Position Differences and Physical Performance Among Female Team Handball Players

Position Differences and Physical Performance Among Female Team Handball Players

Our study was conducted to compare the physical performances of the upper extremity and lower extremity of handball players according to the positions they played.

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 39 elite female handball players with at least of 5 years playing experience were tested.Maximal voluntary isometric (MVIC) knee flexion and extension strength were measured using a handheld dynamometer (HDD) (Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, IN). Lower extremity vertical power was identified through the use of the VertiMetric (Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, IN) according to protocols suggested by Ambegaonkar et al. Trunk extension endurance was measured using the Biering-Sorensen test as previously described.The Davies test (DT) was used to assess upper body agility and stabilization.The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) was utilized to assess shoulder performance function and stability according to protocol suggested by Goldbeck and Davies.The Shark Skill Test (SST) was developed in order to assess lower extremity agility and neuromuscular control.

All athletes were asymptomatic and had passed medical examinations prior to inclusion and participation in the study. Exclusion criteria included history of injury or surgery that may affect their lower and upper limbs and any lower and upper limb injuries within the last three months.