Effects of an Eccentric Hamstrings Training on Components of Physical Performance in Young Female Handball Players
in International Journal of Sports Physiology and PerformanceClick name to view affiliation
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Purpose: This study examined the effects of an 8-week Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) training on components of physical performance in young female handball players. Methods: Participants were allocated to an experimental group (EG; n = 10; age: 15.9 [0.2] y) and a control group (CG; n = 9; age: 15.9 [0.3] y). The EG performed NHE (2–3 sessions/wk) in replacement of some handball-specific drills, whereas the CG followed regular handball training. Pretraining and posttraining tests were carried out for the assessment of sprint speed (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ] height), change-of-direction (t test), and repeated-sprint ability (RSA total time [RSAtotal], RSA best time [RSAbest], and RSA fatigue index [RSAFI]). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Within-group analyses for the EG showed moderate performance improvements for 5, 10, and 20 m (effect size [ES] = 0.68–0.82), t test (ES = 0.74), and CMJ (ES = 0.85). Trivial to small improvements were observed for RSA (ES = −0.06 to 0.35). For the CG, within-group outcomes showed performance decrements with moderate (t test [ES = 0.71]), small (5 m [ES = 0.46] and RSAbest [ES = 0.20]), and trivial magnitude (10 m [ES = 0.10], 20 m [ES = 0.16], and RSAtotal [ES = 0.00]). Furthermore, trivial to small performance improvements were found for CMJ (ES = 0.10) and RSAFI (ES = 0.5). Between-group analyses revealed small to large effects in favor of EG for 5 m (ES = 1.07), 10 m (ES = 0.66), 20 m (ES = 0.53), t test (ES = 1.38), and RSA (ES = 0.68–0.78). A trivial between-group difference was demonstrated for CMJ (ES = −0.01). Conclusions: The NHE training intervention, in replacement of some handball-specific drills, was more effective than regular handball training in improving physical performance (ie, linear sprint time, jumping, change-of-direction, and RSA) in young female handball players.
Chaabene, Prieske, and Granacher are with the Div of Training and Movement Sciences, Research Focus Cognition Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany. Chaabene is also with the High Inst of Sports and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, Jendouba, Tunisia. Negra and Sammoud are with Research Unit, “Sport Performance, Health & Society,” Higher Inst of Sports and Physical Education of Ksar Said, University of Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia. Moran is with the Dept of Sport, University Centre Hartpury (University of the West of England), Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. Ramirez-Campillo is with the Laboratory of Human Performance, Research Nucleus in Health, Physical Activity and Sport, Quality of Life and Wellness Research Group, Dept of Physical Activity Sciences, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile.
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