Changes of strength and maximum power of lower extremities in adolescent handball players during a two-year training cycle

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate changes of strength and power of the lower extremities in adolescent handball players during a two-year training cycle. Thirty-one male handball players (age 16.0 ± 0.2 years, body mass 81.4 ± 9.7 kg, body height 188.2 ± 6.4 cm) took part in this study. All tests were conducted three times at the beginning of a one-year training programme. The maximum joint torque (JT) of flexors and extensors of the elbow, shoulder, hip, knee and trunk was measured under static conditions. Power of lower extremities was assessed with a repeated sprint ability (RSA) test on a cycloergometer and jump tests: akimbo counter-movement jump (ACMJ), counter-movement jump (CMJ) and spike jump tests on a force plate. Peak power (PP) increased from 914.8 ± 93.9 to 970.0 ± 89.2 and 1037.8 ± 114.4 W (p < 0.05) following the RSA test results. Maximum power increased significantly (p < 0.05) in ACMJ (1951.9 ± 359.7 to 2141.9 ± 378.5 and 2268.5 ± 395.9 W) and CMJ tests (2646.3 ± 415.6 to 2831.2 ± 510.8 and 3064.6 ± 444.5 W). Although significant differences in JT (p < 0.05) were observed during the two year period, their values related to body mass for the lower right extremity, sum of the trunk and sum of all muscle groups increased significantly between the first and the second measurement (from 13.7 ± 1.8 to 14.58 ± 1.99 N·m·kg-1, from 9.3 ± 1.5 to 10.39 ± 2.16 N·m·kg-1, from 43.4 ± 5.2 to 46.31 ± 6.83 N·m·kg-1, respectively). The main finding of the study is that PP in the RSA test and maximal power in the ACMJ and CMJ increase in relation to training experience and age in the group of youth handball players.

Handball Research: State of the Art

“…Pre-season conditioning programs that include working on hamstring and quadriceps muscles are needed to reduce the risk of injury ( Spieszny and Zubik, 2018 ). Furthermore, proper planning of training in adolescents that allows them to improve their levels of strength and maximum power is necessary ( Górski et al, 2018 ). In this way, coaches need to include a training rest period after the competitive period, to decrease the bilateral strength deficit and to support further fitness development ( Gonosova et al, 2018 ).…”

Repeated Sprint Ability Demands in U16 to U19 Highly Trained Handball Players Concerning Playing Position

“…The cycle ergometry RSA test is more reliable than the running test and is focused on the physiological aspects of lower limb power and speed/force features. It also allowed us to evaluate other aspects of the RSA than running tests, which was described in publications of the other authors [2,18,19]. The method used to determine total work and the decrement (%) in power and work have been described previously [20].…”

“…The repeated sprint ability (RSA) test is widely applied in team and racket sports. Handball, soccer, basketball, and tennis players are expected to generate in intervals high values of muscle power (sprints) in order to respond to specific playing situations, alternated by periods of low physical activity [ 1 , 2 ]. Girard et al (2011) noted that the time dedicated to sprint in team sports accounts for 1 to 4% of the effective playtime.…”

Assessment of the physical condition of senior handball players

“…Physical training, programmed in accordance with the individual characteristics of athletes contributes to the development of motor skill and physical potential, which is crucial in achieving performance, a significant contribution having the strength and power developed in the context of training specific to handball [5].…”