Effects of a Short-Term Recreational Team Handball-Based Programme on Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health of 33-55-Year-Old Men: A Pilot Study

A 3-Month Modified Basketball Exercise Program as a Health-Enhancing Sport Activity for Middle-Aged Individuals

Recreational team sports have received great acceptance lately, in different populations, indicating encouraging results in health-related quality of life. This study examined the efficacy of a 3-month basketball exercise program on selected indices of health (body mass-BM, body fat-BF, blood pressure-BP), functional capacity (flexibility of lower and upper limbs, balance), and physical fitness (maximum strength of lower limbs, trunk and handgrip, aerobic capacity) in middle-aged individuals. Forty middle-aged individuals (males and females; 40-55 years old) were randomly divided into (a) exercise (EG; n = 20) and (b) control groups (CG; n = 20). The EG followed a 3-month modified basketball exercise program (2 times/week; 24 training units), including different basketball drills with and without the ball (dribbling, passing, pivot, stops, etc.), to improve participants' health and physical fitness. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that the EG significantly increased their flexibility (17.23-74.88%; p < 0.001), static balance (44.76-54.69%; p < 0.001), and strength of lower limbs and trunk (11.67-13.13%; p < 0.001), while reducing BP (7.31-12%; p < 0.001), heart rate and RPE (5.30-34.37%; p < 0.001), and time during time-up-and-go test (-10.91%; p < 0.001). Handgrip strength, BM, and BF did not change following the program in the EG (p > 0.05). In the CG, the above variables remained stable. In conclusion, this program may be used to eliminate the detrimental effects of aging on health, functional capacity, and physical fitness parameters.

Health Benefits of Different Sports: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal and Intervention Studies Including 2.6 Million Adult Participants

BACKGROUND

Several reviews have examined the health benefits of participation in specific sports, such as baseball, cricket, cross-country skiing, cycling, downhill skiing, football, golf, judo, rugby, running and swimming. However, new primary studies on the topic have recently been published, and the respective meta-analytic evidence needs to be updated.

OBJECTIVES

To systematically review, summarise and appraise evidence on physical health benefits of participation in different recreational sports.

METHODS

Searches for journal articles were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SpoLit, SPORTDiscus, Sports Medicine & Education Index and Web of Science. We included longitudinal and intervention studies investigating physical health outcomes associated with participation in a given sport among generally healthy adults without disability.

RESULTS

A total of 136 papers from 76 studies conducted among 2.6 million participants were included in the review. Our meta-analyses of available evidence found that: (1) cycling reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 16% (pooled hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80, 0.89), all-cause mortality by 21% (HR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.84), cancer mortality by 10% (HR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.96) and cardiovascular mortality by 20% (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.86); (2) football has favourable effects on body composition, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, cardiovascular function at rest, cardiorespiratory fitness and bone strength (p < 0.050); (3) handball has favourable effects on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.050); (4) running reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 23% (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.85), cancer mortality by 20% (HR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.89) and cardiovascular mortality by 27% (HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.94) and improves body composition, cardiovascular function at rest and cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.010); and (5) swimming reduces the risk of all-cause mortality by 24% (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63, 0.92) and improves body composition and blood lipids (p < 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

A range of physical health benefits are associated with participation in recreational cycling, football, handball, running and swimming. More studies are needed to enable meta-analyses of health benefits of participation in other sports. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021234839.

Bone health, body composition and physical fitness dose-response effects of 16 weeks of recreational team handball for inactive middle-to-older-aged males - A randomised controlled trial

In this study we aimed at analysing the effects of different weekly exercise volumes (1, 2 or 3 times 60-min) on bone health, body composition and physical fitness of inactive middle-to-older-aged males, after 16 weeks of recreational team handball (RTH). Fifty-four men (68 ± 4 years, stature 169 ± 6 cm; body mass 78.4 ± 10.7 kg; fat mass 27.1 ± 5.3%; BMI 27.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2; VO2peak 27.3 ± 4.8 mL/min/kg) were randomised into three intervention groups (TH1, n = 13; TH2, n = 15; or TH3, n = 12, performing 1, 2 and 3 weekly 60-min training sessions, respectively), and a control group (CG, n = 14). The training sessions consisted mainly of RTH matches played as small-sided and formal game formats (4v4, 5v5, 6v6 or 7v7) with adapted rules. Matches' mean and peak heart rate (HR) ranged from 78-80% and 86-89%HRmax, respectively, and distance covered from 4676 to 5202 m. A time x group interaction was observed for procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP), osteocalcin (OC), carboxy-terminal type-1 collagen crosslinks (CTX), sclerostin, upper and lower body dynamic strength, right arm fat mass, left and right arm, right leg and android total mass (TM; p ≤ 0.047) with the greatest effects being shown for TH2 and TH3 groups. Post-intervention group differences were observed in CTX, left arm and right leg TM (TH3 > TH1), P1NP (TH2 > CG), OC, right arm TM (TH3 > CG), upper (CG < TH1, TH2 and TH3) and lower body dynamic strength (CG < TH1 and TH3) (p ≤ 0.047). RTH was effective in enhancing bone health, body composition and physical fitness in middle-to-older-aged males, especially for the intervention groups that performed 2-3 weekly training sessions.ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05295511.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05295511.HighlightsAfter 16 weeks of recreational team handball small-sided and formal matches, inactive middle-to-older-aged males improved bone health, body composition and physical fitness, by performing 1, 2 or 3 60-min weekly sessions, however, greater improvements were shown in the groups that performed 2 or 3 weekly training sessions.Training intensity was similar across the intervention groups that performed recreational team handball for 1, 2 or 3 60-min weekly sessions, which means that training volume is most likely to be the reason for the different health effects shown.The very high fun levels reported by all intervention groups shows that recreational team handball is a social and fun exercise modality for middle-to-older-aged males, with potential to intrinsically motivate the participants and assure long-term adherence to exercise.

Dose-response effect of a recreational team handball-based exercise programme on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in inactive middle-aged-to-elderly males - a randomised controlled trial

This study aimed at examining the dose-response of a recreational team handball (TH) exercise-based programme on cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in inactive middle-aged-to-elderly males without TH experience. Fifty-four inactive middle-aged-to-elderly men (67.5 ± 4.2 years; stature 168.8 ± 6.2 cm; body mass 78.4 ± 10.7 kg; fat mass 27.1 ± 5.3%; BMI 27.4 ± 2.9 kg/m2; VO2peak 27.3 ± 4.8 mL/min/kg) were randomised into three intervention groups performing 1 (TH1, n = 13), 2 (TH2, n = 15), or 3 (TH3, n = 12) 60-min weekly recreational TH-based training sessions, for 16 weeks, and a control group (CG, n = 14). A time x group interaction was observed for VO2peak, aerobic performance, fasting plasma insulin and body and fat mass (p ≤ 0.043) with TH3 showing the greatest overall effects. Post-intervention differences were observed in aerobic performance (TH3>CG, TH1 and TH2; TH2>CG), body mass (TH3>CG and TH1), fat mass (TH3>CG), VO2peak (TH3>CG) and plasma insulin (TH3>CG) (p ≤ 0.040). In conclusion, recreational TH performed for 60-min thrice and twice per week results in improved aerobic performance for middle-aged-to-elderly men. Moreover, it was observed that three weekly sessions were more effective in providing overall cardiometabolic benefits compared to training with a lower weekly frequency. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05295511.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05295511.Highlights: We observed high intensities and fun levels during recreational TH, organised as formal and small-sided games, for middle-aged-to-elderly men during a 16-week period, independently of the number of weekly training sessions.Marked positive effects on aerobic performance and cardiometabolic health were observed in the intervention group that performed 3 weekly sessions.The study results indicate that recreational TH training with low frequency and volume results in some beneficial effects on cardiometabolic fitness and health for middle-aged-to-elderly men, but future studies with more participants or longer intervention periods are warranted to explore this possibility.

Mixed-gender small-sided recreational team handball games in middle-aged and elderly are physiologically more demanding for women than men

This study examined the physical and physiological demands and perceived experience of a multicomponent exercise mode, recreational team handball (TH), for middle-aged/elderly men and women, played as same- vs. mixed-gender 6v6 game formats. Matches' heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), perceived experience, activity profile, player load and accelerometer variables were assessed. Forty-one participants, with at least 12 weeks of experience with recreational TH (22 men; 69±4 years, 19 women; 66±6 years), performed 2 same- and 2 mixed-gender matches on an indoor 40x20 m TH court. A game format-by-gender interaction was observed for mean HR (%HRmax), time spent ˃80 and ˃90%HRmax, respiratory rating of perceived exertion and for several of the external load variables (p≤0.05). During mixed-gender matches, time spent ˃80 and ˃90%HRmax, was higher for women vs. men (p≤0.017). During same- and mixed-gender matches, BL was lower for women than men (p≤0.015). Time spent ˃90%HRmax was lower for women (p = 0.036), whereas time spent ˃80%HRmax was higher for men during same- vs. mixed-gender matches (p = 0.034). The frequency, %total match time and distance covered with high-demanding movements were higher for men during same-gender than during mixed-gender matches (p≤0.036), and higher for men vs. women in same- and mixed-gender matches (p≤0.046). The frequency of high-intensity actions, accelerations, time spent in the higher player load zones and total accumulated player load, were higher for men vs. women during same- and mixed-gender matches (p≤0.044). Fun levels were very high (9.1-9.3 AU, 0-10). Mixed-gender small-sided recreational TH games are physiologically more demanding for middle-aged/elderly women compared to men. Men showed higher cardiovascular and activity profile demands when playing same-gender matches, which was opposite to women. Nevertheless, TH is a high-intensity and motivating exercise mode for both genders, regardless the gender game format, meaning that exercise interventions may use same- and mixed-gender matches to promote participants' health.

Acute physiological response to different recreational team handball game formats in over 60-year-old inactive men

This study described the physical and physiological demands, activity profile and fun levels of recreational team handball (TH) game formats in over 60-year-old men with no previous experience with this sport (n = 17, 67.4±3.3 years). The participants performed 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7 matches (3x15-min periods) with fixed pitch size (40x20 m). In all testing sessions, heart rate (HR), differential ratings of perceived exertion and blood lactate were evaluated to measure internal load. Locomotor profile, game actions and accelerometer data were used to access external load. Also, fun levels were registered at the end of all testing sessions. Mean (76–77%HR_max) and peak HR (84–86%HR_max) decreased from the first to the third match period, in 6v6 and 7v7 (p≤0.034, d = 0.730). Blood lactate increased from baseline to the first period and decreased from the first to the third period in all game formats (p<0.001, d = 1.646). The participants covered longer total distances in 6v6 vs 5v5 (p≤0.005, d = 0.927) and spent more time in fast running in 6v6 vs 5v5 and 7v7 (p<0.001, d = 1.725) and in 5v5 vs 7v7 (p = 0.007, d = 0.912). A higher number of throws was performed in 5v5 vs 6v6 and 7v7 (p<0.001, d = 1.547), and in 6v6 vs 7v7 (p = 0.031, d = 0.779). The number of stops and total actions in 7v7 was significantly lower vs 5v5 and 6v6 (p≤0.003, d = 1.025). Recreational TH is a high-intensity and motivating exercise mode for middle-aged and older men, regardless the game format. However, higher high-intensity demands were observed during 5v5 and 6v6 game formats. Therefore, it is suggested a multiple game format (5v5, 6v6 and 7v7) training plan, with more use of 5v5 and 6v6 game formats, with training sessions lasting up to 15-min of warm-up and 3x15-min periods of match-play, when prescribing recreational TH to improve cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health in this population.

Comparative Efficacy of 5 Exercise Types on Cardiometabolic Health in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of 81 Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Although regular exercise is recommended for preventing and treating overweight/obesity, the most effective exercise type for improving cardiometabolic health in individuals with overweight/obesity remains largely undecided. This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate and rank the comparative efficacy of 5 exercise modalities on cardiometabolic health measures in individuals with overweight/obesity.

METHODS

A database search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception up to September 2020. The review focused on randomized controlled trials involving exercise interventions consisting of continuous endurance training, interval training, resistance training, combined aerobic and resistance training (combined training), and hybrid-type training. Exercise interventions aimed to improve somatometric variables, body composition, lipid metabolism, glucose control, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate eligible studies. A random-effects network meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework. The intervention ranking was carried out using a Bayesian model where mean and SD were equal to the respective frequentist estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 4331 participants (59% female; mean age: 38.7±12.3 years) from 81 studies were included. Combined training was the most effective modality and hybrid-type training the second most effective in improving cardiometabolic health-related outcomes in these populations suggesting a higher efficacy for multicomponent exercise interventions compared to single-component modalities, that is, continuous endurance training, interval training, and resistance training. A subgroup analysis revealed that the effects from different exercise types were mediated by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings corroborate the latest guidelines on exercise for individuals with overweight/obesity highlighting the importance of a multicomponent exercise approach to improve cardiometabolic health. Physicians and healthcare professionals should consider prescribing multicomponent exercise interventions to adults with overweight/obesity to maximize clinical outcomes.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42020202647.

Effects of After-School Volleyball Program on Body Composition in Overweight Adolescent Girls

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of an after-school volleyball program on body composition in overweight adolescent girls. Forty-two girls were randomly divided into a volleyball group (VG) (n = 22 age: 15.6 ± 0.5 years) and control group (CG) (n = 20; age: 15.5 ± 0.7 years). Both groups continued with their usual physical education activities, while VG was included as small-sided games, two times a week, after school, on modified volleyball courts. Body mass, body mass index (BMI), body fat in kg, body fat percentage, and muscle mass were analyzed by a bioelectrical impedance method. There was a significant interaction of group (VG vs. CG) × time (pre-vs. post) for weight [F_{1, 40} = 7.933; p = 0.004] and BMI [F_{1, 40} = 5.764; p = 0.015]. Additionally, a significant main effect of time was found for body fat (kg) [F_{1, 40} = 17.650; p < 0.001] and body fat (%) [F_{1, 40} = 18.721; p < 0.001]. The results of the current study show that a twelve-week after-school volleyball program, including two sessions a week, can improve body composition in overweight adolescent girls.

High bone mineral density in lifelong trained female team handball players and young elite football players

PURPOSE

Low bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures are a major concern in the female population and preventative strategies are needed. Whether team sports participation may reduce age-related bone loss in elderly women is still uncertain.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty healthy, non-smoking women participated in this cross-sectional study, i.e., elderly (60-80 years) team handball players (EH, n = 35), elderly untrained controls (EC, n = 35), young (18-30 years) elite football players (YF, n = 30) and young untrained controls (YC, n = 30). A whole-body and two regional dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were performed to evaluate BMD and a blood sample was collected for measurement of bone turnover markers (BTMs).

RESULTS

EH had higher BMD in all regions of the lumbar spine, except for L1, compared to EC (8-10%), and higher BMD in the femoral Ward's triangle (9%) and trochanter (7%) of the left leg. Furthermore, EH had higher mean leg BMD (8%) and whole-body BMD (5%) than EC. EH and YC had similar BMD in femoral trochanter, L1-L4 and mean leg despite an age difference of ~ 40 years. YF had higher BMD in all regions of the proximal femur (18-29%) and lumbar spine (12-16%) compared to YC, as well as higher mean leg BMD (20%) and whole-body BMD (13%). Sclerostin was 14% lower in EH compared to EC. YF showed higher PINP (98%), osteocalcin (57%), and CTX (83%) compared to YC.

CONCLUSION

Lifelong team handball training and elite football training are associated with superior bone mineralization and changed bone turnover in elderly and young women.

Randomised controlled trial comparing two group-based exercise programmes (team sport vs circuit training) on men's health: study protocol

Introduction

Physical activity promotes physical, psychological and social health. Despite this, almost half of middle-aged (35–54 years) Australian men are insufficiently active. Exercise adherence is increased with social interaction in a group setting. Team sport can leverage the power of groups and has shown to be more intrinsically motivating than discrete exercise modes. Evaluation of the effect of team sport compared with traditional group exercise on health, particularly psychological and social health, and physical activity levels of middle-aged men is limited. This study aims to compare the effects of team sport participation and group circuit training on physical activity levels and health in insufficiently active middle-aged men.

Methods and analysis

In this parallel randomised controlled trial, n=128 men aged 35–54 years will complete a 12-week team sport or group circuit exercise programme. Participants must self-report to not be meeting Australian physical activity guidelines or participating in team sport before recruitment. Health-related quality of life, exercise motivation, psychological needs satisfaction, sleep and physical activity levels (accelerometry), blood lipids, glucose and metabolic syndrome risk score will be assessed at baseline, end of the programme and 12 weeks follow-up. Linear mixed effect models will be used.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from the University of South Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics Protocol 203274). Study results will be disseminated via publication in disciplinary-specific journals, conference presentations, and as part of a Doctoral thesis.

Trial registration number

ANCTRN12621000483853.

Intensity-Modified Recreational Volleyball Training Improves Health Markers and Physical Fitness in 25-55-Year-Old Men

The present study is aimed at determining the effects of intensity-modified recreational volleyball training on health markers and physical fitness in healthy middle-aged men. Thirty-four healthy untrained men aged 25–55 years were randomized to either a modified recreational volleyball group (MRV, n = 17) or a recreational volleyball group (RV, n = 17). Both groups performed volleyball training twice a week over 12 weeks, with participants in MRV playing a modified game with higher intensity due to shorter breaks between rallies. The small to moderate improvements of both groups were observed in SBP (MRV g_av = −0.50 [-0.67, -0.33] vs. RV g_av = −0.37 [-0.55, -0.20]) to a similar extent (p = 0.12). However, only the MRV significantly improved (p < 0.001) the mean body weight (g_av = −0.35 [-0.52, -0.18]) and BMI (g_av = −0.39 [-0.56, -0.22]) to a moderate extent and the YYIR1 performance (g_av = 2.45 [2.22, 2.69]) to a large extent. Even though both groups significantly improved the rest HR, the mean change of rest HR was significantly greater in MRV as compared to the RV (p < 0.001,  ŋ_p² = 0.47). The study revealed that an intensity-modified type of recreational volleyball, involving shorter breaks between rallies, improves cardiorespiratory fitness and health markers for men aged 25–55 years.

Effects of recreational team handball on bone health, postural balance and body composition in inactive postmenopausal women - A randomised controlled trial

This study reports the effects of a recreational team handball exercise programme (randomised controlled trial, RCT) on bone health, postural balance and body composition in inactive postmenopausal women without previous experience of the sport. Sixty-seven postmenopausal women (68.3 ± 6.2 years, stature 156.9 ± 5.8 cm, body mass 65.6 ± 9.6 kg, body fat 40.9 ± 5.9%, VO_2peak 25.2 ± 3.6 mL·min^-1·kg^-1) were randomised into team handball (THG, n = 41) and control (CG, n = 26) groups. During the 16-week intervention period, THG performed two to three 60-min training sessions per week, while CG continued with their habitual physical activity. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC), biochemical bone formation (osteocalcin (OC), procollagen type-1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP)) and resorption (carboxy-terminal type-1 collagen crosslinks (CTX)) markers, postural balance, body fat and lean mass were evaluated at baseline and post intervention. A time x group interaction (p ≤ 0.02) was shown for lumbar spine BMD (+1.5%) and BMC (+2.3%), P1NP (+37.6 ± 42.4%), OC (+41.9 ± 27.0%) and postural balance (-7 ± 37% falls), in favour of THG with no changes in CG. This RCT showed that short-term recreational team handball practice had an impact on bone turnover and was effective for improving bone health and postural balance in postmenopausal women without previous experience of the sport, hence potentially helping to reduce the risk of falls and fractures.

Effect of recreational beach tennis on ambulatory blood pressure and physical fitness in hypertensive individuals (BAH study): rationale and study protocol

BACKGROUND

Different physical activities are widely recommended as non-pharmacological therapies to reduce blood pressure. However, the effectiveness of exercise programs is associated with its continuity and regularity, and the long-term adherence to traditional exercise interventions is often low. Recreational sports emerge as an alternative, being more captivating and able to retain individuals for longer periods. Besides, sport interventions have demonstrated improvements in physical fitness components that are associated with a lower incidence of hypertension. However, no studies have investigated the effects of recreational sports on 24 h ambulatory blood pressure. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of beach tennis training on ambulatory blood pressure and physical fitness in individuals with hypertension.

METHODS

This study will be a randomized, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel, and superiority trial. Forty-two participants aged 35-65 years with previous diagnosis of hypertension will be randomized to 12 weeks of beach tennis training group (two sessions per week lasting 45-60 min) or a non-exercising control group. Ambulatory (primary outcome) and office blood pressures, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength/power and quality of life will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention period.

DISCUSSION

Our conceptual hypothesis is that beach tennis training will reduce ambulatory blood pressure and improve fitness parameters in middle-aged individuals with hypertension. The results of this trial are expected to provide evidences of efficacy of recreational beach tennis practice on blood pressure management and to support sport recommendations for clinical scenario in higher risk populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03909321 . Registered on April 10, 2019.

Cardiovascular fitness and health effects of various types of team sports for adult and elderly inactive individuals - a brief narrative review

Recreational team sports offer an alternative form of exercise to inactive individuals across the lifespan and sexes. Soccer is the most investigated recreational team sport reporting a wide range of health benefits, including cardiovascular (CV) health. The quest for novel paradigms to promote exercise in the general population, recently extended its interest to other team sports besides soccer. The available research supports the importance of recreational team handball, floorball, basketball, touch rugby, futsal and volleyball as training paradigms to improve CV fitness and other health-related variables in inactive individuals across ages and sexes. In most cases, recreational team sports programs assume the form of small-sided games, eliciting mean heart rates of 72-85% of the individual maximal. The majority of the training interventions were carried out for 12weeks with a reported mean attendance of 2 times 40-60min per week. Maximal oxygen uptake improvements were different in magnitude across the recreational team sports, with recreational team handball providing significant and clinically relevant increases (>3.5ml·kg^-1·min^-1). Game format, training exposure and pre-intervention health and fitness status are issues that need further investigation with the aim to optimize recreational team sports exercise programs implementation. Furthermore, the nature and effects of grassroots team sports should be further studied in order to provide as many as possible effective training tools for former practitioners and for the general population that has none or little experience of sport. Given the potential positive impact of recreational team sports practice on world population's health, large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Effects of small-sided recreational team handball training on mechanical muscle function, body composition and bone mineralization in untrained young adults-A randomized controlled trial

Prolonged physical inactivity in young adults may lead to deficiencies in musculoskeletal fitness, and thus a need exists to develop physical activity and exercise programmes that are effective of increasing musculoskeletal fitness. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the effects of small-sided team handball training on lower limb muscle strength, postural balance and body composition in young adults. Twenty-six men and twenty-eight women were stratified for peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak) and body fat percentage and randomly allocated to either 12 wks of small-sided recreational team handball training (THG: 14 men and 14 women, age 24.1±2.6 yrs (mean±SD), VO_2peak 39.8±5.9 ml/kg/min and body fat percentage 32.7±8.7%) or serving as non-exercising controls (CON: 12 men and 14 women, age 24.8±3.1 yrs, VO_2peak 39.7±5.0 ml/kg/min, body fat percentage 31.7±9.7%). THG trained on average 1.8 times/week for 12 wks. At 0 and 12 wks, lower limb muscle strength, rate of force development (RFD), vertical jump height and power, postural balance, body composition and muscle biopsies were assessed. No training effects were observed for maximal isokinetic or isometric knee extensor strength, maximal vertical jump height or take-off power, fibre type distribution or capillarization. Late phase (RFD) increased (+7.4%, p<0.05) and postural sway excursion length was improved after training (-9%, p<0.05) in THG with no difference from CON (p>0.05). Further, THG demonstrated a decrease in body fat percentage (-3.7%) accompanied by increases in whole-body fat free mass (FFM) (+2.2%), leg FFM (+2.5%), total bone mineral content (BMC) (+1.1%), leg BMC (+1.2%), total hip bone mineral density (+1.6%) and hip T-score (+50%) which differed from CON (all p<0.05). In conclusion, recreational small-sided team handball training appears to effectively improve rapid force capacity, postural balance, lean and fat body mass and bone health in previously untrained young adults. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04247724).

ClinicalTrials.gov ID number: NCT04247724

Effects of Small-Sided Recreational Volleyball on Health Markers and Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged Men

The present study aimed to investigate whether recreational volleyball organized as small-sided games could improve fitness and health profiles of middle-aged men after 10 weeks of training. Twenty-four healthy men aged 35-55 were randomized in a small-sided recreational volleyball group (RV = 12; age: 44.7 ± 6.34 years; body mass index: 25.85 ± 1.74) and control group (CON = 12; age: 42.9 ± 8.72 years; body mass index: 25.62 ± 1.48). The RV group carried out a volleyball training program, whereas the CON group continued their daily life activities during this period. The participants in the RV group performed 2/3 training sessions of 90 min per week. Results from a repeated measure ANOVA indicated a significant group × time interaction for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (F = 6.776, p = 0.016, partial ƞ² = 0.235) and for resting heart rate (F = 11.647, p = 0.002, partial ƞ² = 0.346) in favor of the RV group. No significant changes were observed for body weight, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure. Results for physical fitness indicated a significant interaction for Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test-level 2 (F = 11.648, p = 0.003, partial ƞ² = 0.380), with no significant changes in both groups for handgrip strength. Recreational small-sided volleyball can be an effective training modality to stimulate a decrease in LDL cholesterol and resting HR with small improvements in cardiovascular fitness. Recreational volleyball played only two times per week shows positive cardiovascular fitness and health-related adaptations, which may contribute to the reduction of the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.

Estimation of maximal heart rate in recreational football: a field study

PURPOSE

To examine the accuracy of practical indirect methods (i.e., recreational football match and estimation equations) in assessing individual maximal heart rate (HRmax) in recreational football players. Sixty-two untrained male participants engaged in a recreational football intervention (age 39.3 ± 5.8 years, VO2max 41.2 ± 6.2 ml·kg-1·min-1, body mass 81.9 ± 10.8 kg, height 173.2 ± 6.4 cm) were tested for HRmax using a multiple approach, at baseline and post-intervention (i.e., in the untrained and trained status, respectively). Observed HRmax was plotted against peak match HR (Match-HRpeak) and HRmax estimated from prediction equations (EstHRmax) at both time-points.

RESULTS

In the untrained status, only the 211 - 0.64 × Age and 226 - Age equations showed non-significant (medium-to-small) differences with observed HRmax. The differences between observed HRmax and Match-HRpeak were large (P < 0.0001). At post-intervention, the observed HRmax (Post-HRmax) was significantly and largely lower than at baseline. The prediction equations under consideration provided EstHRmax values that were lower than Post-HRmax, with small-to-large differences (P > 0.05). The exception was for the 226 - Age and 211 - 0.64 × Age equations, with values largely higher than Post-HRmax.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests caution when considering EstHRmax and Match-HRpeak in recreational football interventions to track HRmax. The accuracy of EstHRmax may vary according to training status, suggesting the need for different approaches and equations across training interventions.

Long-Term Recreational Football Training and Health in Aging

This narrative review aims to critically analyze the effects of exercise on health in aging. Here we discuss the main clinical and biomolecular modifications induced by long-term recreational football training in older subjects. In particular, the effects induced by long-term recreational football training on cardiovascular, metabolic and musculo-skeletal fitness, together with the modifications in the muscle expression of hallmarks related to oxidative metabolism, DNA repair and senescence suppression pathways and protein quality control mechanisms will be provided. All these topics will be debated also in terms of preventing non-communicable metabolic diseases, in order to achieve successful aging over time.

Cardiovascular and metabolic health effects of team handball training in overweight women: Impact of prior experience

PURPOSE

We tested the hypothesis that participation in small-sided team handball training could provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in overweight premenopausal women with special focus on the importance of prior team handball experience.

METHODS

A 16-week RCT training intervention was conducted in overweight premenopausal women randomized into three groups: a team handball training group without prior experience (UN; n = 13), a team handball group with prior experience (EXP; n = 10), and an inactive control group (CON; n = 9). Both UN and EXP completed 1.6 ± 0.3 training sessions per week with average heart rates of 84 ± 5 and 85 ± 9% of maximal heart rate, respectively. Cardiovascular and metabolic parameters were assessed before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Compared to CON, UN had significant increases in VO_2max  (7 ± 4%) and intermittent endurance performance (26 ± 14%) as well as reduced total fat mass (4 ± 6%), total fat percentage (4 ± 5%), and android fat mass (7 ± 12%), respectively (all P < .05). Compared to UN and CON, EXP displayed increased left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index (both P < .05) after the training period. There were no significant changes between any of the groups in muscle mass, blood lipids, resting heart rate, and blood pressure (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Small-sided team handball training in overweight premenopausal women resulted in improvement of VO_2max and body composition for participants with minimal team handball experience, indicating that prior team handball experience is not a prerequisite for improving physiological parameters of importance for health. Furthermore, EXP displayed cardiac adaptations, including increased left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index.

Activity Profile, Heart Rate, Technical Involvement, and Perceived Intensity and Fun in U13 Male and Female Team Handball Players: Effect of Game Format

The aim of the study was to compare the activity pattern, heart rate (HR), technical involvement, and subjective perceptions in U13 boys and girls playing team handball in five game formats. Activity pattern, heart rate (HR), technical involvement, perceived fun, and exertion were recorded from four girls teams (n = 24) and four boys teams (n = 24) played during a 1-day tournament consisting of five different game formats of 15-min duration: Medium court size, 4v4 (M4v4), 5v5 (M5v5), and 6v6 (M6v6), and large court size, 5v5 (L5v5) and 6v6 (L6v6). Girls covered more total distance (TD) and high-speed running (HSR, 13-17.9 km·h^-1) on the large court compared to the medium court (p < 0.05; ES = 2.1-3.1 and 1.2-2.5, respectively). Boys covered more distance as HSR and sprinting on the large court compared to the medium court, but only more TD on the large court compared to the medium court with the same number of players, (p < 0.05; ES = 1.0-1.8, 1.0-1.8, and 1.1-1.8, respectively). Team handball for U13 boys and girls is a high-intensity activity irrespective of court size. Increasing the court size with a fixed number of players increased the total distance and HSR, whereas manipulating the number of players on a fixed court size appears to influence technical involvement.