An Integrated Analysis of Physiological Determinants of Field Performance in Professional Handball Players: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: This study investigated how cardiopulmonary fitness, anaerobic capacity, knee isokinetic strength, and lower-body strength determine two key field performance measures, the 20-m sprint and the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test, in professional male handball players.Methods: Data from 22 professional male players collected during the 2017 national team selection were analyzed.We evaluated comprehensive fitness variables including maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max), anaerobic mean power, anaerobic fatigue index, knee flexor peak torque, knee extensor peak torque, and half-squat maximum weight.Multiple linear regression was utilized to analyze these integrated determinants against the 20-m sprint and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test.Results: For the 20-m sprint (adjusted R 2 =0.389),Wingate mean power was the primary determinant for reducing sprint time (p=0.034).For the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test (adjusted R 2 =0.511),VO2max was the strongest and most significant predictor (p=0.023).Whereas fatigue index or isolated muscle strength indicators such as knee flexor, extensor torque, and half-squat did not show statistical significance within both integrated models.Conclusion: Anaerobic mean power was the primary determinant of 20-m sprint performance, while maximal oxygen uptake was the strongest predictor of Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test performance.Knee isokinetic strength and lower-body strength were not significant determinants within the integrated models.These findings suggest that training programs should prioritize whole-body anaerobic power and cardiopulmonary endurance development, while future prospective research is needed to clarify the role of knee strength in injury prevention among professional handball players.
Authors: Kyung-tai Lee, Dong-hoon Lee, Seok-min Hwang
Institution: Korean Red Cross
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204748068