Changes in the functional efficiency level among handball players (15–16- y.o.) from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship

Introduction. Handball is a discipline categorised by high intensity of direct opponent contact, which upturns the risk of injuries. Contemporary sports therapy puts a lot of pressure on injury prevention in competitive sports. The key issue is prophylaxis, used to reduce the possibility of injury or the causing factors. An important element of prophylaxis is comprehensive functional physiotherapeutic assessment, which allows for early detection of asymmetry, assessment of the probability of injury and the implementation of proper corrective techniques. One of the tools used for athlete’s comprehensive functional assessment is the Functional Movement Screen test.

Aim. A comparison of correct movement patterns among 15-16-year-old handball players from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in 2016-2018 and definition of changes on the of functional fitness level supported by implemented corrective exercises.

Materials and methods. The research material was of a group of 60 girls and 60 boys (15-16-y.o. amateur handball players). The research was carried out during the autumn meetings of the provincial cadre. The Functional Movement Screen test and the questionnaire were used for the study.

Results. In the group of girls during the 2016–2018 period, there was a regress of 2.18 points noticed, whereas in the group of boys, this equalled 3.53 points. Considering the results of the FMS test, corrective exercises were introduced. After the 6-month correction period,progress of 1.18 points was noticed in the group of girls and 1.80 points in the boys’ group.

Conclusions. 1. In the period of 2016–2018, weaker and slower results of tests assessing correct movement patterns were observed among girls and boys, which is obviously an indicator of high injury risk. 2. Implementation of corrective exercises in the training of handball players resulted in an increase of functional efficiency among the examined players.