Validity and Reliability of the New Handball-Specific Complex Test.

The purpose of this study was to determine the intraobserver reliability (IR) of the handball-specific complex test (HBKT) and the validity of the HBKT and nonspecific tests. Thirty experienced players (25.7 ± 3.9 years) executed the HBKT twice (time interval: 2 days). Lactate, heart rate (HR), time, throwing velocity and number of errors were measured. Afterwards, players' match performances (MPs) in 30 matches were evaluated using video analysis to compare it with the test parameters. Resting HR between first half and second half (r(2) = 0.26), standing long jump (r(2) = 0.18), jump and reach (r(2) = 0.16), and HR before second half (r(2) = 0.14) were proven to be the most valid tests or parameters. The amounts of explained variance concerning the MP of all other tests/parameters were below 10%. Overall, 41% (12/29) of the parameters showed a high relative intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.75) and absolute coefficient of variation (CV ≤ 5%) IR. Results suggest that the HBKT can be certified with an insufficient validity and a sufficient absolute (∅CV = 11.3%) and relative (∅ICC = 0.67) IR. The reasons could be insufficient tests or insufficient score of MP. The current findings suggest that the coaches and scientists should recognize a lot of effort is necessary to measure MP and to develop valid tests. Additional research should aim to connect test and MP with each other. Before a coach applies a test, he should thoroughly check whether the test is valid (gold standard: MP) and reliable. The frequent and long-term test application (very common argument of the coaches in practice) is not a proof of validity.

Glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) and isometric strength of professional team handball athletes, part III: changes over the playing season.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to investigate the relation of workload on range of motion and isometric strength of team handball athletes' shoulders over a competitive season. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 31 Professional male handball athletes underwent clinical shoulder examinations. Athletes were examined subsequently during the complete playing season (week 0, 6, 22 and 40) to determine bilateral isometric shoulder rotational strength and active range of motion (ROM). In addition, relative (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and absolute (standard error of measurement) reliability were calculated. RESULTS: Intraobserver reliability was excellent (ICC 0.76-0.98) for isometric strength and flexibility measurements. Internal rotation (IR) and total arc ROM in the throwing shoulder (TS) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in both sequences (week 22 to week 40, week 0 to week 40). External rotation (ER) ROM and isometric strength in IR and ER did not change significantly. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and external rotation gain (ERG) of the TS decreased significantly between week 22 and week 40, but both did not change overall (week 0 to week 40). There was significant influence on IR ROM (week 22 to week 40) and strength in ER (week 0 to week 40) in the non-throwing shoulder. CONCLUSIONS: Several characteristics of handball players' shoulders changed significantly from the beginning to the end of a season. More specifically, the repetitive forces accumulated during the competitive season resulted in altered GIRD, ERG and isometric strength of the dominant glenohumeral joint.

Range of motion and isometric strength of shoulder joints of team handball athletes during the playing season, Part II: changes after midseason.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the influence of workload and consecutive changes on active range of motion and isometric strength of team handball athletes' throwing shoulders (TSs) because the available data are insufficient. METHODS: In a longitudinal investigation, 31 professional male handball athletes underwent a clinical shoulder examination. Athletes were examined at the beginning (week 0), at the end (week 6) of the preseasonal training, and at the end of the half-season (week 22) on both shoulders to determine isometric rotational strength (hand held dynamometer) and active range of motion (goniometer). RESULTS: This analysis demonstrates the results subsequently from week 6 to week 22 and from week 0 to week 22. The glenohumeral internal rotation (IR) deficit (GIRD), external rotation (ER) gain, and ER at the TS increased significantly (P < .05, η(2) > 0.10, d > 0.30) in the first sequence (week 6 to week 22) but not significantly from week 0 to week 22. The total range of motion remained stable, and IR changed but not significantly. There was no influence on IR, ER, and total range of motion at the non-TS. The isometric strength of the TS and non-TS IR did not change. The isometric strength in ER significantly increased bilaterally during the investigation period. CONCLUSIONS: Our data verify changes and influences, such as an increasing GIRD, at the overhead TS joint in accordance with the workload during team handball season. ER gain did improve after the half-season period but did not fully compensate the GIRD at the TS.