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

BACKGROUND

Throwing is one of the most important movement in handball. Throwing performance is crucial for success in handball.

OBJECTIVE

Τo investigate the level of evidence for the effect of resistance training (RT) on throwing performance in handball players.

METHODS

Systematic searches of Pubmed, Medline complete, Cinahl, Sport Discus and Scopus were undertaken for peer reviewed articles published between 18 March 1995 to 18 March 2023. Randomized, controlled, clinical studies, written in English, aiming to investigate the effect at least one modality of RT on throwing performance (velocity or/and accuracy) in handball players were considered for inclusion in the study. The eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDRO) scale. The Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) approach was used for synthesizing and reporting the results. Furthermore, the random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and the Q-statistic was used to test the null hypothesis that all studies in the analysis share a common effect size.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-eight studies were identified, of which 30 were included. A total of 727 handball players (males = 388, females = 292) were included. 28 of the 30 studies were rated as high methodological quality studies (PEDRO score > 70%) while the rest of the studies were rated as moderate methodological quality studies (PEDRO score ≤ 60%). The mean effect size for the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in improving jumping throw, running throw, and standing throw velocity were 1.128 (95% CI 0.457 - 1.798), 1.756 (95% CI 1.111 - 2.400), and 1.098 (95% CI 0.689 - 1.507) correspondingly. Traditional weight training using barbells in mostly compound lifts yielded the most significant and robust results. Other RT modalities such as elastic bands, medicine balls, core training and ballistic training showed no significant results or positive effects due to the limited number of the studies.

CONCLUSION

Strong evidence exists only for the effectiveness of RT using barbells in increasing throwing velocity. In contrast, the remaining RT modalities, while yielding positive results, have limited support due to limited number of studies and the high heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to support various forms of RT in increasing throw distance. Finally, medicine ball training and elastic band training demonstrated no benefits in improving throwing accuracy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO ID: CRD42023393574.

Predictors of throwing performance in amateur male cricketers: A musculoskeletal approach

Optimal throwing speed and accuracy is built on a complex interaction of multiple variables. Although strength and power has been associated with throwing speed in cricketers, the individual muscles that contribute to optimal function of the shoulder-complex has not been adequately explored in connection with throwing performance. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between musculoskeletal variables and overhead throwing performance in cricketers. Thirty-two amateur male cricketers were tested using a battery of 16 tests (strength, flexibility, scapula positioning) as well as a throwing speed (TS) and a novel accuracy test (TA). Only two of the sixteen tests were correlated with throwing performance in the multiple regression analysis. Non-dominant hip abduction strength correlated positively with TS (p < 0.05): on average, a strength increase of 10 newtons (N) was associated with an increase in TS of 0.60 km/h (95% CI: 0.12-1.08). Non-dominant pectoralis minor length correlated positively with TA (p < 0.01): on average, a one-centimetre increase in the length correlated to an increase, of 0.633 points (95% CI: 0.225-1.041). This cross-sectional study demonstrated that from an array of musculoskeletal variables, only non-dominant hip abduction strength correlated with TS, while only non-dominant pectoralis minor length correlated with TA in amateur cricketers.