Relationship between ball velocity and the shoulder rotators isokinetic torque in high-level handball players

Objectives. - The aim of this study was to calculate correlations between isokinetic torque of the internal and external dominant shoulder rotators and ball velocity in high-level handball players. Synthesis of facts. - Internal and external shoulder rotators were examined in twenty-one national level handball male players on the concentric mode action at 60, and 120 degrees/second. External rotators were examined on the eccentric action at 60 and 120 degrees/second. Concentric ratio ERcon/IRcon and mixed ratio ERecc/IRcon were calculated. Ball velocity was measured in three types of throw: throw in seated position, standing throw and throw with three meter running jump. After statistical analysis using the Spearman correlation coefficient, no correlation was found between strength of internal and external shoulder rotators and ball velocity. The relationship between ball velocity of the throw in seating position and concentric and mixed ratios at 60 and 120 degrees/second was significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion. - Peak torque of internal and external rotators of the dominant shoulder was not a good indicator of throwing velocity. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.