Test-retest reliability of lower limb muscle strength, jump and sprint performance tests in elite female team handball players.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the reliability of lower limb muscle function (knee extensor/flexor peak torque, rate of torque development (RTD), impulse, and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance) and sprint performance (acceleration capacity).

Methods: CMJ performance was evaluated on a force plate. MVIC, RTD and impulse variables were investigated using a portable isometric dynamometer and sprint performance was assessed with dual-beam photocells in elite female athletes.

Results: CMJ test variables maximal vertical jump height, peak and mean power, concentric work, and body center of mass displacement demonstrated good-to-excellent test-retest correlations between Test 1 and Test 2 (ICC ≥ 0.70, CW = 3.4-11.0%). Peak MVIC torque for the knee extensors and flexors demonstrated excellent test-retest correlations (both ICC = 0.84) along with CV values of 6.8 and 6.0%, respectively. Late-phase (0-100 ms, 0-200 ms) RTD for the knee flexors demonstrated excellent test-retest correlations (ICC = 0.89-0.91, CV = 4.8-8.5%). Sprint times at 10- and 20-m demonstrated excellent test-retest reproducibility (ICC = 0.83 and ICC = 0.90, respectively) with CV values of 1.9 and 1.5%. For 5-m sprint times, test-retest reproducibility was good (ICC = 0.71) with CV of 2.8%. Sprint testing performed while dribbling a handball improved (p < 0.05) from test to retest at 5-, 10- and 20-m.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the force plate, the mobile isometric dynamometer, and dual-beam photocells provide reproducible tools for field-based testing of countermovement jump performance, knee extensor and flexor strength and sprint performance.