condition (r = 0.73) was best related to the maximum isometric contraction. CONCLUSION: Functional electromechanical dynamometry is a reliable evaluation system for assessment of trunk flexor strength.