The Effects of Short-Term Heavy Load Squat vs. Moderate Load Olympic Weightlifting Training on Maximal Strength and Force–Velocity Profile in Young Female Handball Players
<b>Objectives</b>: This study examined changes in maximal strength and the force–velocity (FV) profile in young female handball players following an in-season heavy load squat or a moderate load Olympic weightlifting short-term training intervention. <b>Methods</b>: A total o...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/187 |
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| Summary: | <b>Objectives</b>: This study examined changes in maximal strength and the force–velocity (FV) profile in young female handball players following an in-season heavy load squat or a moderate load Olympic weightlifting short-term training intervention. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 27 active young female handball players (age: 17.6 ± 0.98 years; height: 168.9 ± 5.1 cm; weight: 64.9 ± 10.6 kg) participated. 5RM back squats and unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps were assessed to establish the FV profile. Participants were divided into the following groups: the control group (CG; <i>n</i> = 8) followed its usual strength training including bodyweight exercises, the heavy load squat group (SQUAT; <i>n</i> = 7) performed heavy load back squats, and the Olympic weightlifting group (OWG; <i>n</i> = 12) used moderate load weightlifting derivates. <b>Results</b>: Absolute and relative 5RM back squat and vertical jump height increased in both intervention groups (5RM from 56.8 ± 5.5 to 62.2 ± 5.3 kg, <i>p</i> < 0.05 and CMJ height from 26.7 ± 4.7 to 28.4 ± 4.9 cm, <i>p</i> < 0.05 for SQUAT; 5RM from 56.6 ± 6.8 to 66.1 ± 6.9 kg, <i>p</i> < 0.05 and CMJ height from 26.9 ± 3.0 to 28.3 ± 3.2 cm, <i>p</i> < 0.05 for OWG), but not in the CG (5RM from 63.8 ± 12.5 to 63.4 ± 12.9 kg, CMJ height from 28.4 ± 2.2 to 27.7 ± 2.9 cm). The FV profile did not change significantly in either group. The theoretical maximal force remained almost unchanged in the SQUAT and OWG (+2% each), while only the OWG could slightly decrease FV imbalance (−14%). <b>Conclusions</b>: Both strength and Olympic weightlifting short-term training could improve strength and explosive performance, but without affecting the FV profile in young, less skilled female handball players. Olympic weightlifting may offer a slight advantage due to its potential to improve power production while optimizing FV imbalance. |
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| ISSN: | 2411-5142 |