While left-handers have been overrepresented among 7-meter shooters in handball, previous investigators have not found success from the 7-meter line to be related to handedness. Drawing on previous handedness research in sport, we performed two studies to examine possible negative frequency-dependent advantages to left-handedness during 7-meter throws among elite players. In Study I, we analyzed the records of 974 7-meter shooters from Danish and Norwegian elite divisions (485 males and 489 females) and found that left-handed males were overrepresented compared to the prevalence of left-handers in these two leagues, but left-handed females were not. An analysis of covariance showed no statistically significant associations between throwing arm or sex, and success from the 7-meter line. In Study II, we analyzed the records of 899 7-meter shooters at 41 major championships for both males and females between 2007-2023 (442 males and 457 females). We again found left-handed males to be overrepresented compared to their prevalence at the championships, but left-handed females were not. Also, in alignment with Study I, an analysis of covariance found no associations between throwing arm or sex, and success from 7-meter throws. These findings further underline the complexities associated with lateral biases in sports, where there appear to be benefits for left-handed males in the selection process that are not evident during performance execution.

UNASSIGNED:
UNASSIGNED: The high incidence of knee injuries in football/handball challenges effective prevention. Identifying tangible and modifiable factors associated with a knee injury may innovate preventive actions. Engaging key stakeholders can reveal crucial insights that could improve knee injury prevention in football/handball.
UNASSIGNED: To investigate football/handball stakeholders\' perspectives on reasons for acute and severe knee injuries to generate a conceptual model on important factors associated with knee injuries in football/handball.
UNASSIGNED: Mixed-method participatory Group Concept Mapping was applied to collect statements from football/handball stakeholders (players/coaches/healthcare staff/researchers) on the question, \'What may explain why some players sustain a knee injury?\'. Participants rated the importance and feasibility of screening for each statement. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis produced a cluster map, forming the basis for developing a final conceptual model.
UNASSIGNED: Stakeholders (n=37) generated and sorted 100 statements. Cluster analysis followed by cluster map validation yielded seven themes: (1) the player\'s physical and motor skill profile, (2) preparation and training, (3) footwear and playing surface, (4) the sport\'s impact on the risk of injury, (5) mental and physical fatigue, (6) history of injury and 7) genetics and context. A final conceptual model illustrating factors associated with knee injuries in football/handball was developed. Forty-six statements were identified as both important and feasible to screen for.
UNASSIGNED: Stakeholders\' perspectives on knee injuries in football/handball revealed a complex interplay of factors. We developed a conceptual model fostering stakeholder dialogue for enhanced prevention. Key among its themes is \'preparation and training\'.

While previous studies have explored a range of factors governing the optimal use of caffeine (CAF) in athletes, limited research has explored how time of day (TOD) affects the ergogenic effects of various CAF dosages on physical performance. This study aimed to increase knowledge about how different recommended CAF doses (3 mg/kg vs. 6 mg/kg) ingested at different TODs affected maximal high-intensity physical performance and the perception of potential side effects in female athletes. In this double-blind, randomized, and counterbalanced study, 15 low CAF consumer athletes (aged 18.3 ± 0.5 y) underwent six trials, including three testing conditions assessed across two TODs: one in the morning (08:00 a.m.) and one in the evening (06:00 p.m.). During each condition, the participants ingested either a placebo, 3 mg/kg CAF (CAF (3 mg)), or 6 mg/kg CAF (CAF (6 mg)) capsules 60 min before each test with an in-between washout period of at least 72 h. In each trial, the participants performed a countermovement jumps test (CMJ), a modified agility t test (MATT), a repeated sprint ability (RSA), a rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and finally, a CAF side effects questionnaire. Our findings indicate the absence of an ergogenic effect on CMJ, MAT, and RSA performance in the evening after administering CAF (3 mg) or CAF (6 mg) compared to a placebo. Likewise, when CAF was ingested in the morning, there was an improvement in these performances with both CAF (3 mg) and CAF (6 mg), with greater improvement observed after CAF (6 mg). Additionally, neither the CAF dosage nor the TOD had a significant effect on the RPE. The occurrence of side effects increased significantly after the evening ingestion of CAF, particularly with a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg). Our findings indicate that the effectiveness of CAF depends on the TOD and CAF dosage. When ingested in the morning, a moderate dose of CAF (6 mg), rather than CAF (3 mg), is more effective in improving short-term physical performance without affecting CAF side effects in female athletes. Nevertheless, when ingested in the evening, neither dose was sufficient to enhance short-term physical performance, and both dosages increased the incidence of CAF side effects, particularly at a moderate dose.

Given the complex nature of the handball as a game, players are required to possess a distinct set of physical and physiological attributes to attain peak performance. With the countermovement vertical jump (CVJ) being widely implemented as a non-invasive and time-efficient testing modality in sports settings, the purpose of the present study was twofold: (a) to establish a CVJ profile of professional female handball players and (b) to examine differences in force-time metrics between starters and non-starters. Forty-two professional female handball players (e.g., SuperLeague) volunteered to participate in this study. Each athlete performed three maximum-effort CVJs with no arm swing while standing on a uni-axial force plate system sampling at 1,000 Hz. Independent t-tests were used to examine differences in each variable between starters and non-starters. The results revealed that starters attained superior performance within the eccentric phase of the CVJ when compared to non-starters, particularly in terms of eccentric peak velocity (-0.957 ± 0.242 vs. -0.794 ± 0.177 m·s-1), eccentric mean power (320.0 ± 77.7 vs. 267.1 ± 75.2 W), and eccentric peak power (929.0 ± 388.1 vs. 684.4 ± 214.2 W). While not reaching the level of statistical significance, moderate-to-large effect sizes were observed for concentric impulse, peak velocity, and mean and peak force and power, all in favor of players included in the starting lineup (g = 0.439-0.655). Overall, these findings suggest that at the top-tier level of handball competition, the ability to secure a spot in a starting lineup may be possibly influenced by the athlete\'s eccentric performance capabilities. Thus, the development of lower-body eccentric strength and power may positively impact on-court athlete performance and ultimately help the team secure the desired game outcome.

The phenomenon of post-activation performance enhancement plays an unidentified role in movement eccentric speed and individual muscle group responses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the loaded front squat (FSq) speed of the eccentric phase would influence the post-activation performance enhancement effect and whether the FSq would elicit similar performance enhancement of knee flexion, knee extension, hip flexion, and hip extension muscles. Twenty resistance-trained handball players performed the FSq under maximum eccentric-concentric speed and 2-s eccentric speed (only the eccentric phase performed), while pre- and post-front squat countermovement jump, knee, and hip isokinetic flexion/extension performance were tested. The FSq conditioning activity was performed in a single set of three repetitions with either 90% (maximum eccentric-concentric speed) or 120% (2-s eccentric speed) of one repetition maximum, and post-performance was measured 4-12 min after the FSq. Athletes randomly changed the FSq eccentric speed and tested the hip or knee isokinetic flexion/extension strength at 180°/s. ANOVA showed that the rate of force development during the jump increased (Cohen d = 0.59-0.77) with no differences between 2-s eccentric and maximum speed eccentric protocols. Isokinetic strength increased after the 2-s eccentric FSq in hip extension (d = 0.76-0.86), knee flexion (d = 0.74-0.88), and hip flexion (d = 0.82), with no differences in knee extension strength. After maximum eccentric-concentric speed, isokinetic strength increased in hip extension (d = 1.25). In conclusion, the FSq conditioning activity enhances hip extensors\' performance more than knee extensors\' performance. Different eccentric types of muscle action during a conditioning activity alter the level of local muscle enhancement.

This meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of plyometric training on physical fitness attributes in handball players. A systematic literature search across PubMed, SCOPUS, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science identified 20 studies with 563 players. Plyometric training showed significant medium-to-large effects on various attributes: countermovement jump with arms (ES = 1.84), countermovement jump (ES = 1.33), squat jump (ES = 1.17), and horizontal jump (ES = 0.83), ≤ 10-m linear sprint time (ES = -1.12), > 10-m linear sprint time (ES = -1.46), repeated sprint ability with change-of-direction time (ES = -1.53), agility (ES = -1.60), maximal strength (ES = 0.52), and force-velocity (muscle power) (ES = 1.13). No significant impact on balance was found. Subgroup analysis indicated more pronounced agility improvements in players ≤ 66.6 kg compared to > 66.6 kg (ES = -1.93 vs. -0.23, p = 0.014). Additionally, greater improvements were observed in linear sprint and repeat sprint ability when comparing training durations of > 8 weeks with those ≤ 8 weeks (ES = -2.30 to -2.89 vs. ES = -0.92 to -0.97). In conclusion, plyometric training effectively improves various physical fitness attributes, including jump performance, linear sprint ability, maximal strength, muscle power and agility.

UNASSIGNED: Physical therapists use tests that could determine strength and weaknesses of the shoulder for overhead throwing athletes to enhance performance, prevent injury, and safely progress rehabilitation. The Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) has been proposed to assess muscular capacity and dynamic shoulder stability in overhead athletes, which could provide information to determine a risk of injury.
UNASSIGNED: To investigate if the CKCUEST is an appropriate test to implement within team elite handball players to evaluate dynamic shoulder stability across sexes and in the screening of shoulder pain.
UNASSIGNED: Cross-sectional study.
UNASSIGNED: Elite team handball players were recruited and performed the CKCUEST from which three different scores (raw, touch, and power) were calculated and compared among handball players playing with shoulder pain, previous pain, and no pain.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 106 handball players were included: 49 females (1.74±0.03 m, 70.4±6.7 kg, and 22±4.9 years) and 57 males (1.90±0.08 m, 91.6±11.4 kg, and 22±5.4 years), A significant difference was found between the female and male handball players when comparing all three CKCUEST scores (p<0.01). No significant differences were found in the CKCUEST scores among the three different groups (F≤1.23, p≥0.30, η2≤0.03). Among the female participants, no significant differences were found between performing the CKCUEST and the modified test. A significant correlation was found between height and the power score for men (r=0.661, p≤0.001) and women (r=0.434, p=0.01).
UNASSIGNED: A comparison of scores across sexes appears unsuitable, due to the possible positive influence of height on the final score. But within the female group, performances of the CKCUEST and the modified CKCUEST were comparable. Additionally, the CKCUEST was not able to differentiate among elite handball players who are playing with shoulder pain, previous shoulder pain, and no pain.
UNASSIGNED: 3.

(1) Background: Given the physiological characteristics of handball, players may require the use of certain sports supplements (SS). However, very few studies have investigated the consumption of SS in handball. The aims were to determine the number of handball players who consume SS, to analyze their SS consumption pattern according to gender and competitive level, and to assess whether the SS they consume are supported by scientific evidence, and to which group they belong according to the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). (2) Methods: A descriptive-correlational study was carried out on the habitual consumption of SS in 360 federated Spanish players by using a self-administered and validated questionnaire. (3) Results: These showed 65.8% of the sample consumed SS. According to the total number of participants, the most consumed supplements were from Group A: sports drinks (30.8%) and whey protein (30.4%). When analyzing the data by gender, the men\'s consumption was significantly higher for whey protein (p < 0.001), caffeine (p = 0.009), and creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001). When analyzed by competitive level, the provincial category players group showed a significantly lower consumption than the rest of the groups for protein bars (p = 0.038), whey protein (p = 0.005) and creatine monohydrate (p < 0.001), while the honor division group showed a significantly higher intake of creatine monohydrate than the remaining groups (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The handball players showed a moderate consumption of SS, without using substances that were not supported by scientific evidence and opting in most cases for supplements belonging to group A from the AIS classification. Men tended to consume more SS, and SS consumption increased based on competitive level.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate adolescents\' experiences with the food selection at the sport arena.
METHODS: Four focus group interviews were conducted with 4-6 participants each. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were coded in NVivo and the analysis was guided by thematic analysis.
METHODS: Adolescents from handball and football clubs in Oslo and Viken, Norway, participated in the study.
METHODS: A total of nine boys (11-14 years old) and ten girls (11-14 years old) participated in the study.
RESULTS: We identified four main themes: interest for healthy food; experiences with the food selection at the sports arena; factors influencing participants\' food choices at the sports arena and expectations related to a healthy food selection at the sports arena. Adolescents across the focus groups experienced the food selection at the sports arena as unhealthy. Price, marketing and availability of unhealthy food were important factors that influenced their food choices at the sports arena. The trainer appeared to motivate the participants to eat healthy.
CONCLUSIONS: Participants wished for a healthier food selection at the sports arena. Cost of food emerged as a factor that influenced their food choices. Our study also indicates that marketing of unhealthy food and beverages should be restricted, to influence adolescence food choice towards healthier alternatives.

UNASSIGNED: This cross-sectional study aimed to describe dietary habits in Swedish adolescent handball players and differences with respect to sex and school grade.
UNASSIGNED: Participants in the Swedish Handball Cohort answered a web-survey assessing adherence to sports nutrition recommendations for meal frequency and meal timing, and the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR) for fruits/vegetables and fish/seafood, food exclusions and use of dietary supplements. Differences with respect to sex and school grade were estimated with generalised linear models, generating prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% CIs.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 1040 participants (16.6±0.9 years, 51% males) were included. Overall, 70% and 90%, respectively, met recommendations for meal frequency and meal timing, whereas adherence to recommended carbohydrate intake during training/game was met by 17%. Adherence to the NNR for fruits/vegetables and fish/seafood was met by 16% and 37%, respectively. Twenty-eight per cent reported using dietary supplements. Females reported lower frequency of meals, especially morning snacks (-0.6 days/week (95% CI -0.3 to -0.9)) and evening snacks (-0.8 days/week (95% CI -0.5 to -1.1)), higher prevalence of exclusions due to intolerances (PR 1.66 (95% CI 1.31 to 2.01)) and other reasons (PR 1.36 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.64)), higher adherence to the NNR for fruits/vegetables (PR 2.30 (95% CI 1.98 to 2.62)) and use of micronutrient supplements (PR 1.72 (95% CI 1.43 to 2.00)) compared with males. Only small differences were observed between school grades.
UNASSIGNED: Swedish adolescent handball players\' dietary habits are fairly in accordance with sports nutrition recommendations but not the NNR. Females appear to display more restrictive habits than males.