Abstract:

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of leg strength and jump performance on balance in handball players. Methods: It involved the evaluation of balance, leg strength, and jump performance of licensed handball players in our region. Athletes’ balance measurements were collected under three parameters (static balance with eyes open, static balance with eyes closed, and bipedal dynamic balance) using a CSMI-Tecnobody PK-252 isokinetic balance measuring device. Vertical jump was measured on a splash mat, horizontal (forward) jump on a flat surface, and leg strength with a back-leg dynamometer. Athletes’ anaerobic strengths were calculated based on the Lewis formula, and all data were analyzed on SPSS 22.0 V software. At statistical analysis, a test of normality (Shapiro Wilk) was applied to determine whether data were normally distributed (p>0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was applied for values exhibiting normal distribution in the test results, and Spearman correlation (r) for non-normally distributed values. Results: Negative correlation was observed between athletes’ vertical jump values and bipedal average track error (ATE) and stability indicator values. Negative correlation was observed between horizontal jump and bipedal ATE values, and between leg strength data and closed-eye average medial lateral speed values. Anaerobic strength values were also negatively correlated with closed-eye average forward-backward velocity, closed-eye PM, and bipedal ATE values (p<0.05). Examination of the analysis results showed that balance values decreased as vertical jump, horizontal jump, leg strength, and anaerobic strength increased. Conclusion: We concluded that an athlete would acquire better balance performance through jump, strength, strength, and anaerobic strength developing training.

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