Relationship between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players in Qatar State

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.

Physical demands in elite team handball: comparisons between male and female players

AIM

The aim of the present study was to examine potential differences in the physical demands imposed on male vs. female adult elite team handball players during match-play.

METHODS

Male and female elite team handball players were monitored over a six and five season time span, respectively. Each player was evaluated during match-play by use of video recording and subsequent computerized locomotive and technical match analysis. Furthermore, physiological measurements during match-play, physical testing and anthropometric measurements were performed.

RESULTS

Female players (FP, N.=82) covered a longer mean total distance per match (4693±333 m, group means±SD) compared to male players (MP, N.=83, 3945±538 m) when playing full time (P<0.01). FP exercised at a greater relative workload (79.4% of VO2-max) than MP (70.9% of VO2-max, P<0.05), but performed less high-intense running per match (2.5% of total distance covered) than MP (7.9%, P<0.01). FP also spent less time standing still (10.8% of total effective playing time) compared to MP (36.9%, P<0.001) and showed fewer activity changes (663.8±99.7) compared to MP (1482.4±312.6, P<0.001). MP received more tackles in total in offence (34.5±21.3) and performed more tackles in total in defence (29.9±12.3) compared to FP (14.6±9.2, 20.7±9.7, P<0.05). Furthermore, MP performed more high-intense technical playing actions per match (36.9±13.1) than FP (28.3±11.0, P<0.05). The mean body height and body mass differed between MP (189.6±5.8 cm, 91.7±7.5 kg) and FP (175.4±6.1 cm, 69.5±6.5 kg, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial gender-specific differences in the physical demands in elite team handball were observed, with MP performing more high-intense, strength-related playing actions and high-intensity running than FP. Conversely, FP covered a greater total distance and demonstrated a higher relative workload than MP. The physical training of male and female elite team handball players should be designed to reflect these contrasting needs.

Physiological capacity and physical testing in male elite team handball

AIM

The aim of the present study was to examine the physical demands placed on male elite team handball players in relation to playing position.

METHODS

Male elite team handball field players were evaluated during match-play over a six season time span using physiological measurements and by subsequent physical testing.

RESULTS

Mean heart rate and relative workload during match-play (N.=41) were 163 ± 5 beats·min⁻¹ (group means±SD) and 70.9 ± 6.0% of VO(2-max), respectively. Relative workload was lower (P<0.01) in the second half vs. the first (66.3 ± 5.9% vs. 75.4 ± 5.6% of VO(2-max)). Post-match blood lactate concentration was 4.8 ± 1.9 mM (range: 2.8-10.8 mM). Mean fluid loss was 0.81 ± 0.41 l pr. match. Mean VO(2max) was 5.18 ± 0.66 l O2·min-1 corresponding to 57.0 ± 4.1 mL O₂·min⁻¹·kg⁻¹. Mean total running distance in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 2) was 895 ± 184 m (range: 520-1360 m), which was greater in wing players (975 ± 123 m) than backcourt players (897 ± 108 m) and pivots (827 ± 264 m) (P<0.05). Fastest 30-m sprint time was 4.09 ± 0.12 s (range: 3.87-4.28 s). The repeated sprint test (7 x 30 m) yielded a mean fatigue index of -8.1 ± 2.7 %. Maximal jumping height in "Jump and Reach" testing was 0.71 ± 0.08 m (range: 0.61-0.86 m). Maximal ball throwing speed was observed using the set shot with 3-step run-up (92.8 ± 5.3 km·h⁻¹, range: 75.8-108.2 km·h⁻¹).

CONCLUSION

Modern male elite team handball imposes moderate-to-high demands on the aerobic energy system and high demands on the anaerobic energy systems during certain periods of the match. Indications of temporary fatigue and a subsequent decline in performance were observed, since the relative workload decreased both in the first and in the second half of the match. Physiological profiles and physical test results differed between playing positions, with wing players covering a greater total distance in the Yo-Yo test and showing superior jumping performance and repeated sprint running capacity than backcourt players and pivots.

Match performance and physiological capacity of female elite team handball players

The present study evaluated the physical demands imposed on female elite team handball players in relation to playing position. Female elite team handball field players were examined during match-play over a 5-year period using video based computerized locomotion analysis of tournament matches. In addition, physiological measurements during match-play and in separate physical tests were carried out. A total distance of 4002±551 m (group means±SD) was covered per match with a total effective playing time of 50:42±5:50 min:s, while full-time players covered 4693±333 m. On average, each player (n=83) performed 663.8±99.7 activity changes per match, and the mean speed was 5.31±0.33 km · h(-1). High-intensity running constituted 0.8±0.5% of total effective playing time per match corresponding to 2.5±1.8% of the total distance covered. The amount of high-intensity running was reduced (p<0.05) 21.9% in the second half (44.9±16.8 m) compared to the first (57.5±21.3 m). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2-max) was 3.49±0.37 l O2 · min(-1) corresponding to 49.6±4.8 ml O2 · min(-1) · kg(-1). Mean relative workload during match-play was 79.4±6.4% of VO2-max. Mean total running distance in the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (level 1) was 1436±222 m, which was greater in wing players (1516±172 m, p<0.05) than pivots (1360±118 m) and backcourt players (1352±148 m). In conclusion, modern female elite team handball is a physically demanding intermittent team sport, where players are exposed to high relative workloads with substantial estimated aerobic energy expenditure interspersed by short periods of dominant anaerobic energy production as reflected by the limited amount of high-intensity running. Indications of fatigue and a resulting decline in physical performance were identified, since the amount of high-intensity running and the relative workload levels decreased in the second half. Positional differences were observed, with wing players covering a greater total distance than backcourt players, performing more high-intensity running and demonstrating a better intermittent recovery capacity (Yo-Yo test outcome) compared to both backcourt players and pivots.

Locomotion characteristics and match-induced impairments in physical performance in male elite team handball players

The purpose of this study was to determine the physical demands and match-induced impairments in physical performance in male elite Team Handball (TH) players in relation to playing position. Male elite TH field players were closely observed during 6 competitive seasons. Each player (wing players: WP, pivots: PV, backcourt players: BP) was evaluated during match-play using video recording and subsequently performing locomotion match analysis. A total distance of 3 627±568 m (group means±SD) was covered per match with a total effective playing time (TPT) of 53:51±5:52 min:s, while full-time players covered 3 945±538 m. The mean speed was 6.40±1.01 km · h - 1. High-intensity running constituted only 1.7±0.9% of TPT per match corresponding to 7.9±4.9% of the total distance covered. An average of 1 482.4±312.6 activity changes per player (n=82) with 53.2±14.1 high-intensity runs were observed per match. Total distance covered was greater in BP (3 765±532 m) and WP (3 641±501 m) than PV (3 295±495 m) (p<0.05), and WP performed more high-intensity running (10.9±5.7% of total distance covered) than PV (8.5±4.3%, p<0.05) and BP (6.2±3.2%, p<0.01). The amount of high-intensity running was lower (p<0.05) in the second (130.4±38.4 m) than in the first half (155.3±47.6 m) corresponding to a decrease of 16.2%.In conclusion, modern male elite TH is a complex team sport that comprises several types of movement categories, which during match-play place moderate-to-high demands on intermittent endurance running capacity and where the amount of high-intensity running may be high during brief periods of the match. Signs of fatigue-related changes were observed in terms of temporary impaired physical performance, since the amount of high-intensity running was reduced in the second half. Notably, physical demands differed between playing positions, with WP demonstrating a more intensive activity pattern than BP and PV, respectively.