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Short-Term In-Season Strength Training With Functional Electromechanical Devices Versus Pulley-Based Systems:
Ángela Rodríguez Perea1,2, Darío Martínez-García2, Ignacio J Chirosa-Ríos2
1AMREDyS, Analysis of Human Movement, Sports Performance and Health, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
Purpose:
This study compared the effects of a 4-week in-season strength-training intervention using a functional electromechanical dynamometer (FEMD) versus a free-weight pulley-based (FWPB) system on throwing velocity, strength, and body composition in semiprofessional male handball players.
Methods:
Seventeen male handball players were randomly assigned to either an FEMD group (n = 8) or an FWPB group (n = 9) and completed a 4-week in-season strength-training program. Preintervention and postintervention assessments included throwing velocity (jumping and standing), isometric and dynamic strength using 2 different resistance devices, and body composition. A 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (time × group interaction) was used to assess the effects of the intervention.
Results:
No significant time × group interaction effects were observed for most outcomes (P > .05), indicating similar overall training adaptations. Both methodologies improved standing throwing velocity (time: P < .001, ηp2 = .621), although the FWPB group demonstrated a significantly higher overall jumping throwing velocity (P = .025, ηp2 = .293). Similarly, FEMD and FWPB training both improved various FEMD-based strength variables (P < .036, ηp2 > .261) and most pulley-based strength variables (P < .001), with FWPB showing additional specific gains in certain strength and power parameters (P < .05). Additionally, both groups showed overall increases in soft lean mass (P = .002, ηp2 = .494), with FWPB demonstrating a significant improvement (P = .043), while body-fat percentage remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
Both FEMD and FWPB strength-training methods improved neuromuscular performance and body composition in handball players during the competitive season, with no clear superiority of either modality. Despite the short duration, the results highlight the relevance of in-season strength training for maintaining and enhancing physical capacities including throwing velocity in handball players.
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