Torque alteration after a training protocol of maximal-short duration contractions in handball athletes with goalie’s elbow syndrome.

Abstract

Objectives. Handball goalie's elbow is a specific elbow injury in handball goalkeepers. Although it seems that muscular strengthening programs are more effective from other therapeutic methods, there is little knowledge for the rehabilitation of the syndrome using this type of method. The aim of the study is: a) to present a strengthening training program with the method of maximal contraction of short duration and b) to record the subjective evaluation of the specific program from these athletes. Materials and Methods. The sample consisted of sixteen (16) top level Greek male goalkeepers (8 experimental / 8 control) who had suffered from goalie’s elbow injury. The experimental group (n=8) underwent a strengthening protocol with constant resistance for three months. The intervention program was isotonic with resistance training utilizing free-weights and specifically 3 bouts of 3-4 repetitions of 85-90% intensity. Results. 1 RM (repetition max) of strength at flexion and extension of elbow joint, at pronation and supination of forearm and at flexion and extension of the wrist has significant statistical differences between initial and final measurement in all movements of experimental group. The increase of 1 RM was 22.7% at extension of right wrist up to 45.5% at flexion of right elbow. In contrast to the control group, there was not any significant statistical difference. Conclusions. The application of the muscle strengthening training program with this kind of method is recommended to handball goalkeepers suffering from handball goalie's elbow injury.