Handball is one of the most popular team sports around the world that has become physically very demanding, related to both competitions and daily training sessions. Optimal training programs are necessary to improve performance, especially when taking into account the frequency of jump shots (vertical jumps) and handball feints (changes of directions) during daily training. The main objective of the present study is to review the available literature systematically, and to determine what are the effects of additional plyometric training on handball players’ vertical jump abilities. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, six studies were selected after a systematic search through four digital databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. The available scientific articles show that plyometric training alone or in combination with standard handball training, lasting at least six weeks, and including two training sessions per week, contributes to improving the performance of elite- or national-level handball players. Plyometric training is recommended to improve performance, as well as to maintain explosive strength parameters during the season.

Handball is a globally popular and physically demanding sport that requires high-intensity intermittent activities, with a particular emphasis on frequent ball throwing or shooting. The primary aim of this systematic review was to identify the risk factors for shoulder injuries in professional male handball players. The secondary aim is to propose preventive measures for reducing shoulder injuries in professional or elite handball players. This study followed the guidelines provided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to identify relevant studies. Only 8 studies met the eligibility requirements and were incorporated into the review. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) was assessed for the methodological quality of studies. Seven of the total eight studies were considered moderate quality, however, only one study was considered low quality. Based on this review findings, the following risk factors for shoulder injury are prominent among professional and elite male handball players. The primary factors for eventual shoulder injury are shoulder muscle imbalances, range of motion (ROM) discrepancies, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD), and scapular dyskinesis. Also, in one study authors specified player position as a potential risk factor.

Evidence on changes in strength and jump performance during the second half of the season in female soccer players remains limited. We assessed 18 senior semi-professional players (Tier 3, highly trained/national level) at the beginning, middle and end of this period for isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength (60 and 180°/s), squat (SJ), countermovement (CMJ), single-leg CMJ (SL CMJ) and drop jumps (DJ) on force plates, and body composition. Data were analyzed with linear mixed models, with false discovery rate adjustment across time effects. Knee extensor peak torque at 60°/s decreased by 4.6% (95% CI −7.2 to −1.9%; adjusted p = 0.022), whereas knee flexor strength did not change. SL CMJ height increased by 13.1% (adjusted p = 0.038), most likely reflecting task familiarization, whereas no bilateral jump variable changed after adjustment. The better-performing limb differed between tests in 65–89% of players for SL CMJ variables. Body mass did not change, whereas body fat percentage decreased from 18.5% to 16.6%. In conclusion, squat and countermovement jump height alone did not detect the decline in quadriceps strength; isokinetic strength testing may therefore complement in-season jump testing, with inter-limb asymmetry assessed repeatedly rather than from a single timepoint.

Background: This study examined age- and sex-specific differences in motives for physical activity among residents of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The study used the Special Eurobarometer on Sport and Physical Activity methodology, allowing comparison within a broader European context. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2023 with 945 participants (439 men, 506 women) aged 15-94 years. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests with Holm’s correction, and Cramér’s V for effect sizes across age and sex groups were used. Results: Improving health was the most frequently reported motive across all age groups and between both sexes, consistent with the EU trends. Younger individuals more often reported appearance-, performance-, enjoyment-, competition-, self-esteem-, and skill-related motives, whereas older adults focused primarily on health, relaxation, and fitness. Women emphasized appearance and weight control more than men, while men were more motivated by enjoyment, competition, and socializing. With age, appearance- and self-esteem-related motives declined more among women, whereas performance- and competition-related motives declined more among men. Conclusions: Motives for physical activity in Vojvodina vary significantly by age and sex, largely mirroring the EU patterns. These findings highlight the need for age- and sex-sensitive promotion strategies that reflect both European trends and local contexts.