A Comparison of Match Loads and Time Course of Recovery in Youth Handball Players With Different Neuromuscular Performance

Abstract

Background:

Fatigue-induced changes influence physical performance of youth players during and after handball matches.

Hypothesis:

Players with higher levels of neuromuscular performance may exhibit reduced postmatch fatigue and a faster recovery.

Study Design:

A prospective, comparative, repeated-measures observational design was used.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 34 outfield male youth handball players participated in this study (age, 15.42 ± 1.65 years; height, 171.31 ± 9.92 cm; body mass, 64.68 ± 15.14 kg). Each participant played 1 simulated match during the in-season phase. Neuromuscular performance was evaluated pre-, post-, 24 hours post-, and 48 hours postmatch using the maximal isometric hand grip strength test, the countermovement jump test, the 505 change of direction test, and a linear straight sprint test (i.e., 10 m, 20 m, 30 m). Moreover, perceived wellness was obtained at pre-, 24 hours post-, and 48 hours postmatch, and match-related internal and external loads were monitored. Random forest clustering was used to categorize participants into 2 clusters based on their prematch neuromuscular performance (i.e., higher- and lower-performing players).

Results:

Higher-performing players experienced greater internal and external match loads but showed minimal postmatch performance declines (P < 0.05). During the recovery period, lower-performing players exhibited greater impairments in sprint performance while higher-performing players reported elevated perceived fatigue and exhibited greater impairments in change of direction performance (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Higher neuromuscular performance enables youth handball players to manifest superior physical outputs during simulated matches and minimizes the extent of match-induced acute fatigue, but the contribution to a faster recovery remains unclear.

Clinical Relevance:

Training programs for youth handball players should emphasize the development of neuromuscular function, not only for enhancing match physical performance, but also for reducing acute fatigue.