Effect of core stability training on throwing velocity in female handball players.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Controlled clinical trial without explicit randomization reported in the abstract
PubMed 20581697 · doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cc227e
What was done
Twenty-four female high-school handball players (mean age 16.6 ± 0.3 years) were divided into a sling exercise training (SET) group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 10). Both groups completed regular handball training for 6 weeks. Additionally, the SET group performed a progressive core stability program twice weekly, consisting of 6 unstable closed kinetic chain exercises. Maximal throwing velocity was assessed pre- and post-intervention using photocells.
What was found
Maximal throwing velocity significantly increased 4.9% from 17.9 ± 0.5 to 18.8 ± 0.4 m/s in the SET group (p < 0.01). The control group showed no significant change (17.1 ± 0.4 vs. 16.9 ± 0.4 m/s).
Why it matters
The study shows that integrating instability-based, closed kinetic chain core exercises into standard training can directly improve sport-specific functional performance, specifically throwing velocity.
Limits
The sample size was very small (n = 24), and the abstract does not describe randomization or blinding procedures. The cohort was limited to adolescent female handball players, restricting generalizability to other populations, age groups, or sports.
Cited by
- supports A substantial portion of upper body throwing strength and torque generation comes from core stability rather than the arm.