Inclusion of Game-Based Stimulus During Flywheel Resistance Training Positively Influences Physical Performance in Handball Players

• Published in: Research quarterly for exercise and sport 2024-07, p.1-10
• Main Authors: Madruga-Parera, Marc, Esteves, Pedro T, Fernandes, John F T, Beltrán-Garrido, Vicente, Bird, Stephen, Leite, Nuno, Romero-Rodriguez, Daniel, Arede, Jorge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0270-1367; 2168-3824; 2168-3824
• DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2359603

Handball is a body-contact Olympic ball sport that is characterized by fast-paced defensive and offensive actions. Players must coordinate explosive movements (e.g. changing of direction) and handball-specific skills (e.g. passing). Maximizing performance requires a systematic approach to training that includes physical, psychological, technical, and tactical preparation. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of movement-based (MOV; unspecific sport stimulus) or game-based (GAM; sport-specific stimulus) flywheel resistance training intervention in highly trained youth handball players. Twenty-five highly trained youth male handball players completed two sessions per week of flywheel resistance training (MOV,  = 12; GAM,  = 13) over the 7-week intervention period. Change-of-direction tests (180º change-of-direction speed test of both legs and test) and handball-throwing test were conducted before and after the intervention. Both groups significantly improved -cut, and 180º Change-of-direction speed test performance (