Comparison of internal and external load metrics between won and lost game segments in elite beach handball

Abstract

Purpose.The extraordinary evolution of beach handball requires the relationship between the specific internal and external load in this sport to be determined in order to continue its development. For this reason, the objective of this study was to compare won and lost game segments in beach handball matches to determine if there is a relationship between winning and losing a set and the external and internal loads experienced by an elite beach handball player.Methods.The data of 57 elite beach handball players were collected over ten matches, which were divided into time segments of 2 minutes each, making a total of 100 game segments. Data were collected using GPS and GNSS technology.Results.The results showed significant differences in the variables distance per minute (<i>d</i> = large in male and medium in female), velocity band 2 distance (<i>d</i> = very large in male and large in female) and band 3 distance (<i>d</i> = very large in male and medium in female), accelerations (number) (<i>d</i> = large in male and medium in female), player load per minute (<i>d</i> = medium in male and in female), velocity work/rest ratio (<i>d</i> = very large in male and in female) and total jumps (number) (<i>d</i> = medium in male and large in female).Conclusions.We conclude that the external and internal load variables that determine winning or losing a game segment in elite beach handball are distance per minute, velocity bands 2 (6–8.9 km/h) and 3 (9–11.9 km/h) distance, accelerations (number), player load per minute, velocity work/rest ratio and total jumps (number), both in the male and female categories. The highest values of these variables are observed in the won segments, except for the number of jumps in women.

Internal and External Load Profile during Beach Invasion Sports Match-Play by Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems: A Systematic Review

“…From the remaining 32 studies, 12 did not fulfill the inclusion criteria after the revision of the full text due to: (a) specific evaluation tests ( n = 2), (b) match or training demands in non-invasion beach sports ( n = 11), (c) match or training demands in conventional sports (n= 2), (d) the notational analysis of matches ( n = 1), and (e) referees ( n = 1). Finally, 15 studies that evaluate the internal and external workload in beach invasion sports were included in this systematic review: (a) beach handball ( n = 10) [ 15 , 19 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ] and (b) beach soccer ( n = 4) [ 14 , 21 , 36 , 37 ]. None of the studies assessed beach rugby.…”

“…Prior to the quality assessment, an inter-coder reliability analysis was conducted, yielding a value of 0.95, indicating a high level of agreement between observers (95% confidence interval: 0.93 to 0.97). The principal findings of the quality indicators for the chosen studies were as follows: (1) all studies obtained a B score with an average methodological quality of 12.93/16 (80.83%); (2) one study attained 15/16 points [ 15 ]; (3) two studies obtained 14/16 points [ 14 , 30 ], (4) seven studies obtained 13/16 points [ 19 , 21 , 27 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 37 ], (4) five studies achieved 12/16 points [ 28 , 29 , 31 , 35 , 36 ], and (5) no study received a score below 12 points that correspond to the C score (insufficient methodological quality) (see Table 2 for more details).…”

“…In beach soccer, athletes competed at the amateur [ 37 ] and national level [ 14 , 21 , 36 ]. For beach handball, regional- [ 28 , 35 ], national- [ 15 , 29 ], European- [ 33 , 34 ], and international-level players [ 19 , 27 , 30 , 31 , 32 ] were analyzed. This indicates the research has progressed from recreational to elite settings.…”

“…A variety of technologies were used, primarily GPS, UWB systems, accelerometers, and heart rate monitors. Earlier works relied more on video analysis ( n = 1) [ 37 ], while recent studies integrated EPTS units ( n = 13; e.g., WIMU PRO, SPI Pro X, Optimeye S5) to capture the external load [ 14 , 15 , 19 , 21 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ]. The internal load assessment has been carried out via a heart rate band ( n = 11; Polar Electro and coded T14 systems) [ 15 , 19 , 21 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 36 , 37 ], a lactate meter ( n = 2) [ 36 , 37 ] or psychological rated effort ( n = 4) [ 14 , 30 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…External load variables focused on locomotive demands like total distance or per different speed zones ( n = 10) [ 14 , 15 , 19 , 21 , 27 , 29 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], accelerations/decelerations or per intensities ( n = 7) [ 15 , 19 , 27 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ], jumps ( n = 7) [ 15 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], impacts or per intensities ( n = 5) [ 15 , 19 , 28 , 31 , 35 ], steps ( n = 3) [ 15 , 28 , 35 ], changes of direction ( n = 2) [ 30 , 31 ], player load ( n = 7) [ 15 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 34 , 35 ], or body load ( n = 2) [ 19 , 29 ]. For the internal load, average, maximum, and minimum HR ( n = 10) continue to be primary measures [ 15 , 19 , 21 , 29 ,…”