Strength Training Using Elastic Band Improves Muscle Power and Throwing Performance in Young Female Handball Players

ABSTRACT Context: Imbalance in shoulder rotator muscles has been considered a risk factor for injuries in handball. Strength training programs (STP) may play an important preventive role. Objective: To verify the effects of an STP by using elastic band on shoulder muscles and ball throwing speed. Design: Randomized and prospective controlled trial. Setting: Exercise Physiology Laboratory. Participants: Thirty nine female handball players were randomly assigned to experimental (EG, n=21, 15.3±1.1yrs) or control (CG, n=18, 15.0±0.8yrs) groups. Intervention: The EG performed the STP with elastic band progressive exercises for six weeks before regular handball training and the CG underwent only their regular training. Main outcome measures: Before and after the STP, both groups underwent a ball throwing speed test and isokinetic test to assess shoulder internal (IR) and external rotator (ER) muscular performance. Results: Average power values for IR muscles presented a significant group vs. time interaction e...