Relationship between Explosive Performance Measurements of the Lower Limb and Repeated Shuttle-Sprint ability in Elite Adolescent Handball Players

This study investigated the relationship between performance measures of the lower-limb and repeated shuttle-sprint ability (RSSA) in elite adolescent handball players. Twenty-two male handball players (age: 17.7 +/- 0.3 years) participated in the study. Subjects underwent measurements of lower-limb maximal strength (1-RM half back squat), explosive power (force-velocity test), jumping ability (squat and counter-movement jumps), sprinting velocities over the first step (V-S) and the first 5 m (V-5) of a 15 m sprint, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, Level 1. The players were tested for RSSA using a protocol of 6 repetitions of maximal 2 x 15-m shuttle sprints with 180 degrees turns (similar to 6 s) departing every 20 s. RSSA results were evaluated in three ways: best time in a single trial (RSSA(best)), decrement (RSSA(dec)) and total time (RSSA(TT)). The correlations of RSSA with the assorted fitness measures varied considerably. The RSSA(TT) and RSSA(dec) were positively associated with 1-RM half back squat (r = 0.78 and r = 0.68 respectively; p< 0.01). Significant correlations were also found between RSSA(parallel to) and RSSA(best) and absolute peak power of the lower limb (r = -0.81 and -0.66, respectively; p< 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between first step sprinting velocities and RSSA(TT) (r= -0.71; p< 0.01). The RSSA test score has a moderate to large association with other explosive power measurements in elite adolescent handball players. RSSA may provide a useful composite index on responses to training or rehabilitation, and is very suitable for monitoring athletic performance of the lower-limbs of elite adolescent handball players.