The effect of high and low velocity-based training on the throwing performance of collegiate handball players

Abstract

Background The intensity of strength training exercise is generally regarded to be the most essential element in developing muscle strength and power. The exercise intensity of strength training is known as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Velocity-based training (VBT) has been proposed as a different approach for determining training intensity. VBT relies on the use of linear position transducers and inertial measurement units, providing real-time feedback to objectively adjust the exercise intensity based on an athlete’s velocity zone. Methods This study investigated the effects of two different training interventions based on individualized load velocity profiles (LVP) on maximal bench press strength (i.e., 1RM), maximum throwing velocity (TV), and skeletal muscle mass (SKMM). Twenty-two university handball players were randomly assigned to Group 1 (low-movement speed training) or Group 2 (high-movement speed training). Group 1 exercised with a bar speed of 0.75–0.96 m/s, which corresponds to a resistance of approximately 60% 1RM, whereas Group 2 trained at 1.03–1.20 m/s, corresponding to a resistance of approximately 40% 1RM. Both groups exercised three times a week for five weeks, with strength and throwing tests performed at baseline and post-intervention. Results A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied, and the results showed the interaction between group and time was not statistically significant for SKMM (p = 0.537), 1RM (p = 0.883), or TV (p = 0.774). However, both groups significantly improved after the five weeks of training: SKMM (3.1% and 3.5%, p < 0.01), 1RM (15.5% and 15.0%, p < 0.01), and throwing velocity (18.7% and 18.3%, p < 0.01) in Group 1 and 2 respectively. Training at both prescribed velocities in this study elicited similar changes in strength, muscle mass, and throwing velocity.

Conditioning Strategies for Improving Handball Throwing Velocity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

“…Therefore, we can confirm our hypotheses, even though we did not find a study reporting the intensity between 45 and 55% of 1RM. Our results agree with a study on male adult collegiate handball players (not elite) who benefited in throwing velocity with intensity of 40% of 1 RM and 60% of 1RM ( Abuajwa et al, 2022 ). Although moderate resistance training intensity might be sufficient, experienced players should especially benefit from higher intensities (intensity of >80% of 1RM) based on the principle of recruiting high-threshold fast-twitch motor units ( McBride et al, 2002 ).…”

“…Generally, different training interventions including resistance training, core training or circuit training improve throwing speed (Hermassi et al, 2010(Hermassi et al, , 2011Vila and Ferragut, 2019), but there is no clear recommendation on which intervention is the most effective or recommended for elite handball players. Since the handball throw is realized at high speed and acceleration, power and resistance training should be effective for the development of throwing speed (Behm et al, 2017) To improve power in strength training programs, there is always a conflict between using heavier or lighter loads (Abuajwa et al, 2022), with the principal question of whether athletes have a sufficient level of maximal strength to benefit from explosive training. In general, it is recommended that strength development should be prioritized over explosiveness in adolescent athletes (Behm et al, 2017).…”

“…To improve power in strength training programs, there is always a conflict between using heavier or lighter loads ( Abuajwa et al, 2022 ), with the principal question of whether athletes have a sufficient level of maximal strength to benefit from explosive training. In general, it is recommended that strength development should be prioritized over explosiveness in adolescent athletes ( Behm et al, 2017 ).…”

Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Ten studies included adolescent athletes [ 11 , 17 , 19 – 21 , 23 , 25 , 31 , 55 , 56 ]. Time spent playing handball ranged from 2.7 to 16.0 years while ten studies did not report this information [ 13 , 15 , 17 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 28 , 31 , 57 , 58 ].…”

The Effect of Various Training Variables on Developing Muscle Strength in Velocity-based Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…Theoretically, manipulating training variables is essential and critical for maximizing training gains [15]. To guarantee effective manipulations, many studies have tested how different training variables of VBT, such as velocity loss [14,16] and training intensity [17], can influence athletic performance. However, owing to the limited experimental settings, these studies only examined a few special velocity loss thresholds or intensity ranges, leaving the relationship over their full range unclear.…”