Throwing velocity is a key performance factor in handball and may be enhanced through strength training. The aim of the present study was to quantify improvements in throwing velocity in handball players and to compare the effects of a free-weight strength training programme (FW; n = 14; 18.07 ± 1.27 years; 86.19 ± 9.67 kg; 1.85 ± 0.08 m) and a flywheel-based eccentric overload training programme (FLYW; n = 13; 17.77 ± 1.17 years; 85.5 ± 8.38 kg; 1.85 ± 0.06 m). A total of 27 elite male youth handball players (n = 27; 17.93 ± 1.21 years; 85.86 ± 8.90 kg; 1.85 ± 0.07 m) participated in the study. Participants were allocated to groups using a stratified randomisation approach based on team and playing position. Of these, 14 performed the FW training program and 13 completed the FLYW training protocol. The FW group performed 3 sets of 6 repetitions at 80% of 1RM, with 3 min of rest between sets, using the exercises half squats, bench presses and pullovers. The FLYW training group trained with flywheel devices, executing 3 sets of 6 repetitions using four inertial loads, performing each repetition at maximal intended velocity, with 3 min of rest between sets, using the exercises unilateral press, overhead elbow extension, and trunk rotation. Both groups trained twice per week for 8 weeks, in combination with regular handball-specific training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included the indirect estimation of one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the half squats, bench presses, and pullovers, as well as throwing velocity. The FW group showed significant improvements in all variables (bench press, half squat, pullover, and throwing velocity; all p < 0.05). In contrast, the FLYW group showed significant improvements only in half squats (p = 0.034) and throwing velocity (p = 0.008). An 8-week strength training program using free weights and flywheel methods improved throwing velocity in elite youth handball players; however, neither method demonstrates clear superiority when throwing velocity is the primary outcome.

The increasing prominence of adapted sports is driving the evolution of performance optimization in Paralympic athletes, particularly in wheelchair court sports such as basketball and rugby. The Initial Maximum Push-Rim Propulsion (IMPRP) test has emerged as an effective tool for assessing mechanical performance, providing critical insights into key parameters such as initial propulsion force, acceleration, and overall power. This article delves into the mechanics of the IMPRP test, its reliability, and the preliminary normative data, highlighting its relevance across various functional classifications. Early findings reveal strong correlations between IMPRP outputs and sprint performance, suggesting the test's potential to predict in-game performance. However, the lack of comprehensive normative data and the need for further understanding of game-induced fatigue on IMPRP outcomes represent existing challenges. In addition, the article introduces a structured training program designed to enhance IMPRP performance, targeting both general strength and sport-specific propulsion techniques. The program is adapted according to an athlete's functional classification, ensuring personalized interventions. Future research should focus on expanding normative data, addressing fatigue dynamics, and refining training strategies, ultimately enhancing the IMPRP test's application in training programs and performance assessments, thereby contributing to the continued advancement of wheelchair sports.

Purpose: Field-based tests are widely used to assess propulsion and sprint performance in wheelchair athletes; however, their ability to discriminate between functional performance profiles associated with different impairment characteristics remains insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the discriminative capacity of propulsion, sprint, and manoeuvrability tests in elite wheelchair court athletes. Methods: Nineteen male elite athletes (ten wheelchair basketball, nine wheelchair rugby) performed the initial maximum push-rim propulsion (IMPRP), a 12 m linear sprint (3, 5, and 12 m splits), and a wheelchair manoeuvrability test (3L3R). Test reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Results: Test reliability was high across all assessments (ICC ≥ 0.82). The higher functional performance profile group demonstrated substantially greater IMPRP mechanical outputs, including mean velocity (ES = 2.69), maximum velocity (ES = 3.29), mean power (ES = 1.75), and maximum power (ES = 2.09) (all p < 0.001). Sprint performance also showed large between-group differences at 5 m (ES = 1.53) and 12 m (ES = 1.68) (p < 0.001), whereas manoeuvrability differences were moderate (ES = 0.62; p = 0.043). Conclusions: IMPRP and short-distance sprint tests appeared sensitive to differences between ecologically distinct wheelchair court sport athletes characterised by different real-world functional performance profiles. These field-based assessments may be useful for performance monitoring and may complement ecologically distinct athlete groups in wheelchair court sports.

El balonmano como deporte de equipo requiere determinados atributos de aptitud física. Los valores de potencia de los trenes superior e inferior del cuerpo deben desarrollarse a lo largo de todo el proceso de entrenamiento del jugador. El objetivo del presente estudio era caracterizar la cinética de salto y lanzamiento de nueve jóvenes talentos del balonmano durante tres temporadas deportivas (Temporada 1: 14.1 ± 0.9 años; 70.6 ± 5.9 kg; 171.6 ± 10 cm; Temporada 2: 15.1 ± 0.9 años; 74.7 ± 6.5 kg; 177.7 ± 8.2 cm; Temporada 3: 16.1 ± 0.9 años; 78.3 ± 6.7 kg; 179.9 ± 6.7 cm) y evaluar las posibles relaciones con el rendimiento competitivo. Las pruebas de aptitud física realizadas fueron el salto con sentadilla (SS), el salto con contramovimiento (SCM), la prueba de Abalakov (ABK) y el lanzamiento de balón medicinal de 3 kg, analizando las alturas de salto y la distancia de lanzamiento. Diseñamos un estudio de seguimiento de tres temporadas con dos puntos de control para cada temporada. El rendimiento atlético de cada jugador se estableció individualmente mediante la determinación de una clasificación competitiva que se contrastó desde una perspectiva bivariante y multivariante, con las características somáticas y las pruebas de aptitud física realizadas. Todas las pruebas de aptitud física mejoraron a lo largo de las tres temporadas, aunque de forma diferente entre la pretemporada y la postemporada. La prueba de lanzamiento de balón medicinal de 3 kg estaba moderadamente correlacionada con el rendimiento deportivo y, junto con la prueba de Abalakov, lo explicaba con un poder predictivo bajo. Llegamos a la conclusión de que, a pesar de la mejora de la capacidad de salto y lanzamiento a lo largo de tres temporadas, esta no parece tener una relación suficientemente consistente con el nivel competitivo de este grupo de jóvenes talentos del balonmano. Se necesitan más estudios para controlar los parámetros de edad biológica y complejidad cognitiva.

The quantification of physical demands placed upon handball players, segmented by their specific roles and duration of play, is crucial for sustaining high performance and minimizing the risk of injury. Leveraging advanced inertial measurement units, this investigation captured and analyzed the external load data of athletes participating in the EHF Women's EURO 2022. The aim of this study was to provide coaching staff with information on fatigue development during periods of high match density. The study evaluated the effects of playing position and cumulative playing time on external load metrics, using linear mixed models that treated individual players as random effects. The study employed a cutting-edge computational framework integrating sensor network technologies, Local Positioning Systems (LPS), and Big Data Analytics within a descriptive analytics methodology. From over half a billion raw records, we distilled 1,013 data entries from 47 matches for analysis. The findings reveal that the wings demonstrated the highest levels of total and high-speed running distances, though they sustained lower PlayerLoad relative to backs. Interestingly, cumulative playing time did not markedly alter load profiles, which may be attributed to strategic substitution decisions by coaches and the players' own pacing strategies. Notable discrepancies within positional demands were observed over time, such as centers displaying increased distance coverage within the 2-3 hour play interval. This study underscores the efficacy of strategic load management and tailored pacing in sustaining player performance throughout high-stakes tournaments. It elucidates the relationship between managerial tactics and player-specific characteristics in the context of external load distribution.

The study aimed to analyse the quality of rest of elite handball players during a half-season and to examine the differences between home and away rest. Adequate rest is key to recovery and performance, but the high density of matches and travel may affect sleep quality and duration. A longitudinal study was conducted over 14 weeks during the 2020-2021 season using sleep monitoring rings in 13 elite handball players to measure physiological and sleep parameters. The variables were compared in different situations such as after a training session, home and away matches, and periods with their national teams. Oura rings were used to collect variables such as heart rate variability, respiratory rate, sleep duration, onset latency and efficiency. Players wore the rings daily excluding training and matches. The data were analysed by comparing the different variables studied. At the physiological level, there were no significant differences between situations. However, moderate differences were found in total time in bed between home matches and travel days (ES = 0.57). There was also less sleep time after matches and travel. Players demonstrated good autonomic flexibility without physiological alterations. However, recovery strategies should be improved as rest time was not adequate after matches and travel. Individual profiles could help detect recovery deficits.

Understanding the influence of contextual factors on peak demands (PD) is essential to maximize performance in handball. The aims of the study were: (1) to quantify the PD in women's handball through the rolling average method in four different time windows (i.e., 30-s, 60-s, 180-s and the full-match duration); (2) to examine the influence of four contextual factors (i.e., playing positions, match halves, level of the opponent and match outcome) on the PD. Twenty-two female players from the Spanish 2nd Division were monitored across 13 official matches. Total distance covered (TDC), high-speed running (HSR), high-intensity accelerations (HIA) and high-intensity decelerations (HID) were collected using a local positioning system. Wings showed the highest PD, with higher TDC (+36-47%), HSR (+143-162%), HIA (+167-255%), and HID (+82-176%) than pivots in the 30-, 60-, and 180-s windows. All positions reached the peak values in the 30-s window. Comparing match halves, TDC decreased from the first to the second half by 16-18% in all time windows, while HSR increased by 40-116% in 30-, 60-, and 180-s windows. This information should be considered to design position-specific drills that replicate the most demanding passages of competition, guide microcycle periodization, and structure injury rehabilitation programs.

Handball as a team sport requires certain attributes of physical fitness. Higher upper and lower body power values must be developed throughout the entire player training process. The aim of the present study was to characterise the jumping and throw kinetics of nine young talented handball players during three sport seasons (Season 1: 14.1 +/- 0.9 age; 70.6 +/- 5.9 kg; 171.6 +/- 10 cm; Season 2: 15.1 +/- 0.9 age; 74.7 +/- 6.5 kg; 177.7 +/- 8.2 cm; Season 3: 16.1 +/- 0.9 age; 78.3 +/- 6.7 kg; 179.9 +/- 6.7 cm) and assess possible relationships with competitive performance. The physical fitness tests performed were the squat jump (SJ), the counter movement jump (CMJ), the Abalakov test (ABK) and the 3-kg medicine ball throw, analysing jump heights and throwing distance. We designed a 3-season follow-up study with two checkpoints for each season. The athletic performance of each player was established individually by determining a competitive ranking that was contrasted from a bivariate and multivariate perspectives, with somatic characteristics and the physical fitness tests performed. All physical fitness tests improved throughout the three seasons, although differently between the preseason and postseason. The 3-kg medicine ball throw test was moderately correlated with sports performance and, together with the Abalakov test, explained it with a low predictive power. We concluded that, despite the improvement in the jumping and throwing ability over three seasons, this does not seem to have a sufficiently consistent relationship with the competitive level of this group of young talented handball players. Further research is needed to control for parameters of biological age and cognitive complexity.

Objective This study aims to comprehend the impact of handball practice on sub-elite athletes by investigating transcriptomic changes that occur during a match. The primary focus encompasses a dual objective: firstly, to identify and characterize these transcriptomic alterations, and secondly, to establish correlations between internal factors (gene expression), and external loads measured through Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS variables). Ultimately, this comprehensive analysis seeks to evaluate both acute and chronic responses to exercise within the context of handball training. Methods The study included sixteen elite male athletes from the FC Barcelona handball second team. Blood samples were extracted at three different time points: before the match at baseline levels (T1), immediately upon completion (T2), and 24 hours after completion (T3). Differential gene expression, Gene Ontology Term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were conducted in two comparisons: Comparison 1 (T1 vs T2) and Comparison 2 (T1 vs T3). Further, the correlation between gene expression levels and training variables (external load) was conducted. Results In T1 vs T2, 3717 of the 14632 genes detected were differentially expressed (adjusted p-value < 0.05), and enrichment of terms related to the immune system, mitochondria, and metabolic processes was found. Further, significant linear correlations were obtained between High-Speed running (HSR) and high-intensity variables such as acceleration ACC and deceleration DEC values with amino acids, and inflammatory and oxidative environment-related pathways, both in chronic and acute response. Conclusions This research highlights the effects of external workload on elite athletes during a handball match and throughout the season. The study identifies deregulation in the immune system, mitochondrial functions, and various metabolic pathways during the match. Additionally, it establishes correlations between the external load and pathways associated with amino acids, inflammation, oxidative environment, and regulation. These findings offer insights into the immediate and chronic responses of athletes to physical effort.

The aim of this study was to quantify longitudinal changes in the games of the 6 Men’s European Handball Championship (EHC) celebrated between 2012 and 2022. A total of 563 match observations were examined. Specifically, the study contained the Number of Goals, Number of Attacks, Number of Shots, Number of Saves, Offensive Efficacy (Number of Goals/Number of Attacks × 100) and Defensive Efficacy (100 − Offensive Efficacy of the Opponent). Data were examined using the Kruskal–Wallis test and linear regression analysis. Results suggest that the number of goals remained relatively constant from 2012 to 2022. However, the number of attacks, shots, saves and defensive efficacy decreased, while offensive efficacy increased. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of how handball is evolving from a structural or tactical viewpoint.

In this research, we aimed to (1) describe the differences in internal and external load between playing positions and (2) characterize the training demands of the days before competitive events for professional handball players. Fifteen players (5 wings, 2 centre backs, 4 backs, and 2 pivots) were equipped with a local positioning system device during training and 11 official matches. External (total distance, high-speed running, player load) and internal loads (rating of perceived exertion) were computed. Substantial differences were recorded between the external load variables depending on each playing position and depending on whether it was a training day (high-speed running: effect size (ES) ≥ 2.07; player load: ES ≥ 1.89) or a match (total distance: ES ≥ 1.27; high-speed running: ES ≥ 1.42; player load: ES ≥ 1.33). Differences in internal load were not substantial. The rating of perceived exertion, at this competitive level, does not seem to discriminate the differences registered in the external load, probably due to the degree of adaptation to the specific effort of these players. The large differences observed in external load variables should be used to tailor practices and better adjust the training demands in professional handball settings.

The objective of this study is to automate and analyse the quantification of external load during an elite men's handball match. This study was carried out using data from a local positioning system and inertial measurement units. The literature review leads us to assume that physical demands are different depending on position, player specialty and phases of the game. In order to do this analysis, raw data was used from professional competitors of a Spanish club during National and European competition matches. First, a game phase algorithm was designed to automate phase recognition. Then, a descriptive evaluation of the means and standard deviation was performed with the following variables: total distance, total time, total Accel'Rate, the percentages of distance and time per speed and displacement direction. A Kruskal Wallis test was applied to normalized distance and normalized Accel'Rate. Defensive play showed the highest values on covered distance (930.6 ± 395.0 m). However, normalized distance showed significant differences (p<0.05) across all phases with defensive play (558.8 ± 53.9 m/10min) lower than offensive play (870.3 ± 145.7 m/10min), offensive transition (1671.3 ± 242.0 m/10min) or defensive transition (1604.5 ± 242.0 m/10min). Regarding position, wing players covered the most distance (2925.8 ± 998.8 m) at the second highest intensity (911.4 ± 63.3 m/10min) after offensive back players (1105.0 ± 84.9 m/10min). Significant difference in normalized requirements were found between each playing position: goalkeepers, wings, versatile backs, versatile line players, offensive backs and defensive backs (p<0.05), so a separation between offensive or defensive specialists is plausible and necessary. In conclusion, as physical demands differ for each game phase, activity profile among players is modulated by their playing position and their specialty (offense, defense or none). This study may help to create individual training programs according to precise on-court demands.

The purpose of the study was to describe and compare recovery status after official basketball competition in players who underwent NESA neuromodulation treatment (NNT) in weeks with one or two matches. The recovery parameters of 12 professional male basketball players (mean ± SD, age: 20.6 ± 2.7 yr; height: 197.8 ± 11.7 cm; and body mass: 89.0 ± 21.2 kg) that competed in the LEB Plata (Spanish third division) were monitored 2 days after match-play over 6 weeks, and included: 1) the Hooper Test, which combines four subjective variables (sleep, stress, fatigue and soreness); 2) common biochemical markers (e.g., testosterone, cortisol and ratio T:C); and 3) lowest heart rate [HR], average HR, HR variability, sleep duration, awake time during night and onset latency before asleep). Players that completed NNT presented differences compared to the control group in sleep data. For instance, the lowest HR (p < 0.001), average HR (p < 0.001) and total awake time (p = 0.04) were significantly reduced in the NNT group. On the contrary, the control group presented greater values than the NNT group in the subjective Hooper Test, although only stress presented significant differences (Control 2.5 ± 1.2 vs. NNT cost or 3.2 ± 0.9; p = 0.01). Additionally, there were no significant differences in recovery parameters between weeks with one or two matches. In conclusion, the results suggest that players that underwent NNT tended to improve their sleep quality. Nevertheless, player’s values in the biochemical markers and wellness status remained similar in both groups. The fact that no significant differences were found between weeks with one or two matches could help basketball professionals to determine that a congested schedule does not seem to negatively alter recovery status. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04939181?term=NCT04939181, NCT04939181

In handball, the way the team organizes itself in defense can greatly impact the player’s activity and displacement during the play, therefore impacting the match demands. This paper aims (1) to develop an automatic tool to detect and classify the defensive organization of the team based on the local positioning system data and check its classification quality, and (2) to quantify the match demands per defensive organization, i.e., defining a somehow cost of specific defensive organizations. For this study, LPS positional data (X and Y location) of players from a team in the Spanish League were analyzed during 25 games. The algorithm quantified the physical demands of the game (distance stand, walk, jog, run and sprint) broken down by player role and by specific defensive organizations, which were automatically detected from the raw data. Results show that the different attacking and defending phases of a game can be automatically detected with high accuracy, the defensive organization can be classified between 1–5, 0–6, 2–4, and 3–3. Interestingly, due to the highly adaptive nature of handball, differences were found between what was the intended defensive organization at a start of a phase and the actual organization that can be observed during the full defensive phase, which consequently impacts the physical demands of the game. From there, quantifying for each player role the cost of each specific defensive organization is the first step into optimizing the use of the players in the team and their recovery time, but also at the team level, it allows to balance the cost (i.e., physical demand) and the benefit (i.e., the outcome of the defensive phase) of each type of defensive organization.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the most demanding scenarios (MDS) of match-play across five different team sports of the same club (basketball, futsal, handball, rink hockey and soccer) during five different time epochs (30, 60, 120, 180 and 300 s). Material and methods: Sixty-five professional male players were monitored across 14 to 17 official matches via a local positioning system. Peak physical demands included total distance, distance, and actions > 18 km.h(-1) and distance and number of accelerations and decelerations > 2 m.s(-2). One-way analysis of variance and Tukey post-hoc tests were used to test statistical significance (p <.05), whereas standardized Cohen's effect size and the respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated to detect differences between team sports. Results: While soccer and rink hockey achieved the greatest MDS in total distance, and distance and number of actions > 18 km.h(-1) during all the time epochs examined, basketball presented the highest peak values in number of accelerations and decelerations > 2 m.s(-2) during 30-s and 60-s time epochs. Conclusion: In conclusion, the MDS during competition are significantly different across team sports, which can be useful in determining the upper limit threshold for sport-specific training optimisation and return to play purposes. (C) 2022 FUTBOL CLUB BARCELONA and CONSELL CATALA DE L'ESPORT. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

In today’s elite handball, coaching staff seek to know as much as possible about all the details of their sport to gain an advantage by adapting their model of play or by looking for the opponent’s weak points. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse which variables can influence success in each phase of the match with polar coordinates. Observational methodology was used to analyse success or failure within the nature of handball by means of an ad hoc observation instrument designed and validated for this research. A total of 14 elite men’s handball matches from the 2019–2020 season were analysed. The relationships between success and failure of all behaviours were performed with polar coordinates. The results show that one of the keys to achieving victory in matches is centred on a high level of success in the defensive phase that allows the team to recover the ball and to be able to go on the counterattack to obtain a clear option for a goal. This research allows us to see how we can achieve success in the different phases of the game and improve team performance with these indicators. These results suggest that it is necessary for teams to train at a high pace of play, linking the different phases of the game in order to recover the ball in the defensive phase and attack in the shortest possible time against an unstructured defence to achieve success in the match and the final victory.

Monitoring workload is critical for elite training and competition, as well as preventing potential sports injuries. The assessment of external load in team sports has been provided with new technologies that help coaches to individualize training and optimize their team's playing system. In this study we characterized the physical demands of an elite handball team during an entire sports season. Novel data are reported for each playing position of this highly strenuous body-contact team sport. Sixteen world top players (5 wings, 2 centre backs, 6 backs, 3 line players) were equipped with a local positioning system (WIMU PRO) during fourteen official Spanish first league matches. Playing time, total distance covered at different running speeds, and acceleration variables were monitored. During a handball match, wings cover the greater distance by high-speed running (> 5.0 m·s-1): 410.3 ± 193.2 m, and by sprint (> 6.7 m·s-1): 98.0 ± 75.4 m. Centre backs perform the following playing position that supports the highest speed intensities during the matches: high-speed running: 243.2 ± 130.2 m; sprint: 62.0 ± 54.2 m. Centre backs also register the largest number of high-intensity decelerations (n = 142.7 ± 59.5) compared to wings (n = 112.9 ± 56.0), backs (n = 105.2 ± 49.2) and line players: 99.6 ± 28.9). This study provides helpful information for professional coaches and their technical staff to optimize training load and individualize the physical demands of their elite male handball players depending on each playing position.

The aim of this research was to analyse the capacity of a home-based training programme to preserve aerobic capacity and jumping performance in top-level handball players during the COVID-19 lockdown.Eleven top-level male handball players from the same team participated in the study.A submaximal shuttle run test and a counter-movement jump test were used to measure the players' aerobic fitness and lower limb explosive strength, respectively.A 9-week home-based training programme was followed during lockdown.Pre-test measurements were assessed before the pandemic on 29 January 2020 and ended on 18 May 2020.Moderate significant mean heart rate increases were found in the late stages of the submaximal shuttle run test after the lockdown (stage 5, 8.6%, P = 0.015; ES = 0.873; stage 6, 7.7%, P = 0.020; ES = 0.886; stage 7, 6.4%, P = 0.019; ES = 0.827).Moderate significant blood lactate increases were observed immediately after the submaximal shuttle run test following the lockdown (30.1%,P = 0.016; ES = 0.670).In contrast, no changes were found in jump performance.A structured home-based training programme during the COVID-19 lockdown preserved lower limb explosive strength but was an insufficient stimulus to maintain aerobic capacity in top-level handball players.

Despite approval of the use of electronic performance-tracking systems (EPTSs) during competition by the International Football Association Board, other team-sport organizations and leagues have banned their use due to "safety concerns," with no evidence to support this assertion. The aim of the current brief report was to provide empirical evidence to support the widespread use of EPTSs across all sports by examining safety issues concerning their use in a multi-team-sport club. Five outdoor football teams (1st team, 2nd team, under 19 [U-19], under 18 [U-18], and 1st team female) and 3 indoor-sport (basketball, futsal, and handball) teams were monitored, accounting for a total of 63,734 h of training and 12,748 h of game time. A questionnaire was sent to all fitness coaches involved, and the clinical history was reviewed for every medical issue reported. Six minor chest contusions were recorded in female football goalkeepers wearing the frontal chest strap (3.17 episodes per 1000 training h). During training, 3 episodes of minor skin abrasion affecting the thoracic area due to wearing vests too tight were recorded in the U-19 football team (0.21 per 1000 h) and 2 episodes in U-18 (0.39 per 1000 h). It must be noted that none of these episodes resulted in lost days of training or games, and none required medical assistance. In conclusion, empirical evidence confirms that EPTSs are safe to use across team sports.