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The speedometer is widely used to evaluate swimming velocity but has some constraints. With the constant development of inertial units (IMUs), it is expected that they will become a good alternative to the speedometer. This study aimed to compare the data retrieved by an IMU and a speedometer when breaststroke is performed at maximum speed. Sixteen swimmers, nine males and seven females (20.3 ± 3.3 vs. 18.7 ± 1.1 years old, 65.8 ± 11.2 vs. 57.7 ± 9.1 kg of body mass and 1.75 ± 0.07 vs. 1.61 ± 0.10 m of height, respectively), performed 4 × 25 m of breaststroke sprint. They were equipped with an IMU fixed to the sacrum and with the line of an electromechanical speedometer (acquisition frequency of 50 Hz) fixed at the central point in the lumbar region. Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the velocity curves, IBM SPSS was used for descriptive statistics and Bland-Altman plots were used for agreement of measurements. The results show that the IMU and speedometer do not show similar patterns, and the velocity values measured by the IMU are lower (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plots presented a larger bias in terms of coefficient of variation and intracycle velocity variation. It can be concluded that IMUs and speedometers are not substitutes for each other as methods for evaluating intracycle velocity variations.
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Water pollution is a major environmental challenge. Due to the inefficiency of conventional wastewater treatment plants in degrading many organic complex compounds, these recalcitrant pollutants end up in rivers, lakes, oceans and other bodies of water, affecting the environment and human health. Semiconductor photocatalysis is considered an efficient complement to conventional methods, and the use of various nanomaterials for this purpose has been widely explored, with a particular focus on improving their activity under visible light. This work focuses on developing magnetic and photoactive zinc/magnesium mixed ferrites (Zn0.5Mg0.5Fe2O4) by sol-gel and solvothermal synthesis methods, which are two of the most important and efficient methods used for the synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles. The nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by the sol-gel method exhibited an average size of 14.7 nm, while those synthesized by the solvothermal method had an average size of 17.4 nm. Both types possessed a predominantly cubic structure and demonstrated superparamagnetic behavior, reaching a magnetization saturation value of 60.2 emu g-1. Due to the high recombination rate of electrons/holes, which is an intrinsic feature of ferrites, surface functionalization with silver was carried out to enhance charge separation. The results demonstrated a strong influence of adsorption and of the deposition of silver. Several optimization steps were performed during synthesis, allowing us to create efficient catalysts, as proved by the almost full removal of the dye malachite green attaining 95.0% (at a rate constant of 0.091 min-1) and 87.6% (at a rate constant of 0.017 min-1) using NPs obtained by the sol-gel and solvothermal methods, respectively. Adsorption in the dark accounted for 89.2% of the dye removal for nanoparticles prepared by sol-gel and 82.8% for the ones obtained by the solvothermal method. These results make mixed zinc/magnesium ferrites highly promising for potential industrial application in effluent photoremediation using visible light.
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PURPOSE: To compare the kinematic profile of 2 underwater pullout breaststroke techniques. METHODS: Sixteen swimmers (9 men, 20.67 [2.71] y old; 7 women, 18.86 [0.83] y old) performed 3 × 25-m breaststroke using 2 pullout breaststroke techniques: Fly-Kick first and Combined. A speedometer was used to assess the peak and the mean velocity during the glide, propulsion, and recovery phases of both techniques, as well as for the total underwater sequence. The underwater distance was retrieved from video footage and was considered for each pullout technique. The range of motion of the knee during the fly-kick was also retrieved, and the time to complete the 25 m was considered the performance outcome, accompanied by the mean velocity, stroke rate, stroke length, and stroke index. RESULTS: Velocity-time series showed different profiles between pullout techniques (P ≤ .05) mostly in the glide and propulsion phases for males and females, respectively. The mean velocity of 25 m was shown to be greater in females when using the Fly-Kick first technique (P = .05, d = 0.36). Greater values in total underwater distance and knee range of motion were also observed for this technique in both cohorts. Conclusions: Female swimmers presented a higher performance when using the Fly-Kick first technique. Different kinematic profiles arise when swimmers use different underwater pullout techniques where the Fly-Kick first may allow them to reach higher kinematical standard.
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Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Natação , Humanos , Natação/fisiologia , Feminino , Fenômenos Biomecânicos , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Desempenho Atlético/fisiologia , Articulação do Joelho/fisiologia , Estudos de Tempo e Movimento , Fatores SexuaisRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The effect of swimming on bone health remains unclear, namely due to discrepant findings between studies in humans and animal models. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify the available evidence on the effects of swimming on bone mass, geometry and microarchitecture at the lumbar spine, femur and tibia in both humans and rodent animal models. METHODS: The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered at PROSPERO (CRD4202236347 and CRD42022363714 for human and animal studies). Two different systematic literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, retrieving 36 and 16 reports for humans and animal models, respectively. RESULTS: In humans, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was similar between swimmers and non-athletic controls at the lumbar spine, hip and femoral neck. Swimmers' tibia diaphysis showed a higher cross-sectional area but lower cortical thickness. Inconsistent findings at the femoral neck cortical thickness were found. Due to the small number of studies, trabecular microarchitecture in human swimmers was not assessed. In rodent models, aBMD was found to be lower at the tibia, but similar at the femur. Inconsistent findings in femur diaphysis cross-sectional area were observed. No differences in femur and tibia trabecular microarchitecture were found. CONCLUSION: Swimming seems to affect bone health differently according to anatomical region. Studies in both humans and rodent models suggest that tibia cortical bone is negatively affected by swimming. There was no evidence of a negative effect of swimming on other bone regions, both in humans and animal models.
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PURPOSE: Neural and peripheral effects of induced muscle pain on explosive force production were investigated. METHODS: Nine participants performed two maximal, six explosive, and six electrical stimulations induced (twitches and octets) isometric knee extensions before and after (15 min of rest) receiving an intramuscular injection of hypertonic saline (pain inducer) or isotonic (placebo) infusions in two laboratory visits separated by 7 days. RESULTS: It was observed a reduction of peak torque production in maximal voluntary contraction in both conditions (9.3 and 3.3% for pain and placebo, respectively) and in the rate of torque development in placebo (7%). There was an increase in the rate of torque development for twitch and octets (10.5 and 15.8%, respectively) in the pain condition and peak torque for twitch (12%) in both conditions (as did the total rate of torque development for octets). CONCLUSION: Force production decreases and increases during voluntary and involuntary contractions, respectively, suggesting that acute pain impairs force production via central mechanisms.
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Estimulação Elétrica , Contração Isométrica , Mialgia , Torque , Humanos , Masculino , Contração Isométrica/fisiologia , Mialgia/fisiopatologia , Adulto , Adulto Jovem , Solução Salina Hipertônica , Músculo Esquelético , Feminino , EletromiografiaRESUMO
Since swimming performance depends on both physical conditioning and technical proficiency, training zones should be built based on physiology and biomechanics inputs to dispose of structured and effective training programs. This paper presents a zone-based swimming training, supported by the oxygen uptake (VËO2) kinetics at low, moderate, heavy, severe and extreme intensities concurrently with lactate and heart rate values. Since technique is vital for efficiently moving through the water, upper limbs frequency and length should also be targeted during the workouts. The index of coordination was also added to our proposal since upper limbs synchronization is a key technical factor. To better establish and characterize a wide range of swimming intensities, the training methods and corresponding contents that better fit each training zone will be suggested. It will be shown that when under/at the anaerobic threshold (at low-to-moderate intensities), swimmers are at homeostasis and can maintain stable internal and external load indicators. However, above that boundary (at heavy and severe intensities), the physiological stable state is no longer observed and the anaerobic metabolism starts contributing significantly, with a technical degradation being more evident when performing near/at the VËO2max intensity. Then, when performing above aerobic power, on typical anaerobic intensities, VËO2 kinetics presents a very evident fast rise, ending abruptly due to exhaustion caused by muscle acidosis. This overall knowledge allows advancing toward more objective training programs and highlights the importance of systematic training control and swimmers' evaluation and advice.
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PURPOSE: Fran is one of the most popular CrossFit benchmark workouts used to control CrossFitters' improvements. Detailed physiological characterization of Fran is needed for a more specific evaluation of CrossFitters' training performance improvements. The aim of the study was to analyze the oxygen uptake (VËO2) kinetics and characterize the energy system contributions and the degree of postexercise fatigue of the unbroken Fran. METHODS: Twenty trained CrossFitters performed Fran at maximal exertion. VËO2 and heart-rate kinetics were assessed at baseline and during and post-Fran. Blood lactate and glucose concentrations and muscular fatigue were measured at baseline and in the recovery period. RESULTS: A marked increase in VËO2 kinetics was observed at the beginning of Fran, remaining elevated until the end (VËO2peak: 49.2 [3.7] mL·kg-1·min-1, VËO2 amplitude: 35.8 [5.2] mL·kg-1·min-1, time delay: 4.7 [2.5] s and time constant: 23.7 [11.1] s; mean [SD]). Aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and alactic pathways accounted for 62% (4%), 26% (4%), and 12% (2%) of energy contribution. Reduction in muscle function in jumping ability (jump height: 8% [6%], peak force: 6% [4%], and maximum velocity: 4% [2%]) and plank prone test (46% [20%]) was observed in the recovery period. CONCLUSIONS: The Fran unbroken workout is a high-intensity effort associated with an elevated metabolic response. This pattern of energy response highlights the primary contribution of aerobic energy metabolism, even during short and very intense CrossFit workouts, and that recovery can take >24 hours due to cumulative fatigue.
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Fadiga , Consumo de Oxigênio , Humanos , Consumo de Oxigênio/fisiologia , Fadiga Muscular/fisiologia , Oxigênio , MúsculosRESUMO
Our purpose was to characterize the oxygen uptake kinetics (VO2), energy systems contributions and total energy expenditure during a CrossFit® benchmark workout performed in the extreme intensity domain. Fourteen highly trained male CrossFitters, aged 28.3 ± 5.4 years, with height 177.8 ± 9.4 cm, body mass 87.9 ± 10.5 kg and 5.6 ± 1.8 years of training experience, performed the Isabel workout at maximal exertion. Cardiorespiratory variables were measured at baseline, during exercise and the recovery period, with blood lactate and glucose concentrations, including the ratings of perceived exertion, measured pre- and post-workout. The Isabel workout was 117 ± 10 s in duration and the VO2 peak was 47.2 ± 4.7 mL·kg-1·min-1, the primary component amplitude was 42.0 ± 6.0 mL·kg-1·min-1, the time delay was 4.3 ± 2.2 s and the time constant was 14.2 ± 6.0 s. The accumulated VO2 (0.6 ± 0.1 vs. 4.8 ± 1.0 L·min-1) value post-workout increased substantially when compared to baseline. Oxidative phosphorylation (40%), glycolytic (45%) and phosphagen (15%) pathways contributed to the 245 ± 25 kJ total energy expenditure. Despite the short ~2 min duration of the Isabel workout, the oxygen-dependent and oxygen-independent metabolism energy contributions to the total metabolic energy release were similar. The CrossFit® Isabel requires maximal effort and the pattern of physiological demands identifies this as a highly intensive and effective workout for developing fitness and conditioning for sports.
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Benchmarking , Metabolismo Energético , Masculino , Humanos , Cinética , Exercício Físico , OxigênioRESUMO
Rowing performance depends on the design and building materials used for competition. Recently, attempting to improve rowing performance, the Randall foil has been attached to the top edge of a rowing Big blade, making it spoon shaped. The current study aimed to analyse the differences between Big blades with and without Randall foils in force-related variables. Nineteen rowers performed two bouts of 90 s at maximal effort tethered rowing and differences were found in cycle average peak force (4.33 ± 1.46 vs. 5.26 ± 1.57 N/kg), propulsive cycle average time (1.79 ± 0.38 vs. 1.52 ± 0.24 N/kg.s) and rate of force development (8.79 ± 4.75 vs. 12.07 ± 4.60 N/kg/s) for Big blades with and without foils (respectively). Differences were also observed between the middle (4.79 ± 1.21 vs. 4.08 ± 1.48 N/kg) and final phases (4.86 ± 1.45 vs. 4.04 ± 1.47 N/kg) of the rowing effort for the cycle average peak force of Big blades with and without Randall foils. Data suggest a positive effect of these foils on the force-time curve profile. Future studies should focus on testing its influence on free on-water rowing.
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OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the available evidence on the biophysics of the tennis serve, mapping the populations, interventions, contexts and other relevant information to highlight what is already known and to identify gaps in the literature. DESIGN: Systematic scoping review with evidence gap map. METHODS: The protocol was designed according to PRISMA 2020, Prisma-ScR guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook. The searches were conducted on July 20, 2022 and updated on April 1, 2023, in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (core collection). The risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochranes method for nonrandomized studies (RoBANS) and a narrative synthesis of the main findings was performed and supplemented with an evidence gap map. RESULTS: Most trials were found on serve kinematics and kinetics (95â¯%), analyzing only flat serves (84 and 72â¯%, respectively). Few trials focused on physiology (20â¯%; e.g. biomarkers), under-19, left or both-handed, female and intermediate beginner or starter players (29, 17, 8 and 7â¯%, respectively). We found a preponderance of low and unclear risk of bias (63 and 31â¯%, respectively) and only 7â¯% high, particularly, on the assessment of confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS: The current scoping review reveals a few trials on physiological rather than biomechanical variables, as well as the absence of the kick and slice serve, foot-back and foot-up serve, and left-handed, female, and young player analyses. We did not find systematic mistakes or limitations in the design, conduct, or analysis that would distort the results, since only 7â¯% presented a high risk of bias.
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Tênis , Humanos , Feminino , Tênis/fisiologia , Lacunas de Evidências , Biofísica , Extremidade Superior , Fenômenos BiomecânicosRESUMO
The analysis of the external forces of swimming starts has revealed how swimmers propel themselves out of the block, but data should be properly interpreted to fully understand force-generation mechanisms. This study aimed to assess horizontal and vertical forces in the backstroke start based on swimmers' structural and propulsive actions. Firstly, a simulated structural force was estimated by two transient backstroke-start inter-segmental realistic body positions: a maximally tucked position and an extended one (just before the hands-off and the take-off, respectively). Secondly, 10 competitive backstroke swimmers performed four 15 m maximal backstroke starts with the external forces estimated. Thirdly, the simulated structural force was subtracted from raw horizontal and vertical force data, measured between hands-off and take-off instants, resulting in the propulsive forces. The application of the algorithm has evidenced that backstrokers' horizontal and vertical simulated-structural-force components contributed to ~40% of total force during start propulsion (~0.2-0.12 s before the take-off), followed by the propulsive horizontal force increment and a progressive vertical component reduction (~0.05 s) with ~20° take-off angle. Based on these findings, researchers and coaches can better guide swimmers as to the proper mechanical strategies to achieve effectiveness in the backstroke start, and to improve direct transfer of resistance training programs.
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The aim of the present study was two-fold: (i) to analyze the progression and variability of swimming performance (from entry times to best performances) in the 50, 100, and 200 m at the most recent FINA World Championships and (ii) to compare the performance of the Top16, semifinalists, and finalists between all rounds. Swimmers who qualified with the FINA A and B standards for the Budapest 2022 World Championships were considered. A total of 1102 individual performances swimmers were analyzed in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly events. The data was retrieved from the official open-access websites of OMEGA and FINA. Wilcoxon test was used to compare swimmers' entry times and best performances. Repeated measures ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test were performed to analyze the round-to-round progression. The percentage of improvement and variation in the swimmers' performance was computed between rounds. A negative progression (entry times better than best performance) and a high variability (> 0.69%) were found for most events. The finalists showed a positive progression with a greater improvement (~1%) from the heats to the semifinals. However, the performance progression remained unchanged between the semifinals and finals. The variability tended to decrease between rounds making each round more homogeneous. Coaches and swimmers can use these indicators to prepare a race strategy between rounds.
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Temperatura Alta , Natação , HumanosRESUMO
Swimming performance is likely influenced by strength, but differences between butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and front crawl, as well as between novice and expert swimmers, are unclear. We have examined the associations between sprint performances, upper and lower limb strength, and anthropometric characteristics in 14 (six males and eight females) non-elite and 16 (nine males and seven females) elite-level swimmers. After an anthropometric characterisation, participants performed four 25 m maximal swims (one per technique) with 10 min intervals, right and left shoulder flexion/extension isokinetic testing at 90 and 300º/s angular velocities and three countermovement jumps. Pearson correlation analysis showed that sprint times were moderate-largely negatively correlated with upper and lower limb strength and power (r ± 95%CI = 0.39 ± 0.26-0.77 ± 0.13, p < 0.05). Elite swimmers higher strength levels were associated with longer stroke length in butterfly and front crawl, and with higher stroke rate in backstroke and breaststroke (r ± 95%CI = 0.37 ± 0.32-0.68 ± 0.21; p < 0.05). Butterfly, backstroke and front crawl sprint times were moderate-largely negatively related with arm span (r ± 95%CI = 0.37 ± 0.26, 0.39 ± 0.25 and 0.69 ± 0.17, p < 0.05). The predictive model indicated that higher dry-land strength values distinguished elite from non-elite swimmers (r2 = 0.67-0.81; p < 0.001). This association was not observed per performance level and per sex, confirming that sprint swimming performance levels can be differentiated by dry-land strength testing.
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Natação , Extremidade Superior , Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Ombro , Extremidade Inferior , AntropometriaRESUMO
Low back pain is one of the main causes of motor disabilities and psychological stress, with the painful process encompassing sensory and affective components. Noxious stimuli originate on the periphery; however, the stimuli are recombined in the brain and therefore processed differently due to the emotional environment. To better understand this process, our objective was to develop a mathematical representation of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) model of pain, covering the multidimensional representation of this phenomenon. Data from the Oswestry disability index; the short form of the depression, anxiety, and stress scale; and pain catastrophizing daily questionnaires were collected through online completion, available from 8 June 2022, to 8 April 2023 (1021 cases). Using the information collected, an artificial neural network structure was trained (based on anomaly detection methods) to identify the patterns that emerge from the relationship between the variables. The developed model proved to be robust and able to show the patterns and the relationship between the variables, and it allowed for differentiating the groups with altered patterns in the context of low back pain. The distinct groups all behave according to the main finding that psychological and pain events are directly associated. We conclude that our proposal is effective as it is able to test and confirm the definition of the IASP for the study of pain. Here we show that the fiscal and mental dimensions of pain are directly associated, meaning that mental illness can be an enhancer of pain episodes and functionality.
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The present study aimed to analyse the associations between force production and 100â m front crawl inter-lap pacing and kinematics. Eleven elite male swimmers performed a 100â m front crawl maximal effort to collect 50â m lap time (T50, s) and velocity (v, m·s-1) for pacing, stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL) and stroke index (SI) as kinematic variables. A 30 s tethered effort allowed to determine the peak (Fpeak) and mean force (Fmean) as force production variables. The relative change (Δ) between 50â m laps was also calculated for all measures. A paired sample t-test was used to check differences between laps and Pearson correlation coefficients allowed to quantify the associations between force and remaining variables. The T50 increased from the first to the second lap (ΔT50 = 10.61%, p < 0.01, d = 2.68), while v (Δv = -5.92%, p < 0.01, d = 1.53), SR (ΔSR = -6.61%, p < 0.01, d = 0.45) and SI (ΔSI = -4.92%, p = 0.02, d = 0.45) decreased. SL remained unchanged between laps (ΔSL = 1.07%, p = 0.66, d = 0.08). No associations were found between force production and most of Δ, with the only exception being the reasonable good association between Fpeak and Δv (r = 0.62, p = 0.04). Although both pacing and kinematics fall from the first to the second sections of a 100â m front-crawl effort, the swimmers who exhibit higher Fpeak show a more stable front crawl v between both 50â m laps.
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Physical fatigue reduces productivity and quality of work while increasing the risk of injuries and accidents among safety-sensitive professionals. To prevent its adverse effects, researchers are developing automated assessment methods that, despite being highly accurate, require a comprehensive understanding of underlying mechanisms and variables' contributions to determine their real-life applicability. This work aims to evaluate the performance variations of a previously developed four-level physical fatigue model when alternating its inputs to have a comprehensive view of the impact of each physiological variable on the model's functioning. Data from heart rate, breathing rate, core temperature and personal characteristics from 24 firefighters during an incremental running protocol were used to develop the physical fatigue model based on an XGBoosted tree classifier. The model was trained 11 times with different input combinations resulting from alternating four groups of features. Performance measures from each case showed that heart rate is the most relevant signal for estimating physical fatigue. Breathing rate and core temperature enhanced the model when combined with heart rate but showed poor performance individually. Overall, this study highlights the advantage of using more than one physiological measure for improving physical fatigue modelling. The findings can contribute to variables and sensor selection in occupational applications and as the foundation for further field research.
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Bombeiros , Humanos , Fadiga , Monitorização Fisiológica , Eficiência , Frequência CardíacaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Swimming intra-cycle velocity fluctuation has often been assessed using the coefficient of variation, which requires a mathematical assumption of a positive linear relationship between the velocity mean and standard deviation. As this assumption has never been tested, the current study aimed to investigate the within-participant relationship between the mean and standard deviation of the intra-cycle velocity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The intra-trial mean and standard deviation of one stroke cycle centre of mass velocity (vCMmean and vCMSD, respectively) were obtained from 80 front crawl trials (10 participantsâ¯×â¯eight swimming speeds) using whole-body three-dimensional motion analysis. The linear mixed-effect model and intra-class correlation analysis were used to test the linear relationship between vCMmean and vCMSD (nâ¯=â¯80) and the absolute agreement between vCMmean and vCMSD relative to those during the fastest trial (nâ¯=â¯70). RESULTS: Neither the linear regression model (95â¯% confidence interval range of the fixed effect of vCMmean: -0.003-0.031) nor the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICCâ¯=â¯0.07; pâ¯=â¯0.26) verified linear relationships between vCMmean and vCMSD, which violated the background assumption of coefficient of variation calculation. CONCLUSIONS: When investigating the intra-cycle velocity fluctuation, the coefficient of variation should not be used alone. Researchers and practitioners should always interpret/report the obtained results together with the mean and standard deviation to avoid misleading conclusions and feedback because the coefficient of variation obtained from one cycle velocity data is likely biased by mean velocity.
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Natação , Humanos , Estudos Transversais , Fenômenos BiomecânicosRESUMO
AIM: To quantify the physiological demands and impact of muscle function t of the Fran workout, one of the most popular CrossFit benchmarks. METHODS: Twenty experienced CrossFitters-16 male: 29 (6) years old and 4 female: 26 (5) years old- performed 3 rounds (with 30-s rests in between) of 21-21, 15-15, and 9-9 front squats to overhead press plus pull-up repetitions. Oxygen uptake and heart rate were measured at baseline, during the workout, and in the recovery period. Rating of perceived exertion, blood lactate, and glucose concentrations were assessed at rest, during the intervals, and in the recovery period. Muscular fatigue was also monitored at rest and at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, and 24 hours postexercise. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was performed to compare time points. RESULTS: Aerobic (52%-29%) and anaerobic alactic (30%-23%) energy contributions decreased and the anaerobic lactic contribution increased (18%-48%) across the 3 rounds of the Fran workout. Countermovement jump height decreased by 8% (-12 to -3) mean change (95% CI), flight duration by 14% (-19 to -7), maximum velocity by 3% (-5 to -0.1), peak force 4% (-7 to -0.1), and physical performance (plank prone 47% [-54 to -38]) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the Fran workout is a physically demanding activity that recruits energy from both aerobic and anaerobic systems. This severe-intensity workout evokes substantial postexercise fatigue and corresponding reduction in muscle function.
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Fadiga Muscular , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Metabolismo Energético , Frequência Cardíaca/fisiologia , Fadiga Muscular/fisiologiaRESUMO
We characterized the physical and physiological profiles of high-level female Portuguese handball players and examined the relationships between their anthropometric characteristics, general motor performance and cardiopulmonary fitness. Twenty-four high-level female handball players with an average age of 23.6 ± 5.5 years, height of 173.6 ± 5.1 cm and body mass of 72.6 ± 9.1 kg volunteered to participate. A Pearson correlation test was used to assess the relationship between variables. Direct relationships were observed between the players' height and arm span (r = 0.741), as well as between their squat jump and countermovement jump performances with regard to body mass (r = 0.448 and 0.496, respectively). The 9 m jump shot has a large relationship with the 7 m standing throw (r = 0.786) and between left hand dynamometry and body mass index (r = 0.595). The 30 m sprint has a relationship with the 7 m standing throw (r = -0.526) and the 9 m jump throw (r = -0.551). Oxygen uptake has a relationship with the players' height (r = -0.482) and time limit (r = 0.513), while the fitness index has a relation to the players' height (r = -0.488) and arm span (r = -0.422). Our results should be considered when using physical testing to plan optimal physical training regimens in elite team handball.