The Effects of a Structured Neuromuscular Program on Athletic Performance in Handball: A Controlled Trial with Pre-Post Intervention Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2025.4.14Keywords:
agility performance, explosive leg power, handball, neuromuscular conditioning, plyometric training, sport-specific adaptationAbstract
Objectives. The study aimed to examine the effects of a six-week neuromuscular training program on agility and explosive power in university-level male handball players using a non-randomized controlled design.
Materials and methods. Thirty players (20-24 years) were divided into experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. The experimental group completed five weekly 60-minute neuromuscular sessions, while the control group maintained their regular training regime. Agility (Illinois Agility Test) and explosive power (standing broad jump) were assessed in the pre- and post-intervention phase. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and ANCOVA (SPSS v22.0, p < 0.05).
Results. Following the intervention, the experimental group exhibited statistically significant gains in both agility and explosive power. Agility scores improved from a mean of 16.31 ± 0.92 seconds to 15.81 ± 0.82 seconds (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 0.56), while explosive power increased from 2.25 ± 0.15 meters to 2.37 ± 0.12 meters (p < 0.001; d = 0.87). ANCOVA revealed significant group differences after adjusting for pre-test performance (agility: F = 12.36, p = 0.001; explosive power: F = 35.54, p < 0.001). The control group did not show any meaningful changes (p > 0.05).
Conclusions. The findings indicate that a six-week neuromuscular training program is an effective method to enhance key performance metrics in handball players, supporting its incorporation into athletic development protocols. Further research should be conducted to investigate the long-term effects and sport-specific transfer.
Downloads
References
Hermassi, S., Chelly, M., Bragazzi, N., & Shephard, R. (2019). Effects of a short-term in-season plyometric training program on repeated sprint ability, leg power, and jump performance of elite handball players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching,14(4), 457-464. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747954119836477
Marcos-Pardo, P., Gil-Arias, A., Mendoza-Muñoz, M., García-Gordillo, M., & González-Gálvez, N. (2019). Effects of a 12-week circuit training program on body composition and functional capacity in elderly handball players. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(12), 2154. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16122154 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16030346
Scheer, V., Valero-Bernal, I., Camacho-Cardeñosa, A., López-López, D., & De la Cruz-Marín, E. (2021). Comparison of water-based vs. land-based high-intensity interval training on functional and cardiovascular adaptations in postmenopausal women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(8), 4222. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084222 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084222
Cormie, P., McGuigan, M. R., & Newton, R. U. (2011). Developing Maximal Neuromuscular Power: Part 2 – Training Considerations for Improving Maximal Power Production. Sports Medicine, 41(2), 125-146. https://doi.org/10.2165/11538500-000000000-00000 DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11538500-000000000-00000
Buckthorpe, M. (2014). Neural contributions to maximal muscle performance.
Kompf, J., Whiteley, J., Wright, J., Brenner, P., & Camhi, S. (2023). Resistance Training Behavior Is Enhanced With Digital Behavior Change Coaching: A Randomized Controlled Trial With Novice Adults. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 20(6), 531-537. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2022-0367 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2022-0367
Horníková, H., Jeleň, M., & Zemková, E. (2021). Determinants of Reactive Agility in Tests with Different Demands on Sensory and Motor Components in Handball Players. Applied Sciences, 11(14), 6531. https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146531 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app11146531
Oranchuk, D. J., Storey, A. G., Nelson, A. R., & Cronin, J. B. (2019). Isometric training and long‐term adaptations: Effects of muscle length, intensity, and intent: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 29(4), 484-503. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13375 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13375
El-Ashker, S. (2019). Differences in Electromechanical Delay Subsequent to Neuromuscular Fatigue: A Potential Relationship to Physical Fitness Training. International Journal of Sports Science and Arts, 03(03), 58-71. https://doi.org/10.21608/eijssa.2019.87512 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/eijssa.2019.87512
Stefanovic, F., Ramanarayanan, S., Karkera, N. U., Mujumdar, R., Sivaswaamy Mohana, P., & Hostler, D. (2022). Rate of change in longitudinal EMG indicates time course of an individual’s neuromuscular adaptation in resistance-based muscle training. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.981990 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.981990
Opie, G. M., Evans, A., Ridding, M. C., & Semmler, J. G. (2016). Short-term immobilization influences use-dependent cortical plasticity and fine motor performance. Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.NEUROSCIENCE.2016.06.002 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.002
Van Roie, E., Walker, S., Van Driessche, S., Delabastita, T., Vanwanseele, B., & Delecluse, C. (2020). An age-adapted plyometric exercise program improves dynamic strength, jump performance and functional capacity in older men either similarly or more than traditional resistance training. PLOS ONE, 15(8), e0237921. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237921 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237921
Koshy, A. T., Paul, A., & Kutty, N. A. M. (2020). Effectiveness of Plyometric Drills in Improving Lower Extremity Strength and Speed among Long Jump Athletes. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research.
Morris, S. J., Oliver, J. L., Pedley, J. S., Haff, G. G., & Lloyd, R. S. (2022). Comparison of Weightlifting, Traditional Resistance Training and Plyometrics on Strength, Power and Speed: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Sports Medicine, 52(7), 1533-1554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01627-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01627-2
Scanlan, A. T., Wen, N., Pyne, D. B., Stojanović, E., Milanović, Z., Conte, D., Vaquera, A., & Dalbo, V. J. (2021). Power-Related Determinants of Modified Agility T-test Performance in Male Adolescent Basketball Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 35(8), 2248-2254. https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000003131 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003131
Prathap, R. (2011). A Study on the effectiveness of a six-week plyometric training Program on agility.
Rice, P. E., & Nimphius, S. (2020). When Task Constraints Delimit Movement Strategy: Implications for Isolated Joint Training in Dancers. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00049 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2020.00049
Sañudo, B., Sánchez-Hernández, J., Bernardo-Filho, M., Abdi, E., Taiar, R., & Núñez, J. (2019). Integrative Neuromuscular Training in Young Athletes, Injury Prevention, and Performance Optimization: A Systematic Review. Applied Sciences, 9(18), 3839. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183839 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app9183839
Fukutani, A., Isaka, T., & Herzog, W. (2021). Evidence for Muscle Cell-Based Mechanisms of Enhanced Performance in Stretch-Shortening Cycle in Skeletal Muscle. Frontiers in Physiology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.609553 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.609553
Gross, M., Seiler, J., Grédy, B., & Lüthy, F. (2022). Kinematic and Kinetic Characteristics of Repetitive Countermovement Jumps with Accentuated Eccentric Loading. Sports, 10(5), 74. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10050074 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10050074
Cremoux, S., Elie, D., Rovsing, C., Rovsing, H., Jochumsen, M., Haavik, H., & Niazi, I. K. (2018). Functional and Corticomuscular Changes Associated with Early Phase of Motor Training. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01845-0_151 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01845-0_151
Mujika, I., Halson, S., Burke, L. M., Balagué, G., & Farrow, D. (2018). An Integrated, Multifactorial Approach to Periodization for Optimal Performance in Individual and Team Sports. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 13(5), 538-561. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0093 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0093
Wagner, M. C., Oden, G. L., Glave, A. P., & Hyman, W. V. (2015). Development of agility utilising a multidimensional modality of plyometrics. Journal of Fitness Research.
Hassan Elhofy, M. (2013). The Effect of Using Agility Drills on Developing Some Speed Abilities of Junior Soccer Players. Journal of Applied Sports Science, 3(1), 151-163. https://doi.org/10.21608/jass.2013.86542 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/jass.2013.86542
Raya, M. A., Gailey, R. S., Gaunaurd, I. A., Jayne, D. M., Campbell, S. M., Gagne, E., Manrique, P. G., Muller, D. G., & Tucker, C. (2013). Comparison of three agility tests with male servicemembers: Edgren Side Step Test, T-Test, and Illinois Agility Test. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 50(7), 951-960. https://doi.org/10.1682/jrrd.2012.05.0096 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2012.05.0096
Baoshan, T., Yujia, T., Xiuhong, R., Qing, N., & Xuchu, H. (2017). Portable broad jump measuring equipment.
Papanikolaou, Z. (2013). The Effects of an 8 Week Plyometric Training Program or an Explosive Strength Training Program on the Jump-and-Reach Height of Male Amateur Soccer Players. Journal of Physical Education and Sport.
Lindblom, H., Waldén, M., Carlfjord, S., & Hägglund, M. (2014). Implementation of a neuromuscular training programme in female adolescent football: 3-year follow-up study after a randomised controlled trial. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(19), 1425-1430. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-093298 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2013-093298
Enright, K. (2014). The impact of concurrent training on the physiological adaptations to sport specific exercise in elite footballers. https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.T.00004375
Caramoci, A., Ionescu, A. M., Nica, A. S., & Mazilu, V. (2016). The Influence of Specific Training on Explosive Power in Top Athletes. European Proceedings of Social & Behavioural Sciences, 121–127. https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2016.06.17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15405/epsbs.2016.06.17
Hayes, B. T., Harter, R. A., Widrick, J. J., Williams, D. P., Hoffman, M. A., & Hicks-Little, C. A. (2012). Lack of Neuromuscular Origins of Adaptation After a Long-Term Stretching Program. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 21(2), 99-106. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.21.2.99 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.21.2.99
Richmond, S., Emery, C. A., Doyle-Baker, P. K., & Nettel-Aguirre, A. (2011). Preventing lower extremity sport injury through a high intensity neuromuscular training program in a junior high school setting. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(4), 313.3-314. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2011.084038.11 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2011.084038.11
Majeedkutty, N. A. (2018). Accentuated eccentric training: Effects on horizontal jump distance and muscle strength among young adults. MOJ Yoga & Physical Therapy, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.15406/mojypt.2018.03.00045 DOI: https://doi.org/10.15406/mojypt.2018.03.00045
Colyer, S. L., Nagahara, R., & Salo, A. I. T. (2018). Kinetic demands of sprinting shift across the acceleration phase: Novel analysis of entire force waveforms. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, 28(7), 1784–1792. https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13093 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.13093
Park, S., Umberger, B. R., & Caldwell, G. E. (2022). A muscle control strategy to alter pedal force direction under multiple constraints: A simulation study. Journal of Biomechanics, 138, 111114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111114 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111114
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Anwar Ali S Syed, J David Mathew James
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
