BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was twofold; first we aimed to assess the validity and reliability y of a new handball agility test (S-HAT) wit and without ball, and secondly, we wanted to evaluate the association between the test and the explosive performance measurements of lower limbs in adult handball players. Seventy-two handball players (20.2±2 years) participated in this study.
METHODS: All players conducted the S-HAT with using ball and without. Electronic timing gates were used to record completion times. To assess the reliability of the S-HAT, each player performed the tests twice, on separate days. The criterion validity of the S-HAT was determined by examining the relationship between the S-HAT performances and two popular agility tests performances (T-half test and the Illinois test). To assess the reliability of the S-HAT, each player performed the tests twice, on separate 48 hours. Participants also underwent measurements squat, sprinting velocities on 5-m (V5) and 10-m (V10), and handball specific skill test (HST).
RESULTS: Our results showed no difference between test-retest S-HAT scores. The S-HAT test without ball was closely related to both the T-half test and Illinois agility tests (r=0.45 and r=0.42, P<0.01). The S-HAT with ball was closely related to both the T-half test and Illinois agility tests (r=0.38 and r=0.37, P<0.05). Significant correlations were also shown between the S-HAT test without ball, sprint V5m and V10 m (r=0.59 and r=0.55, P<0.01 respectively). Significant correlations were also shown between S-HAT test with ball, sprint V5m and V10 m (r=0.42 and r=0.41, P<0.05, respectively). Therefore, the HAT test with ball test was significantly correlated with Handball skill test and SJ (r=0.58, P<0.001 and r=0.38, P<0.005).
CONCLUSIONS: As indicated by the results of the current study, it was possible to obtain better performance results using the (substantial battery of field performance tests) which were designed by the researchers with and without a ball. The results in this test accounted for (55-65%) of the variation in the individual test measurements.

KEY WORDS: Sports; Test taking skills; Muscles

Title

Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Publisher

Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Publisher Country

Italy

Indexing

Thomson Reuters

Impact Factor

0.42

Publication Type

Online only

Volume

3

Year

2021

Pages

9-72