Position-dependent morning-to-evening variability in physical performances in elite male handball players

ABSTRACT

TThis study aims to assess: (i) the morning -to- evening variability in body temperature, ball throwing velocity (BTV), shooting address, explosive lower-body power, strength power, and the repeated sprint ability (RSA) among male handball players; and (ii) the diurnal variations according to players’ positions. Twenty-two participants assigned in players of thefront line (FL; N=11) and rear line (RL; N=11) completed assessments at 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., on two occasions dispersed throughout one week. Diurnal variations in BTV (p < 0.001), 1-RM Back Half Squat test (p < 0.001), and the counter movement jump (CMJ) test (p < 0.01) were recorded in the whole population. Specifically, morning -to- evening variabilities in BTV were noted in the FL (p < 0.05) and RL players (p < 0.001), with greater values observed in RL (p < 0.001). Significant variations were also observed in the 1-RM back half squat at RL (p < 0.01), and in CMJ (p < 0,01) and RSA (p < 0.05) at FL players. In conclusion, diurnal variations were higher in the evening compared to morning hours in players of RL in BTV and the explosive lower-body power, and in players of FL in CMJ and RSA performances. 

KEYWORDS:

• Ball throwing velocity
• repeated sprint ability
• shooting address
• strength power
• lines
• diurnal variations

Acknowledgments

Authors wish to thank all subjects who participated in the achievement of this study. A special thanks to Mr. Ammari Hsen for the help.

Disclosure statement

Authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.