Abstract Aim: The present study aimed to screen for differences in isokinetic peak torque, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio, and proprioception within the lower limbs of female handball athletes. Methods: Twelve college-level female handball athletes with no previous experience with resistance training performed five maximal isokinetic contractions of the knee extensors and knee flexors to determine isokinetic peak torque and hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios. Proprioception was determined by assessing passive position sense on an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: The athletes presented significantly greater (p < 0.01) knee extensors isometric peak torque for the jumping limb (144.9 ± 23.1) when compared to the non-jumping limb (132.9 ± 21.5). The Hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio was below 0.6 for both limbs, being significantly greater (p < 0.01) for the non-jumping limb (0.56 ± 0.08) when compared to the jumping limb (0.50 ± 0.08). Conclusion: Female handball athletes that do not engage in resistance training can experience functional bilateral asymmetries in the knee extensors and knee-joint instability, as assessed by the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio due to the asymmetric characteristics of handball. Regular strength training might correct such asymmetries and instabilities.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi medir o perfil neuromuscular de jogadores de handebol durante uma competição em formato de jogos. Nove jogadores de handebol (idade: 23 ± 3 anos; estatura: 176,2 ± 10,5 cm; massa: 75,3 ± 8,6 kg) jogaram cinco partidas da modalidade em cinco dias consecutivos e tiveram marcadores de DM [como percepção subjetiva de dor (PSD), circunferência da coxa (CIR), amplitude de movimento do joelho (ADM) e altura de salto com contra-movimento (AS)] coletados antes da primeira partida e ao final de cada dia de competição. Mudanças ao longo do tempo nesses marcadores foram analisadas. Alterações significantes foram encontradas para todos os marcadores de DM coletados. A AS diminuiu significantemente durante o quarto dia de competição, quando comparado ao valor basal (0,41 ± 0,03 m vs. 0,45 ± 0,02 m). A ADM diminuiu após o primeiro dia de competição e permaneceu comprometida até o último dia (basal: 126,5 ± 7,2º; 1o dia: 115,8 ± 5,9º; 2o dia: 115 ± 7º; 3odia: 113,9 ± 8,8º; 4o dia: 114,4 ± 8,6º). A PSD e a CIR apresentaram aumento durante o segundo dia de competição e permaneceram alteradas até o final da mesma. Concluímos que a característica condensada das competições de handebol no Brasil leva a um quadro de DM significante. Se não evitado, o DM pode levar a comprometimentos no desempenho nas partidas mais importantes da competição (finais).

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the neuromuscular profile of handball (TH) players during a short-term condensed competition. Nine TH athletes (age: 23 ± 3 years; height: 176.2 ± 10.5 cm; mass: 75.3 ± 8.6 kg) played 5 handball matches in 5 consecutive days and had exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) markers such as soreness (SOR), thigh circumference (CIR), knee range of motion (ROM) and countermovement jump height (CMJ) collected before the first match and at the end of each day of competition. Changes over time in these markers were analyzed. Significant changes were found for all EIMD markers assessed. CMJ significantly decreased at the fourth day of competition when compared to baseline (0.41 ± 0.03 m vs. 0.45 ± 0.02 m). ROM decreased on the first day of competition and remained stable until the last day of competition (baseline: 126.5 ± 7.2º; 1st day: 115.8 ± 5.9º; 2nd day: 115 ± 7º; 3rd day: 113.9 ± 8.8º; 4th day: 114.4 ± 8.6º). SOR and CIR were increased at the second day of competition and remained altered thereafter. It was concluded that the characteristics of short-term condensed competition have led TH athletes to significant EIMD. If not avoided, EIMD might lead to reductions in performance in the most important (final) matches.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a influencia da fadiga no equilíbrio do pé de apoio no momento do chute em jogadores de futebol. Participaram desta pesquisa 19 atletas de futebol divididos em dois grupos: grupo exaustão (GEX) que realizou um esforço com carga incremental até a exaustão em esteira rolante, e o grupo controle (GCE) realizou um esforço leve-constante de forma continua em esteira rolante. Antes e após os protocolos foram avaliados parâmetros de equilíbrio estático em apoio unipodal, utilizando uma plataforma de força. O GEX apresentou aumento da área de deslocamento do centro de pressão (COP) (p < 0,05) após exaustão, tanto para o pé direito como para o esquerdo. A velocidade máxima de deslocamento do centro de pressão ântero-posterior da perna direita do GEX aumentou significantemente (p < 0,05) após a exaustão em relação aos valores de repouso. A fadiga pode diminuir a capacidade de equilíbrio do pé de apoio em jogadores de futebol. Principalmente no apoio com o pé que não é o usual de apoio para o chute.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fatigue on the balance of the support leg kick in soccer players. 19 soccer players were divided randomly into two groups: group exhauston (GEX), underwent an effort with incremental load at exhaustion on a treadmill, and the control group (GCE) underwent effort with constant lower load. Parameters of static balance in single support (one foot) were evaluated before and after the protocols, using a force platform (AMTI OR6-5). The GEX showed enlargement of the displacement of center of pressure (COP) (p < 0.05) after exhaustion, for the right foot. The maximum displacement of the antero posterior center of pressure of the right leg of the GEX incresead significantly (p < 0.05) after exhaustion in relation to resting values. In conclusion, fatigue can impair the ability to keep balance for the support leg in soccer players. Mainly on support to the foot that is not the usual support for the kick.