Effects of concurrent in-season training on physiological functions required for top handball performance athletes
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examined the physiological effects of combining contrast complex training (CCT) with either repeated short sprints (RSE) or high-intensity intervals (HIIT) on elite male handball players during the competitive season. The goal was to identify which training method more effectively enhances strength, endurance, and sprint performance. Fifteen elite handball players were divided into two groups during a 12-week training program, conducted alongside their regular handball practice. The RSE group (n = 8) performed 10 shuttle sprints (2x15m) with passive rest, while the HIIT group (n = 7) completed 5 repetitions of 30-second all-out sprints with directional changes. Both groups participated in CCT exercises, including squats at 90% of 1RM, jump squats at 50% of body weight, and drop jumps from 30 cm. Performance was assessed before and after the intervention using tests for jump squat rate of force development (RFD), 5-jump distance, 30m sprint, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), maximal squat strength, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (YYIRT 1), and VO2max. Both groups significantly increased maximal squat strength, with the RSE group improving by 8.8% and the HIIT group by 7.4% (p < .01). The HIIT group showed a greater improvement in RFD (63.3% vs. 56.3%, p < .05). VO2max increased by about 2% in both groups. YYIRT 1 improved by 9.4% in the RSE group and 5.8% in the HIIT group. However, acceleration (5m sprint) declined in both groups, more notably in the RSE group (-5.7%). RSSA performance deteriorated in the RSE group, while the HIIT group significantly enhanced their fatigue resistance, with a 39.1% improvement in Sdec at RSA (p < .09). CCT increased strength and RFD but did not improve acceleration. HIIT was superior to RSE in maintaining or improving repeated sprint ability, making it the preferred method for elite handball players during the competitive season.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Funding data
-
University of Mostaganem Abdelhamid Ibn Badis
Grant numbers PRFU N° J00L02UN270120230001
References
Adel, B., Abdelkader, B., Alia, C., Othman, B., Mohamed, S., & Houcin, A. (2019). The Effect of High-Intensity Exercise on Changes of Blood Concentration Components in Algerian National Judo Athletes. Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae, 59(2). https://doi.org/10.2478/afepuc-2019-0013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/afepuc-2019-0013
Androulakis-Korakakis, P., Langdown, L., Lewis, A., Fisher, J. P., Gentil, P., Paoli, A., & Steele, J. (2018). Effects of exercise modality during additional "high-intensity interval training" on aerobic fitness and strength in powerlifting and strongman athletes. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 32(2), 450‑457. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001809 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001809
Barbero, J. C., Granda-Vera, J., Calleja-González, J., & Del Coso, J. (2014). Physical and physiological demands of elite team handball players. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 14(3), 921‑933. https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2014.11868768 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/24748668.2014.11868768
Belkadi, A., Benchehida, A., Benbernou, O., & Sebbane, M. (2019). Competencies and training needs and its impact on determining the professional skills of Algerian elite coaches. International Journal of Physical Education, Fitness and Sports, 8(3), 51‑61. https://doi.org/10.26524/ijpefs1936 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26524/ijpefs1936
Belkadi, A, & Mime, M. (2019). Effects of tow protocol cold water immersion on the post match recovery and physical performance in youth handball players. International Journal of Sport Culture and Science, 7(2), 1‑12. https://doi.org/10.14486/IntJSCS.2019254980 DOI: https://doi.org/10.14486/IntJSCS.2019254980
Belkadi, Adel, Alia, C., & Mohammed, Z. (2020). Algerian Judo Competition Modality and its Impacts on Upper and Lower Limbs Strength Perseverance and Limitations. Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: Open Access Journal, 3(4), 293‑299. https://doi.org/10.32474/OSMOAJ.2020.03.000168 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32474/OSMOAJ.2020.03.000168
Belkadi, Adel, Othman, B., Mohamed, S., M, B. H., Gleyse, J., Adel, B., … Gleyse, J. (2015). Contribution to the Identification of the Professional Skills Profile of Coaches in the Algerian Sport Judo System. International Journal of Sports Science, 5(4), 145‑150.
Belkadi, Adel, Remaoun, M., & Benbernou, O. (2017). The Perception Of The Use Of (Ict) On The Acquisition Of New Teaching Skills According To (Teachers, Student Trainees) In The Physical Education And Sports.
Benhammou, S., Mourot, L., Mokkedes, M. I., Bengoua, A., & Belkadi, A. (2021). Assessment of maximal aerobic speed in runners with different performance levels : Interest of a new intermittent running test. Science & sports, 36(5), 413-e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2020.10.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scispo.2020.10.002
Benhammou, Saddek, Mourot, L., Coquart, J., Belkadi, A., Mokkedes, M. I., & Bengoua, A. (2022). The 180/20 intermittent athletic test : A new intermittent track test to assess the maximal aerobic speed in middle-distance runners. Revista andaluza de medicina del deporte, 15(1), 6‑11. https://doi.org/10.33155/j.ramd.2021.08.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33155/j.ramd.2021.08.001
Berria, M., Bachir, K., Eddine, S. N., & Adel, B. (2018). Study of LDH adaptations associated with the development of Speed endurance in basketball players U19. International Journal of Applied Exercise Physiology, 7(3), 35‑43.
Boudehri, M. E. amine, Belkadi, A., Dahoune, O., & Atallah, A. (2023). The effects of circuit exercise training strategy on health-related physical fitness level and biomarkers in elderly people with cardiovascular diseases. Quality in Sport, 11(1), 16‑31. https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2023.11.01.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2023.11.01.002
Breil, F. A., Weber, S. N., Koller, S., Hoppeler, H., & Vogt, M. (2010). Block training periodization in alpine skiing : Effects of 11-day HIT on VO2max and performance. European journal of applied physiology, 109(6), 1077‑1086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1455-1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-010-1455-1
Buchheit, M., Bishop, D., Haydar, B., Nakamura, F. Y., & Ahmaidi, S. (2010). Physiological responses to shuttle repeated-sprint running. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 31(6), 402‑409. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249620 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1249620
Buchheit, M., Laursen, P. B., Kuhnle, J., Ruch, D., Renaud, C., & Ahmaidi, S. (2009). Game-based training in young elite handball players. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(4), 251‑258. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1105943 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0028-1105943
Buchheit, Martin, Mendez-Villanueva, A., Quod, M., Quesnel, T., & Ahmaidi, S. (2010). Improving acceleration and repeated sprint ability in well-trained adolescent handball players : Speed versus sprint interval training. International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.5.2.152 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.5.2.152
Buchheit, Martin, Millet, G. P., Parisy, A., Pourchez, S., Laursen, P. B., & Ahmaidi, S. (2008). Supramaximal training and postexercise parasympathetic reactivation in adolescents. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 40(2), 362‑371. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31815aa2ee DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31815aa2ee
Cadenas-Sanchez, C., Fernández-Rodríguez, R., Martínez-Vizcaíno, V., de Los Reyes González, N., Lavie, C. J., Galán-Mercant, A., & Jiménez-Pavón, D. (2024). A systematic review and cluster analysis approach of 103 studies of high-intensity interval training on cardiorespiratory fitness. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 31(4), 400‑411. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad309 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad309
Cherara, L., Belkadi, A., Mesaliti, L., & Beboucha, W. (2022). Characteristics of Handgrip (Kumi-Kata) Profile of Georgian Elite Judo Athletes. GYMNASIUM, 23(1), 54‑66. https://doi.org/10.29081/gsjesh.2022.23.1.04 DOI: https://doi.org/10.29081/gsjesh.2022.23.1.04
Faude, O., Schnittker, R., Schulte-Zurhausen, R., Müller, F., & Meyer, T. (2013). High intensity interval training vs. high-volume running training during pre-season conditioning in high-level youth football : A cross-over trial. Journal of Sports Sciences, 31(13), 1441‑1450. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.792953 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2013.792953
Fernandez-Fernandez, J., Sanz, D., Sarabia, J. M., & Moya, M. (2017). The Effects of Sport-Specific Drills Training or High-Intensity Interval Training in Young Tennis Players. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12(1), 90‑98. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0684 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2015-0684
Fernandez-Fernandez, J., Zimek, R., Wiewelhove, T., & Ferrauti, A. (2012). High-intensity interval training vs. Repeated-sprint training in tennis. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 26(1), 53‑62. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220b4ff DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e318220b4ff
Geliebter, A., Maher, M. M., Gerace, L., Gutin, B., Heymsfield, S. B., & Hashim, S. A. (1997). Effects of strength or aerobic training on body composition, resting metabolic rate, and peak oxygen consumption in obese dieting subjects. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 66(3), 557‑563. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/66.3.557 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/66.3.557
Girard, O., Mendez-Villanueva, A., & Bishop, D. (2011). Repeated-sprint ability - part I : Factors contributing to fatigue. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 41(8), 673‑694. https://doi.org/10.2165/11590550-000000000-00000 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11590550-000000000-00000
Gorostiaga, E. M., Granados, C., Ibañez, J., González-Badillo, J. J., & Izquierdo, M. (2006). Effects of an entire season on physical fitness changes in elite male handball players. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(2), 357‑366. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000184586.74398.03 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000184586.74398.03
Granados, C., Izquierdo, M., Ibanez, J., Ruesta, M., & Gorostiaga, E. M. (2008). Effects of an entire season on physical fitness in elite female handball players. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(2), 351‑361. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31815b4905 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e31815b4905
Hermassi, S., Chelly, M. S., Tabka, Z., Shephard, R. J., & Chamari, K. (2011). Effects of 8-week in-season upper and lower limb heavy resistance training on the peak power, throwing velocity, and sprint performance of elite male handball players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25(9), 2424‑2433. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182030edb DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182030edb
Hermassi, S., Wollny, R., Schwesig, R., Shephard, R. J., & Chelly, M. S. (2019). Effects of in-season circuit training on physical abilities in male handball players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 33(4), 944‑957. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002270 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002270
Holviala, J., Kraemer, W. J., Sillanpää, E., Karppinen, H., Avela, J., Kauhanen, A., … Häkkinen, K. (2012). Effects of strength, endurance and combined training on muscle strength, walking speed and dynamic balance in aging men. European journal of applied physiology, 112(4), 1335‑1347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2089-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2089-7
Karcher, C., & Buchheit, M. (2014). On-court demands of elite handball, with special reference to playing positions. Sports medicine, 44(6), 797‑814. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0164-z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-014-0164-z
Krustrup, P., Mohr, M., Amstrup, T., Rysgaard, T., Johansen, J., Steensberg, A., … Bangsbo, J. (2003). The yo-yo intermittent recovery test : Physiological response, reliability, and validity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(4), 697‑705. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000058441.94520.32 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1249/01.MSS.0000058441.94520.32
Macfarlane, D. J., & Wong, P. (2012). Validity, reliability and stability of the portable Cortex Metamax 3B gas analysis system. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112(7), 2539‑2547. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2230-7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-2230-7
Maio Alves, J. M. V., Rebelo, A. N., Abrantes, C., & Sampaio, J. (2010). Short-term effects of complex and contrast training in soccer players' vertical jump, sprint, and agility abilities. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(4), 936‑941. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c7c5fd DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c7c5fd
Manar, B., Adel, B., Lalia, C., & Saddak, B. (2023). Investigating the Impact of Physiological and Neuromuscular Performance in Highly Trained Judo Athletes of Different Weight Categories. Slobozhanskyi Herald of Science and Sport, 27(3), 118‑127. https://doi.org/10.15391/snsv.2023-3.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15391/snsv.2023-3.002
Manchado, C., Tortosa-Martínez, J., Vila, H., Ferragut, C., & Platen, P. (2013). Performance factors in women's team handball : Physical and physiological aspects-A review. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 27(6), 1708‑1719. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182891535 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182891535
Michalsik, L. B., Aagaard, P., & Madsen, K. (2013). Locomotion characteristics and match-induced impairments in physical performance in male elite team handball players. International journal of sports medicine, 34(07), 590‑599. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1329989 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1329989
Michalsik, Lars Bojsen, Madsen, K., & Aagaard, P. (2015). Technical match characteristics and influence of body anthropometry on playing performance in male elite team handball. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(2), 416‑428. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000595 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000000595
Mohamed, K. S., Mohamed, K., Mohammed, S., Mokrani, D., & Belkadi, A. (2019). The Effect of Heavy Weight Training on Physiological Abilities of Soccer Players Under the Age 21 Years Old. Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae, 59(1), 33‑43. https://doi.org/10.2478/afepuc-2019-0004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/afepuc-2019-0004
Mohr, M., Krustrup, P., Nielsen, J. J., Nybo, L., Rasmussen, M. K., Juel, C., & Bangsbo, J. (2007). Effect of two different intense training regimens on skeletal muscle ion transport proteins and fatigue development. American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 292(4), R1594-1602. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00251.2006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00251.2006
Pino-Ortega, J., Rojas-Valverde, D., Gómez-Carmona, C. D., & Rico-González, M. (2021). Training design, performance analysis, and talent identification-A systematic review about the most relevant variables through the principal component analysis in Soccer, Basketball, and Rugby. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5), 2642. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052642 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052642
Saddek, B., Coquart, J. B. J., Mourot, L., Adel, B., Idriss, M. M., Ali, B., & Djamel, M. (2020). Comparison of Two Tests to Determine the Maximal Aerobic Speed. Acta Facultatis Educationis Physicae Universitatis Comenianae, 60(2), 241‑251. https://doi.org/10.2478/afepuc-2020-0020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/afepuc-2020-0020
Sanchez-Sanchez, J., Ramirez-Campillo, R., Petisco, C., Gonzalo-Skok, O., Rodriguez-Fernandez, A., Miñano, J., & Nakamura, F. Y. (2019). Effects of Repeated Sprints With Changes of Direction on Youth Soccer Player's Performance : Impact of Initial Fitness Level. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(10), 2753‑2759. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002232 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002232
Sheridan, S., McCarren, A., Gray, C., Murphy, R. P., Harrison, M., Wong, S. H. S., & Moyna, N. M. (2021). Maximal oxygen consumption and oxygen uptake efficiency in adolescent males. Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness, 19(2), 75‑80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2020.11.001 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesf.2020.11.001
Soylu, Y., Arslan, E., Sogut, M., Kilit, B., & Clemente, F. M. (2021). Effects of self-paced high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on the physical performance and psychophysiological responses in recreationally active young adults. Biology of Sport, 38(4), 555‑562. https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2021.100359 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/biolsport.2021.100359
Sperlich, B., Wallmann-Sperlich, B., Zinner, C., Von Stauffenberg, V., Losert, H., & Holmberg, H.-C. (2017). Functional high-intensity circuit training improves body composition, peak oxygen uptake, strength, and alters certain dimensions of quality of life in overweight women. Frontiers in physiology, 8, 172. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00172 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00172
Spiering, B. A., Mujika, I., Sharp, M. A., & Foulis, S. A. (2021). Maintaining Physical Performance : The Minimal Dose of Exercise Needed to Preserve Endurance and Strength Over Time. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(5), 1449‑1458. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003964 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003964
Tanaka, H., & Swensen, T. (1998). Impact of resistance training on endurance performance. Sports medicine, 25(3), 191‑200. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199825030-00005 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-199825030-00005
Thomakos, P., Spyrou, K., Katsikas, C., Geladas, N. D., & Bogdanis, G. C. (2023). Effects of Concurrent High-Intensity and Strength Training on Muscle Power and Aerobic Performance in Young Soccer Players during the Pre-Season. Sports, 11(3), 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11030059 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports11030059
Tjønna, A. E., Leinan, I. M., Bartnes, A. T., Jenssen, B. M., Gibala, M. J., Winett, R. A., & Wisløff, U. (2013). Low- and high-volume of intensive endurance training significantly improves maximal oxygen uptake after 10-weeks of training in healthy men. PloS One, 8(5), e65382. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0065382 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0065382
Viaño-Santasmarinas, J., Rey, E., Carballeira, S., & Padrón-Cabo, A. (2018). Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training With Different Interval Durations on Physical Performance in Handball Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(12), 3389‑3397. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001847 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001847
Wilson, J. M., Marin, P. J., Rhea, M. R., Wilson, S. M., Loenneke, J. P., & Anderson, J. C. (2012). Concurrent training : A meta-analysis examining interference of aerobic and resistance exercises. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 26(8), 2293‑2307. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31823a3e2d DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e31823a3e2d
World Medical Association, W. M. (2013). World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki : Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA, 310, 2191‑2194. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053
Youcef, K., Mokhtar, M., & Adel, B. (2022). Effects of different concurrent training methods on aerobic and anaerobic capacity in u 21 soccer players. Sports Science & Health/Sportske Nauke i Zdravlje, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.7251/SSH2201010Y DOI: https://doi.org/10.7251/SSH2201010Y
Zerf, M., Mokhtar, M., Kherfane, M. H., Adel, B., & Beboucha, W. (2021). Aerobic endurance levels as model control tools for individual prototypical training progres among algerian soccer players. Journal of Kinesiology and Exercise Sciences, 31(94), 31‑37. https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0015.7318 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0015.7318
Ziv, G. A. L., & Lidor, R. (2009). Physical characteristics, physiological attributes, and on-court performances of handball players : A review. European Journal of Sport Science, 9(6), 375‑386. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461390903038470 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17461390903038470