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This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week Hip Strength Exercise Training program, implemented in addition to the athletes' regular training routines, on hip muscle strength, jump distance, and three-step jump shot performance in female handball players aged 15 to 19. Furthermore, the study seeks to explore the potential relationships between throwing performance and various physical parameters, including anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, and body fat percentage.
Handball is a complex and multifactorial team sport determined not only by each player's individual performance but also by the tactical components and interactions within the team. Therefore, defining the game and identifying the key factors influencing performance remain challenging. Handball players must effectively coordinate basic motor skills such as running, jumping, pushing, and changing direction, along with handball-specific skills like passing, catching, controlling, and blocking, to execute shots or create optimal scoring opportunities for teammates.
Since the winning team in handball is the one that scores the most goals, goal shooting is one of the most critical aspects of the game. A successful goal shot requires the ball to reach maximum velocity and be accurate enough to deceive the goalkeeper. The faster and more accurately the ball is thrown, the less time defenders and the goalkeeper have to react and intervene.
In addition to throwing speed and accuracy, jump distance is also a significant factor influencing performance in handball matches. The most frequently used shot type in handball competitions is the jump shot. The energy produced during a jump shot originates from the force exerted against the ground. The higher the player jumps, the longer the flight time, increasing the likelihood of avoiding defensive blocks.
Handball demands high levels of explosive strength, maximal strength, and muscular power in both the upper and lower extremities. While training programs are generally multidimensional, it is important to identify which muscle groups contribute most significantly to performance in order to optimize training approaches. This is because many handball-specific skills such as throwing, blocking, pushing, and holding require considerable strength and power output.
The hip plays a critical role in handball shooting by initiating upper body movement and transferring momentum from the lower to the upper extremities. It provides a stable base for the upper body during the shot, thereby playing a significant role in shot performance. Well-designed hip strengthening programs have been shown to yield not only improvements in strength but also positive effects on secondary outcomes such as linear sprinting, agility, change of direction, and sport-specific performance metrics.
The existing literature highlights a lack of sufficient research examining the relationship between physical capacity and throwing performance. There is a particular need for studies investigating the effects of muscle strength, jump distance, and overall physical fitness on throwing performance. Moreover, it has been noted that studies focusing on female handball players are relatively limited compared to those involving males, underscoring the need for further research in this area.
In this study, the researchers aim to investigate the effects of an 8-week Hip Strength Exercise Training program, implemented in addition to routine training, on hip muscle strength, jump distance, and three-step jump shot performance in female handball players aged 15 to 19. Additionally, the researchers aim to examine the relationships between throwing performance and anthropometric measurements, handgrip strength, and body fat percentage.
It is hypothesized that the Hip Strength Exercise Training program will positively contribute to throwing performance by improving hip muscle strength, throwing speed, throwing accuracy, and jump distance. Accordingly, it is suggested that low-cost, easily applicable hip strengthening exercises utilizing resistance bands can be integrated into training routines and contribute to the development of injury prevention strategies.
Based on the above, the hypotheses are as follows:
Hypothesis 1: Hip Strength Exercise Training in handball players has a positive effect on hip muscle strength.
Hypothesis 2: Hip Strength Exercise Training in handball players has a positive effect on throwing accuracy.
Hypothesis 3: Hip Strength Exercise Training in handball players has a positive effect on throwing speed.
Hypothesis 4: Hip Strength Exercise Training in handball players has a positive effect on jump distance.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Strength Exercise Training Group | Experimental | This group received a hip strength exercise training program in addition to their regular handball training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. The intervention aimed to improve hip muscle strength, jump distance, and throwing performance. |
|
| Control Group | No Intervention | This group continued their regular handball training without any additional intervention during the 8-week study period. They served as the control group to compare the effects of the hip strength exercise training. |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise | Other | Participants in the Hip Strength Exercise Training group performed structured hip strengthening exercises using resistance bands in addition to their regular handball and strength training programs. The training was implemented three times per week for 8 weeks, with one rest day between sessions, and was conducted before regular handball practices. The exercises focused on activating and strengthening the hip muscles through simple, well-structured movements. Resistance bands were chosen due to their portability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for adolescent athletes. This method ensured a safe training environment, reduced the risk of overload, and allowed for proper execution and control of the exercises. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Throwing Velocity | Throwing velocity was measured using the Doppler radar gun (Bushnell Speedster III). Participants performed jump shots from behind the 9-meter line using the three-step technique. The average ball speed (km/h) from five valid throws to each corner of the goal was recorded. The radar gun was placed 4 meters behind the free throw line and aligned with the release height and target corner to ensure measurement accuracy. | Baseline, Week 8 |
| Throwing Accuracy | Throwing accuracy was evaluated by targeting 50 cm circular zones placed in the four corners of a standard goal. Five throws per corner were completed (a total of 20 throws). The reported values in the data table represent the mean number of successful throws per target zone, calculated by dividing the total successful throws by the number of zones. The possible score for this reported mean ranges from 0 to 5. Higher scores indicate better throwing accuracy per corner. | Baseline, Week 8 |
| Isokinetic Hip Strength Parameters | Hip concentric strength evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex Humac Norm) at a speed of 180°/s. The test involves 4 maximum concentric contractions following 5 practice trials. The reported values represent the peak torque normalized to body weight (%BW). Multiple sub-measurements for different muscle groups and time points (Baseline and Week 8) are presented as separate rows within the single data table for comprehensive evaluation. | Baseline and Week 8 |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropometric Measurements | Circumference and length measurements (shoulder, upper arm, forearm, wrist, arm span, etc.) will be performed according to International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols using flexible fabric measuring tapes. Dominant side was used for all anthropometric measurements. | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
The study includes female handball players .
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Zümre H Taşçı, MSc student | Istanbul University | Principal Investigator |
| Sertaç Yakal, Dr. | Istanbul University | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department of Sports Medicine Istanbul Unıversıty | Istanbul | Fatih | 34104 | Turkey (Türkiye) |
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Forty female handball players aged 15-19 years who met the inclusion criteria provided informed consent and completed baseline assessments. Participants were randomized into two groups (n=20 Hip Strength Exercise Training; n=20 Control). During the study, three athletes in each group discontinued due to injuries or missed sessions. The study was completed with 34 participants (17 in each group).
Participants were recruited between February and March 2025 from Üsküdar Municipality Sports Club, Cent College Sports Club, and Avcılar Municipality Sports Club in Istanbul. Female handball players aged 15-19 years were informed about the study procedures, and informed consent was obtained from both athletes and their legal guardians prior to participation.
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| ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FG000 | Hip Strength Exercise Training Group | This group received a hip strength exercise training program in addition to their regular handball training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. The intervention aimed to improve hip muscle strength, jump distance, and throwing performance. Exercise: Participants in the Hip Strength Exercise Training group performed structured hip strengthening exercises using resistance bands in addition to their regular handball and strength training programs. The training was implemented three times per week for 8 weeks, with one rest day between sessions, and was conducted before regular handball practices. The exercises focused on activating and strengthening the hip muscles through simple, well-structured movements. Resistance bands were chosen due to their portability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for adolescent athletes. This method ensured a safe training environment, reduced the risk of overload, and allowed for proper execution and control of the exercises. |
| FG001 | Control Group | This group continued their regular handball training without any additional intervention during the 8-week study period. They served as the control group to compare the effects of the hip strength exercise training. |
| Title | Milestones | Reasons Not Completed | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Study |
|
|
Forty female handball players aged 15-19 years who met the inclusion criteria provided informed consent and completed baseline assessments. Participants were randomized into two groups (n=20 Hip Strength Exercise Training; n=20 Control). During the study, three athletes in each group discontinued due to injuries or missed sessions. The study was completed with 34 participants (17 in each group).
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| ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BG000 | Hip Strength Exercise Training Group | This group received a hip strength exercise training program in addition to their regular handball training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. The intervention aimed to improve hip muscle strength, jump distance, and throwing performance. Exercise: Participants in the Hip Strength Exercise Training group performed structured hip strengthening exercises using resistance bands in addition to their regular handball and strength training programs. The training was implemented three times per week for 8 weeks, with one rest day between sessions, and was conducted before regular handball practices. The exercises focused on activating and strengthening the hip muscles through simple, well-structured movements. Resistance bands were chosen due to their portability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for adolescent athletes. This method ensured a safe training environment, reduced the risk of overload, and allowed for proper execution and control of the exercises. |
| Units | Counts |
|---|---|
| Participants |
|
| Title | Description | Population Description | Parameter Type | Dispersion Type | Unit of Measure | Calculate Percentage | Denominator Units Selected | Denominators | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Categorical | Count of Participants |
| Type | Title | Description | Population Description | Reporting Status | Anticipated Posting Date | Parameter Type | Dispersion Type | Unit of Measure | Calculate Percentage | Time Frame | Units Analyzed | Denominator Units Selected | Arm/Group Information | Denominators | Classes | Analyses | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | Throwing Velocity | Throwing velocity was measured using the Doppler radar gun (Bushnell Speedster III). Participants performed jump shots from behind the 9-meter line using the three-step technique. The average ball speed (km/h) from five valid throws to each corner of the goal was recorded. The radar gun was placed 4 meters behind the free throw line and aligned with the release height and target corner to ensure measurement accuracy. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | km/h | Baseline, Week 8 |
|
Adverse events were monitored throughout the 8-week intervention period, covering all training sessions and assessments.
Adverse events were defined as sports-related injuries or missed training sessions. No deaths or serious adverse events occurred. Other medical events were not observed or reported. Data were collected through direct observation and participant self-report, verified by the research team.
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| ID | Title | Description | Deaths (Affected) | Deaths (At Risk) | Serious Events (Affected) | Serious Events (At Risk) | Other Events (Affected) | Other Events (At Risk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EG000 | Hip Strength Exercise Training Group | This group received a hip strength exercise training program in addition to their regular handball training for 8 weeks, three sessions per week. The intervention aimed to improve hip muscle strength, jump distance, and throwing performance. Exercise: Participants in the Hip Strength Exercise Training group performed structured hip strengthening exercises using resistance bands in addition to their regular handball and strength training programs. The training was implemented three times per week for 8 weeks, with one rest day between sessions, and was conducted before regular handball practices. The exercises focused on activating and strengthening the hip muscles through simple, well-structured movements. Resistance bands were chosen due to their portability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for adolescent athletes. This method ensured a safe training environment, reduced the risk of overload, and allowed for proper execution and control of the exercises. |
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| Term | Organ System | Source Vocabulary | Assessment Type | Notes | Statistical Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anterior cruciate ligament injury | Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | MedDRA 25.0 | Non-systematic Assessment | 1 Anterior cruciate ligament injury in Hip Strength Exercise Training Group |
This study included a limited sample of female athletes, and results may not generalize to males or other age groups. The long-term effects of hip strength exercises were not assessed. Future research should examine individualized, multi-component training programs, consider external factors such as motivation and recovery, and use objective performance measures to better understand training impacts.
| Title | Organization | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zümre Hediye TAŞÇI | Istanbul Unıversty | 0551 171 63 37 | zumretasci18@gmail.com |
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| Type | Includes Protocol | Includes SAP | Includes ICF | Document Label | Document Date | Document Uploaded Date | Document File Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prot_SAP | Yes | Yes | No | Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan | Feb 15, 2025 | Aug 14, 2025 | Prot_SAP_000.pdf |
| ICF | No | No | Yes | Informed Consent Form | Feb 15, 2025 | Aug 14, 2025 | ICF_001.pdf |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D015444 | Exercise |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009043 | Motor Activity |
| D009068 | Movement |
| D009142 | Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena |
| D055687 | Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena |
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In our study, the athletes were randomly assigned to two groups: the Hip Strength Exercise Training Group and the Control Group. The Hip Strength Exercise Training Group consists of handball players who were planned to receive hip strength exercise training three times a week for 8 weeks following the initial assessments. The Control Group, on the other hand, represents handball players who were instructed to continue with their regular handball training for 8 weeks after the initial assessments.
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In this study, the participants were not blinded to their group assignment, as it was evident which group they belonged to (Hip Strength Exercise Training Group or Control Group) based on the intervention. However, the outcomes assessors were blinded to group allocation to reduce potential bias in the measurement of the outcomes. This masking ensured that the evaluation of the effects of the intervention remained unbiased.
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| Body Fat Percentage | Body fat percentage will be assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis device (Tanita TBF-300 M). | Baseline (15 -18 February 2025) |
| Hand Grip Strength | Hand grip strength will be measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer (Jamar). The participant will perform the test with the dominant hand. | Baseline (15 -18 February 2025) |
| Countermovement Jump Distance | Vertical jump performance will be evaluated through the modified counter movement jump test, measured using a digital jump meter (Takei), to assess explosive lower-body power. | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) and after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
| Single Leg Vertical Jump (SLVJ) Distance | Vertical jump distance on the dominant leg will be measured using a digital jump meter (Takei) to assess unilateral leg power. | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) and after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
| Single Leg Horizontal Jump (SLHJ) Distance | Horizontal jump distance on the dominant leg will be evaluated using a flat measurement tape fixed to the ground to assess functional leg strength and coordination. | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) and after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
| BG001 | Control Group | This group continued their regular handball training without any additional intervention during the 8-week study period. They served as the control group to compare the effects of the hip strength exercise training. |
| BG002 | Total | Total of all reporting groups |
| Participants |
| No |
|
| Sex: Female, Male | Count of Participants | Participants |
|
| Race and Ethnicity Not Collected | Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant. | Count of Participants | Participants |
|
| Region of Enrollment | Count of Participants | Participants |
|
| BMI | Mean | Standard Deviation | kg/m² |
|
| OG001 | Control Group | This group continued their regular handball training without any additional intervention during the 8-week study period. They served as the control group to compare the effects of the hip strength exercise training. |
|
|
| Primary | Throwing Accuracy | Throwing accuracy was evaluated by targeting 50 cm circular zones placed in the four corners of a standard goal. Five throws per corner were completed (a total of 20 throws). The reported values in the data table represent the mean number of successful throws per target zone, calculated by dividing the total successful throws by the number of zones. The possible score for this reported mean ranges from 0 to 5. Higher scores indicate better throwing accuracy per corner. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | score on a scale (0-5) | Baseline, Week 8 |
|
|
|
| Primary | Isokinetic Hip Strength Parameters | Hip concentric strength evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex Humac Norm) at a speed of 180°/s. The test involves 4 maximum concentric contractions following 5 practice trials. The reported values represent the peak torque normalized to body weight (%BW). Multiple sub-measurements for different muscle groups and time points (Baseline and Week 8) are presented as separate rows within the single data table for comprehensive evaluation. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | percentage of body weight | Baseline and Week 8 |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Anthropometric Measurements | Circumference and length measurements (shoulder, upper arm, forearm, wrist, arm span, etc.) will be performed according to International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocols using flexible fabric measuring tapes. Dominant side was used for all anthropometric measurements. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | cm | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Body Fat Percentage | Body fat percentage will be assessed using the bioelectrical impedance analysis device (Tanita TBF-300 M). | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | percentage of body fat (%) | Baseline (15 -18 February 2025) |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Hand Grip Strength | Hand grip strength will be measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer (Jamar). The participant will perform the test with the dominant hand. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | kg | Baseline (15 -18 February 2025) |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Countermovement Jump Distance | Vertical jump performance will be evaluated through the modified counter movement jump test, measured using a digital jump meter (Takei), to assess explosive lower-body power. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | cm | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) and after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Single Leg Vertical Jump (SLVJ) Distance | Vertical jump distance on the dominant leg will be measured using a digital jump meter (Takei) to assess unilateral leg power. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | cm | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) and after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Single Leg Horizontal Jump (SLHJ) Distance | Horizontal jump distance on the dominant leg will be evaluated using a flat measurement tape fixed to the ground to assess functional leg strength and coordination. | female handball players aged 15-19 years | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | cm | Baseline (15-18 February 2025) and after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
|
|
|
| 0 |
| 20 |
| 0 |
| 20 |
| 2 |
| 20 |
| EG001 | Control Group | This group continued their regular handball training without any additional intervention during the 8-week study period. They served as the control group to compare the effects of the hip strength exercise training. | 0 | 20 | 0 | 20 | 3 | 20 |
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| Ankle ligament injury | Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | MedDRA 25.0 | Non-systematic Assessment | Ankle ligament injury |
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| Shoulder ligament injury | Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | MedDRA 25.0 | Non-systematic Assessment | Shoulder ligament injury |
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| NonDominant Side - Extensors - Baseline Peak Torque (%BW) |
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| NonDominant Side - Extensors - Week 8 Peak Torque (%BW) |
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| Dominant Side - Flexors - Baseline Peak Torque (%BW) |
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| Dominant Side - Flexors - Week 8 Peak Torque (%BW) |
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| NonDominant Side - Flexors - Baseline Peak Torque (%BW) |
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| NonDominant Side - Flexors - Week 8 Peak Torque (%BW) |
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| Upper Arm Circumference |
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| Forearm Circumference |
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| Wrist Circumference |
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| Upper Arm Length |
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| Forearm Length |
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| Hand Length |
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| Arm Span |
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| Leg Length |
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| NonDominant side - Baseline (15-18 February 2025) |
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| Nondominat side - After 8- week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
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| NonDominant- Baseline (15-18 February 2025) |
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| NonDominant- after 8-week intervention (15-18 April 2025) |
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