Abstract
Handball is one of the most traumatic sports. The knee is the most commonly
injured joint. To prevent knee injuries, optimal functional knee stability is of
great importance. Nevertheless, there is still no consensus about objective
criteria for knee function. Depending on playing class, injury rates seem to
differ. The purpose of this study was to evaluate knee function in handball
depending on playing class and to establish reference data for functional knee
stability. 261 handball players (25.1±5.8 years) performed a functional
test including two- and one-legged stability assessments, jump tests, speed and
agility analysis. Except for balance, differences between playing classes were
detected in all tests with superior performance of high-class players
(Germany’s 1st (“Oberliga”) and 2nd
(“Verbandsliga”) non-elite playing class). High-class players
achieved significant better results in jumping height
(p≤0.011–0.029), relative power per body weight in the
two-legged counter movement jump (p≤0.023) and speed and agility tests
(p≤0.001). This study illustrates the relevance of playing class
specific screening. Sports and playing class-specific databases will help to
identify individual deficits and strengths in order to prevent injury and
increase performance. Moreover, objective criteria for return to sports can be
established.
Key word
knee function - playing class - reference data - functional test battery - nonprofessional handball - return to sport criteria
