Effect of FIFA 11+ in addition to conventional handball training on balance and isokinetic strength

Abstract

Considering that handball is a sport that requires physical contact, jumps, and fast movements, it is relevant to create prevention strategies to avoid injuries. It is known that better proprioceptive conditions and muscular balance are associated with reductions in sport injuries. The aim of this study was to analyse the cumulative effect of a twelve-week FIFA11+ training program in addition to conventional handball training on postural balance and isokinetic strength of the knee joint in female handball athletes. Twenty-one athletes (aged 11-14 years) were assessed and divided into two groups: intervention group (IG), composed of girls who practiced FIFA11+ associated with regular handball training, and control group (CG) composed of girls who participated only in team training. Both groups were assessed at pre- and post-intervention including knee muscular power using isokinetic dynamometer. Postural balance was assessed through computerized dynamic posturography, with sensory organization test (SOT), analysis of sensorial systems, and unilateral test. IG performed the FIFA11+ program exercises, twice a week, with sessions lasting 40 minutes on average, during 12 weeks. The results demonstrate an improvement in postural balance in IG group at condition 5 of SOT, and in the use of vestibular system at post-intervention, which did not occur in CG. As far as knee isokinetic muscular power is concerned, both groups showed improvements. In conclusion, the practice of FIFA11+ in addition to conventional handball training demonstrated important contributions on the postural balance of young players.