Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Throwing is one of the most important movement in handball. Throwing performance is crucial for success in handball. Objective Τo investigate the level of evidence for the effect of resistance training (RT) on throwing performance in handball players. Methods Systematic searches...

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Main Authors: Stelios Hadjisavvas, Michalis A. Efstathiou, Irene-Chrysovalanto Themistocleous, Katerina Daskalaki, Paraskevi Malliou, Jeremy Lewis, Manos Stefanakis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-04-01
Series:BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00872-y
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author Stelios Hadjisavvas
Michalis A. Efstathiou
Irene-Chrysovalanto Themistocleous
Katerina Daskalaki
Paraskevi Malliou
Jeremy Lewis
Manos Stefanakis
author_facet Stelios Hadjisavvas
Michalis A. Efstathiou
Irene-Chrysovalanto Themistocleous
Katerina Daskalaki
Paraskevi Malliou
Jeremy Lewis
Manos Stefanakis
author_sort Stelios Hadjisavvas
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Throwing is one of the most important movement in handball. Throwing performance is crucial for success in handball. Objective Τo investigate the level of evidence for the effect of resistance training (RT) on throwing performance in handball players. Methods Systematic searches of Pubmed, Medline complete, Cinahl, Sport Discus and Scopus were undertaken for peer reviewed articles published between 18 March 1995 to 18 March 2023. Randomized, controlled, clinical studies, written in English, aiming to investigate the effect at least one modality of RT on throwing performance (velocity or/and accuracy) in handball players were considered for inclusion in the study. The eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDRO) scale. The Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) approach was used for synthesizing and reporting the results. Furthermore, the random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and the Q-statistic was used to test the null hypothesis that all studies in the analysis share a common effect size. Results One hundred ninety-eight studies were identified, of which 30 were included. A total of 727 handball players (males = 388, females = 292) were included. 28 of the 30 studies were rated as high methodological quality studies (PEDRO score > 70%) while the rest of the studies were rated as moderate methodological quality studies (PEDRO score ≤ 60%). The mean effect size for the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in improving jumping throw, running throw, and standing throw velocity were 1.128 (95% CI 0.457 – 1.798), 1.756 (95% CI 1.111 – 2.400), and 1.098 (95% CI 0.689 – 1.507) correspondingly. Traditional weight training using barbells in mostly compound lifts yielded the most significant and robust results. Other RT modalities such as elastic bands, medicine balls, core training and ballistic training showed no significant results or positive effects due to the limited number of the studies. Conclusion Strong evidence exists only for the effectiveness of RT using barbells in increasing throwing velocity. In contrast, the remaining RT modalities, while yielding positive results, have limited support due to limited number of studies and the high heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to support various forms of RT in increasing throw distance. Finally, medicine ball training and elastic band training demonstrated no benefits in improving throwing accuracy. Trial registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42023393574.
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spelling doaj.art-64e37731e0d04987a60887b4754611322024-04-21T11:26:35ZengBMCBMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation2052-18472024-04-0116112610.1186/s13102-024-00872-yCan resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysisStelios Hadjisavvas0Michalis A. Efstathiou1Irene-Chrysovalanto Themistocleous2Katerina Daskalaki3Paraskevi Malliou4Jeremy Lewis5Manos Stefanakis6Department of Life Sciences, University of NicosiaDepartment of Life Sciences, University of NicosiaDepartment of Life Sciences, University of NicosiaDepartment of Physical Education and Sport Science, Democritus University of ThraceDepartment of Life Sciences, University of NicosiaDepartment of Life Sciences, University of NicosiaDepartment of Life Sciences, University of NicosiaAbstract Background Throwing is one of the most important movement in handball. Throwing performance is crucial for success in handball. Objective Τo investigate the level of evidence for the effect of resistance training (RT) on throwing performance in handball players. Methods Systematic searches of Pubmed, Medline complete, Cinahl, Sport Discus and Scopus were undertaken for peer reviewed articles published between 18 March 1995 to 18 March 2023. Randomized, controlled, clinical studies, written in English, aiming to investigate the effect at least one modality of RT on throwing performance (velocity or/and accuracy) in handball players were considered for inclusion in the study. The eligible studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDRO) scale. The Best Evidence Synthesis (BES) approach was used for synthesizing and reporting the results. Furthermore, the random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and the Q-statistic was used to test the null hypothesis that all studies in the analysis share a common effect size. Results One hundred ninety-eight studies were identified, of which 30 were included. A total of 727 handball players (males = 388, females = 292) were included. 28 of the 30 studies were rated as high methodological quality studies (PEDRO score > 70%) while the rest of the studies were rated as moderate methodological quality studies (PEDRO score ≤ 60%). The mean effect size for the effectiveness of resistance training (RT) in improving jumping throw, running throw, and standing throw velocity were 1.128 (95% CI 0.457 – 1.798), 1.756 (95% CI 1.111 – 2.400), and 1.098 (95% CI 0.689 – 1.507) correspondingly. Traditional weight training using barbells in mostly compound lifts yielded the most significant and robust results. Other RT modalities such as elastic bands, medicine balls, core training and ballistic training showed no significant results or positive effects due to the limited number of the studies. Conclusion Strong evidence exists only for the effectiveness of RT using barbells in increasing throwing velocity. In contrast, the remaining RT modalities, while yielding positive results, have limited support due to limited number of studies and the high heterogeneity between studies. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to support various forms of RT in increasing throw distance. Finally, medicine ball training and elastic band training demonstrated no benefits in improving throwing accuracy. Trial registration PROSPERO ID: CRD42023393574.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00872-yResistance trainingStrength trainingThrowing performanceThrowing velocityHandball players
spellingShingle Stelios Hadjisavvas
Michalis A. Efstathiou
Irene-Chrysovalanto Themistocleous
Katerina Daskalaki
Paraskevi Malliou
Jeremy Lewis
Manos Stefanakis
Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Resistance training
Strength training
Throwing performance
Throwing velocity
Handball players
title Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
title_fullStr Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
title_full_unstemmed Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
title_short Can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players? A Systematic review and meta-analysis
title_sort can resistance training improve throwing performance in handball players a systematic review and meta analysis
topic Resistance training
Strength training
Throwing performance
Throwing velocity
Handball players
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-024-00872-y
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