Upper Extremity Isokinetic Torque and Throwing Velocity in Team Handball

Abstract

This study investigated, the relationships between ball velocity of team handball jump and set shots and concentric isokinetic torque of selected upper-extremity movements. Concentric isokinetic torques were determined at 180, 240 and 300 degrees per second. The fastest ball velocity of four jump and four set shots and the average ball velocity of three jump and three set shots were determined using high-speed video techniques. Significant correlations (p > 0.05) were found between the fastest jump-shot ball velocity and shoulder extension, interval rotation, horizontal adduction, and elbow extension and flexion at all three isokinetic test velocities. Average jump-shot ball velocity demonstrated significant correlations with shoulder internal rotation, shoulder horizontal adduction, elbow extension and flexion at all three isokinetic test velocities. Fastest and average set-shot ball velocity showed significant correlations with shoulder abduction at all three isokinetic test velocities. Of the 48 correlations between ball velocity and ratios of shoulder extension:flexion, shoulder internal:external rotation, shoulder horizontal abduction:adduction and elbow extension:flexion, only two were significant. The results suggest that a resistance-training program to increase ball velocity of team handball shots should include exercises to increase torque capabilities of the movements showing significant relationships to ball velocity. In addition, no significant correlations between the ratio of agonist and antagonist muscle groups involved in the movements tested and ball velocity were apparent.