Effects of an eight-week team handball intervention on balance and leg strength in older adults: a pilot study

With increasing age, functional decline leads to reduced physical activity and an elevated risk of falls. Positive effects on musculoskeletal, metabolic, and cardiovascular systems have already been observed from recreational team sports. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the effects of team handball-based activities on balance and leg strength in inactive, healthy older adults. We hypothesized that the intervention would improve balance and leg strength.

In this quasi-experimental pilot study participants were assigned to a team handball group (HG; n = 7; 72.57 ± 5.44 years) or a control group (CG; n = 6; 66.83 ± 2.64 years). HG conducted an eight-week small-sided team handball-based intervention (twice-weekly, 60 min), while the control group performed their usual activity. Static steady-state, dynamic steady-state, proactive, reactive balance, and leg strength were assessed at pre-, post-, and retention-testing (six weeks post-intervention).

Repeated-measures ANOVA (rmANOVA) revealed no significant group × time interaction effects. Where the assumptions for rmANOVA were violated, Mann-Whitney U tests revealed a between-group difference in change scores for static steady-state balance (eyes open) from pre- to retention-test (p = .032), with the HG showing greater improvement than the CG. Significant within-group effects of time were observed in the HG for proactive balance (p = .018) and leg strength (p = .021). post hoc analyses revealed a significant decline in proactive balance from post- to retention-test (p = .023) and significant improvements in leg strength from pre- to post-test (p = .048) and from pre- to retention-test (p = .048). No other significant between-group or within-group effects were observed.

Modified team handball-based activities may represent a feasible, enjoyable, and engaging form of physical activity for older adults. The significant between-group difference observed at the retention-test may suggest a delayed training effect; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory nature of this pilot study. Short-term participation in a structured team handball-based activity program was associated with improved leg strength within the intervention group. Balance outcomes did not show significant within-group improvements, and the decline in proactive balance at the retention-test may indicate a potential detraining effect, indicating that longer intervention periods may be required. Overall, modified team handball-based activities may represent a valuable complement to traditional exercise programs for older adults.