The Effects of an 8-weeks in-season loaded plyometric exercise by elastic band training program on the peak power, strength, and throwing velocity of junior male handball players

This study examined the effects of incorporating 8 weeks of biweekly upper limb loaded plyometric training (elastic band) into the in-season regimen of handball players. Trial participants were assigned between control (n = 15, age: 18.1±0.5 years, body mass: 73.7±13.9 kg) and experimental (n = 14, age: 17.7±0.3 years, body mass: 76.8±10.7 kg) groups. Measures obtained pre- and post- included a cycle ergometer force-velocity test, ball throwing velocity in three types throw, 1-RM bench press and pull-over, and anthropometric estimates of upper limb muscle volumes. Gains in the experimental group relative to controls included absolute muscle power (W) (Δ23.3%; t-test p