Reliability of a handball specific strength test battery and the association with sprint and throwing performance in young handball players

BACKGROUND

A greater motivation for coaches to be more involved in assessment could be the development of specific strength tests closer to specific handball tasks. Therefore, the aims were to determine the reliability of a handball specific strength test battery in young handball players using a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) and to evaluate the association between the strength test battery and performance measurements.

METHODS

Thirty-two young handball players (25% males and 75% females) performed a repeated-measurement design over four weeks. The players conducted one session per week, with each measurement consisting of two isometric tests to obtain isometric peak force, and four incremental tests. Moreover, performance handball tests (sprint and throwing velocity [TV]) were recorded.

RESULTS

The reliability of the whole handball specific strength tests was very high for the peak and mean strength (ICC=0.70-0.85; CV=8.49-13.99; SEM=0.44-0.67 kg). The step forward had a moderate association with 5 to 10 meters' time. The highest correlation between TVmean was found with the peak strength of standing lift and between TVpeak with peak strength of unilateral throw. The sprint total time could be explained by Body Mass Index and peak strength of the standing lift in the 40% and the TVpeak could be explained by arm span and mean strength of the standing lift in the 68%.

CONCLUSIONS

The high reliability for all exercises and the significant correlation with handball performance (sprint time and TV) allow us to include these tests in handball team evaluation and training.

The Most Common Handball Injuries: A Systematic Review

Handball is a team sport involving a great physical demand from its practitioners in which a high number of injuries occur, affecting individual and collective performance. Knowledge of the injuries is of great importance for their prevention. The objective of the present study was to identify, locate and compare the most frequent injuries and injury mechanisms in handball practice. It was carried out following the Preferred Informed Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The source of data collection was direct consultation of the PubMed and Medline databases. Several keywords were used for the documentary retrieval, and the quality of the studies that were selected was evaluated. Of the 707 studies retrieved, only 27 were considered appropriate for the review, and quality scores were obtained that ranged from 10 to 26 points, out of a maximum of 28. The most frequent injuries in handball players are located in the lower limbs (thigh, knee and ankle), and in the shoulder in the upper limbs. Regarding the playing position, the players who play over the 6-m line are the most affected by injuries, while the women players have a higher probability of injury. Most injuries occur during competition.

A Training Proposal to Improve Multidirectional Running Technique in Male and Female Handball Players: A Pilot Study

Multidirectional running has been described as an important factor in team sports performance. The aim of the present study was to determine changes in T-test, 505 time, 10 m sprint, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), countermovement jump right leg (CMJRL), and countermovement jump left leg (CMJLL) following exposure to 12 sessions over 4 weeks of a multidirectional running sprint training intervention in male and female handball players. A total of 31 handball players (15 male and 16 female) were recruited for this study and then randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). Male EG players showed improvements in 505 Preferred Side (PS) (p ≤ 0.05), 505 Non-Preferred Side (NPS) (p ≤ 0.05), and 10 m sprint (p ≤ 0.05), while female EG players presented statistically significant improvements between pre- and post-test for the T-test (p ≤ 0.05), 505 PS (p ≤ 0.05), 505 NPS (p ≤ 0.05), and 10 m sprint (p ≤ 0.05). No statistically significant pre- and post-test differences were observed in CG (all p ≥ 0.05) or between male and female players. We found an improvement in handball players’ agility and speed of movement following the intervention protocol, suggesting the need to introduce this program into our training sessions. It may also be necessary to select and develop more specific tests in order to evaluate multidirectional work in handball players.

High-Performance Handball Player's Time-Motion Analysis by Playing Positions

The purpose of this study was to analyze the on-court demands of handball players during the European Handball Federation Champions League Final Four (VELUX EHF FINAL4) 2019 to define time-motion characteristics (played time; covered distances) both in offense and defense. Furthermore; we aimed to define position-specific demands and differences among them. Forty players from three teams were analyzed during the tournament using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in top handball. Players covered similar distances both in offense (1388.28 ± 2627.08 m), and in defense (1305.47 ± 5059.64 m) and remained on court for a similar average time (15.69 ± 8.02 min and 15.40 ± 8.94 min respectively). When locomotion activities were normalized according to the time they spent on court; significant differences were found for defense compared to offense in walking (+20%; p < 0.000; Cohen's effect size (ES) = 1.01) and jogging (-29.6%; p = 0.000; ES = 0.90), as well as a tendency for high-intensity running (+ 25.2%; p = 0.077; ES = 0.31). Per playing position; center and left back (CB = 94.86 ± 10.98 m·min-1; LB = 96.55 ± 24.65 m·min-1) showed the highest running pace in offense and mid-left; front center defender and outside right for the defense (ML = 90.38 ± 30.16 m·min-1; FCD = 87.04 ± 14.94 m·min-1; OR = 89.64 ± 34.93 m·min-1). In conclusion; profile differences existed among players' position activity; both in offense and defense; which should be taken into account when designing specific physical training programs.

EFFECT OF OPPOSITION AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THROWING FROM FIRST AND SECOND LINE IN MALE ELITE HANDBALL DURING COMPETITION

The goalkeeper and defensive player’s degree of opposition could influence throwing velocity and thereby success of scoring goals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of opposition and contact on throwing velocity and effectiveness in elite team handball players from first and second offensive lines. Throwing velocity from 2893 throws carried out in 47 matches during the Men’s World Handball Championship were analysed. A higher throwing velocity was obtained with opposition and no contact situations. In the comparison between the first and second offensive line players, the same results were obtained in relation to the higher throw speed. Significant relationships were found between the attack effectiveness and the type of opposition and contact. Throws carried out with no opposition either with or without contact are those that more likely end in a goal, while opposition without and with contact decreases the effectiveness in scoring goals. Concerning playing positions, both first and second line showed this significant relationship between attack effectiveness and the type of opposition and contact. It was concluded that opposition and defensive contact have a negative and significant effect on the scoring efficacy. Defensive contact is a determining factor causing a significant decrease on throwing velocity.

Anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of world class male roller skaters by discipline

AIM

The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to describe the anthropometric profile and somatotype of the elite male roller skaters; and: 2) to assess if there are any differences in these items by roller skating discipline (figures, freestyle, pair and dance).

METHODS

Eighty-eight male skater participants in the 51st Figure Roller Skating World Championship were selected for the study. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol was used to determine the anthropometric profile of the figure skaters. Additionally, Body Mass Index (BMI), sum of four and six skinfolds and somatotype were also analysed.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found for the sum of four and six skinfolds among disciplines. Significant differences were found for flexed arm (P≤0.05), forearm (P≤0.05) and wrist girths (P≤0.001) between artistic roller figure and pair skaters. Significant differences were found in waist girth (P≤0.05), flexed arm, forearm and wrist girths (P≤0.001) between artistic roller freestyle and pairs skaters. No differences were found in lower limbs girths among disciplines. Significant differences were found in humerus (P<0.05) and bistyloid (P<0.05) breadth among disciplines. The general somatotype is endo-mesomorphic for roller freestyle and figure skaters. In pair skaters the somatotype is ecto-mesomorphic, and for dance skaters it is balanced mesomorphic.

Complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the prone position according with modified Clavien-Dindo grading system

INTRODUCTION

Clavien-Dindo classification system has been proposed to grade perioperative complications in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The complications of this technique that have taken place in the last 2 years are reported in this paper according Clavien-Dindo classification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2011 and 2012 a total of 255 percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed at our center for stones more than 2 cm in size. In order to determine the incidence of complications classified in the modified Clavien-Dindo system, statistical analysis of the data obtained was carried out.

RESULTS

During the period analyzed, 255 percutaneous nephrolithotomy were performed in 249 patients, 41% of the right side, 57% of the left side and 2% bilateral and simultaneous. 137 and 112 patients were males and females, respectively. The most prevalent comorbidities were: hypertension (AHT) in 101 patients (40.6%), BMI>30 in 81 patients (32%), diabetes mellitus in 46 patients (18.5%) and coagulation abnormalities in 24 patients (9.6%). A total of 70 cases (27.4%) were distributed according to Clavien-Dindo classification: grade i, 8.4%, grade ii 8.4%, grade iiia 4.4%, grade iiib 6% grade iva .8%, grade ivb: 0% and grade v 0%.

CONCLUSIONS

A graded classification scheme for reporting the complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy is useful for monitoring and reporting outcomes. We propose a standardized use of this classification in order to make the results comparable among different centers performing the technique.

Performance factors in women's team handball: physical and physiological aspects--a review

Team handball is an Olympic sport played professionally in many European countries. Nevertheless, a scientific knowledge regarding women's elite team handball demands is limited. Thus, the purpose of this article was to review a series of studies (n = 33) on physical characteristics, physiological attributes, physical attributes, throwing velocity, and on-court performances of women's team handball players. Such empirical and practical information is essential to design and implement successful short-term and long-term training programs for women's team handball players. Our review revealed that (a) players that have a higher skill level are taller and have a higher fat-free mass; (b) players who are more aerobically resistant are at an advantage in international level women team handball; (c) strength and power exercises should be emphasized in conditioning programs, because they are associated with both sprint performance and throwing velocity; (d) speed drills should also be implemented in conditioning programs but after a decrease in physical training volume; (e) a time-motion analysis is an effective method of quantifying the demands of team handball and provides a conceptual framework for the specific physical preparation of players. According to our results, there are only few studies on on-court performance and time-motion analysis for women's team handball players, especially concerning acceleration profiles. More studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of different training programs of women's team handball players' physiological and physical attributes.

Anthropometric profile, vertical jump, and throwing velocity in elite female handball players by playing positions

Women's handball is a sport, which has seen an accelerated development over the last decade. Although anthropometric and physical characteristics have been studied for male sports teams, in women's handball, studies are scarce. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to describe the anthropometric characteristics, throwing velocity, hand grip, and muscular power of the lower limbs in female handball players and second, to identify the possible differences in these parameters in terms of individual playing positions (center, back, wing, pivot, and goalkeeper). A total of 130 elite female Spanish handball players participated in the study (age 25.74 ± 4.84 years; playing experience 14.92 ± 4.88 years). Anthropometric assessment was performed for all the subjects following the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols. Furthermore, all the subjects performed a vertical jump test (squat jump and countermovement jump). Hand grip and throwing velocity in several situations were also assessed. A 1-way analysis of variance and a Tukey post hoc test were used to study the differences among individual playing positions. Wings were less heavy, shorter, and showed a smaller arm span than did goalkeepers, backs and pivots (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, pivots were heavier than centers. Backs and pivots exhibited higher muscular mass than did wings. Total players' somatotype was mesomorphy endomorphy (3.89-4.28-2.29). Centers showed higher throwing velocity levels than did wings in 9-m throws from just behind the line, with a goalkeeper. Backs exhibited higher hand-grip values than did wings. Statistical differences have been established between wings and other specific playing positions, especially with pivot and backs. Coaches can use this information to select players for the different specific positions.

Relationship among maximal grip, throwing velocity and anthropometric parameters in elite water polo players

AIM

As independent aspects, body size, body composition, and physiological performance of elite athletes have aroused the interest of sports scientists but, unfortunately, studies that combine these aspects are scarcely avalaible in water polo. The aim of the present study was to: 1) to develop an anthropometric profile of highly skilled male Water Polo players, and 2) to identify significant relationships between these features and overhead throwing velocity in highly skilled male water polo players.

METHODS

Thirteen male water polo players, with a mean age of 26.10±4.82, were recruited from the Spanish Water Polo team and an anthropometric assessment on all of them was carried out. Throwing velocity was evaluated in three different situations from the 5 m-penalty line on the center of the water polo goal: A) throwing without a defender nor a goalkeeper; B) throwing with a goalkeeper only, and C) 3) armfuls running shot with goalkeeper. Maximal handgrip was also tested.

RESULTS

Biacromial breadth shows a significative correlation with hand grip in water polo players (r=0.792; P=0.001) and also correlates with Throwing velocity (r=0.716; P<0.001). Biepicondylar femur breadth correlates significatively with hand grip (r=0.727; P<0.05) and also with throwing velocity in "throwing with goalkeeper" situation (r=0.664; P<0.05). Hand grip shows a significant correlation with throwing velocity in "throwing with goalkeeper" situation (r=0.603; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, body mass aspects are not related with throwing velocity in highly skilled Water Polo players. Maximal hand grip is related with throwing velocity in "throwing with goalkeeper" situation. More investigations about water polo are necessary.

Gamete intrafallopian transfer. Comparison of epidural vs. general anesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the reproductive outcome of laparoscopic gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) performed under epidural vs. general anesthesia.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive laparoscopic GIFT procedures performed under general or epidural anesthesia. All patients underwent controlled ovarian hyperstimulation employing human menopausal gonadotropin and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist, given either in the midluteal or early follicular phase. Data were retrieved concerning age, diagnosis, estradiol levels and maximum follicular diameter at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin injection, percentage of mature oocytes retrieved and number of oocytes transferred. These variables were compared using the independent means t test. Pregnancy rates and outcome between the general and epidural anesthesia groups were compared with the chi 2 test.

RESULTS

Of the 110 procedures, 84 were performed under general anesthesia, whereas 22 were done using epidural anesthesia. Four procedures started with epidural anesthesia and were converted to general anesthesia because of upper abdominal discomfort. The success rate of epidural anesthesia, therefore, was 85% (22/26). There were no significant differences in the confounding variables between the general and epidural anesthesia groups. However, patients receiving epidural anesthesia had a significantly higher pregnancy rate, 59.1%, and a live birth rate of 40.9% as compared to 31.0% and 21.4%, respectively, for the general anesthesia group.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic GIFT can be performed safely under epidural anesthesia. Because of the higher pregnancy and live birth rates, epidural is the anesthetic of choice for GIFT. However, a prospective, randomized study is needed to confirm the above observation.