Short-Term In-Season Strength Training With Functional Electromechanical Devices Versus Pulley-Based Systems: Performance and Body-Composition Outcomes in Handball Players.

No significant time × group interaction effects were observed for most outcomes, indicating similar overall training adaptations between FEMD and FWPB groups.

• Seventeen semiprofessional male handball players were randomly assigned to FEMD (n = 8) or FWPB (n = 9) groups.
• A 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA (time × group interaction) was used to assess intervention effects.
• P > .05 for most time × group interaction effects.
• The intervention lasted 4 weeks during the competitive season.

Both groups improved standing throwing velocity following the 4-week intervention.

• Significant main effect of time for standing throwing velocity (P < .001, ηp2 = .621).
• No significant time × group interaction was reported for standing throwing velocity, indicating both groups improved similarly.
• The large effect size (ηp2 = .621) suggests a practically meaningful improvement.

The FWPB group demonstrated a significantly higher overall jumping throwing velocity compared to the FEMD group.

• Significant group effect for jumping throwing velocity (P = .025, ηp2 = .293).
• This represents a medium effect size (ηp2 = .293).
• This was one of the few outcomes where a between-group difference was observed.

Both FEMD and FWPB training improved various FEMD-based and pulley-based strength variables over the 4-week period.

• FEMD-based strength variables improved with P < .036 and ηp2 > .261 for time effects.
• Most pulley-based strength variables improved with P < .001 for time effects.
• FWPB showed additional specific gains in certain strength and power parameters (P < .05).
• No clear superiority of either modality was established for overall strength outcomes.

Both groups showed overall increases in soft lean mass, while body-fat percentage remained unchanged.

• Significant main effect of time for soft lean mass (P = .002, ηp2 = .494).
• The FWPB group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in soft lean mass (P = .043).
• Body-fat percentage did not change significantly in either group.
• The effect size for soft lean mass (ηp2 = .494) indicates a large effect.

A short 4-week in-season strength training program was sufficient to maintain and enhance physical capacities including throwing velocity in semiprofessional handball players.

• The study used a 4-week in-season intervention design.
• Participants were semiprofessional male handball players.
• Both throwing velocity and neuromuscular strength variables showed improvements despite the brief duration.
• Authors note the results 'highlight the relevance of in-season strength training for maintaining and enhancing physical capacities.'