ANALYSES OF TIME-MOTION AND HEART RATE IN ELITE FEMALE PLAYERS (U19) DURING COMPETITIVE HANDBALL MATCHES

Heart rate and time-motion were examined in elite female handball players (U19) during six competitive matches. The average age of the participants was 17.9 +/- 0.3 years, the average mass was 65.4 +/- 6.9 kg, and the average height was 169.6 +/- 6.9 cm. Time-motion analyses of the players were performed using Video Manual Motion Tracker 1.0 software. The descriptive approach of the study determined the overall physical activity (distance [m]) and type of locomotion (standing, walking, jogging, medium-intensity running, high-intensity running, sprinting). The players' heart rates were monitored using TEAM Polar(2)Pro sport testers (Polar Electro, Kempele, Finland). The maximum heart rate was measured by means of the Yo-Yo intermittent level 1 (YYIRT1) recovery test. One-way ANOVA with repeated-measures was used to compare data on heart rate, covered distance and speed. Based on the results from the time-motion analysis, the average distance covered was 113.3 +/- 8.6 m per minute per match. The average distance the players covered during the matches was 3399 +/- 362.3 m. The shortest distance (385.8 +/- 371.6 m), was traversed by standing and walking, and the longest distance (935.8 +/- 165.5 m) by jogging. The players' average heart rate was 183.7 +/- 7.3 beats min-1. The mean intensity during the matches represented 89.6 +/- 3.6% of the maximal heart rate (HRmax). The results of this study demonstrate that handball is a high-intensity intermittent sport. The physiological profile shows that the players spent more than 83% of the playing time per match in the high-intensity zone (>85% HRmax). Based on this, training focused on anaerobic exercises and interval training methods is recommended. Anaerobic training ensures that players will be ready to carry out a high intensity performance and to maintain it during the whole match. Maintaining high intensity depends chiefly on the ability to replenish energy systems during the period spent in lower-intensity locomotion. We recommend working on the improvements in anaerobic and aerobic power during practice sessions.