Relationship between Anthropometric, Physical and Hormonal Parameters among Pre-Pubertal Handball Players

Alexandra Cselkó; Edina Ivett Szabó; Mark Váczi; Tamas Kőszegi; Eva Tékus; Marta Wilhelm

doi:10.3390/ijerph18199977

Relationship between Anthropometric, Physical and Hormonal Parameters among Pre-Pubertal Handball Players

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Sep 23;18(19):9977. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18199977.

Authors

Alexandra Cselkó^{1

2}, Edina Ivett Szabó^{1

3}, Mark Váczi¹, Tamas Kőszegi^{4

5}, Eva Tékus^{1

6}, Marta Wilhelm¹

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
² Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, H-7621 Pécs, Hungary.
³ Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
⁴ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
⁵ János Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
⁶ Sports Medicine Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7632 Pécs, Hungary.

Abstract

Background: The aims of our study were to investigate the changes in anthropometric and physical parameters and fasting hormonal levels among pre-pubertal female handball players (n = 14, age: 11.53 ± 0.58 yrs, height: 153.36 ± 5.12 cm, body mass: 43.59 ± 6.14 kg) in the pre-season period following 8 weeks of handball training, and to analyze the contribution of hormones, physical performance and anthropometric parameters.

Methods: Prior to and immediately following the training period, several anthropometric, strength, and cardiorespiratory variables, including fasting hormonal concentrations (plasma cortisol, estradiol, testosterone and growth hormones) were measured. Athletes performed concurrent resistance and aerobic exercises, including game-based trainings during the 8-week training period.

Results: Significant elevations were found in all strength parameters (maximal handgrip strength dominant (D): 16.40%, p < 0.01; non-dominant (ND): 25.15%, p < 0.05; maximal concentric (MVC) torque of quadriceps D: 13.82%, p < 0.05; ND: 12.61%, p < 0.05; MVC torque of hamstring D: 12.14%, p < 0.01; ND: 12.44%, p < 0.01), including plasma cortisol levels (C, 34.30%, p < 0.05) and peak respiratory quotient (5.24%, p < 0.05). Body composition and maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) remained unchanged. Percentage changes in thigh (r = 0.316, p < 0.05), hand (r = 0.361, p < 0.05), and hip circumference (r = 0.297, p < 0.05) correlated with C changes. Percentage changes in plasma growth hormone levels (GH) contributed to the magnitude of gains in handgrip strength (r = 0.553, p < 0.05). Percentage changes in maximal exercise pulmonary ventilation (MVE) correlated with elevated C (r = -0.592, p < 0.05).

Discussion: Changes in anthropometric variables and fasting hormone levels (estradiol, testosterone and cortisol) were poor indicators of developing VO_2max and strength during pre-pubertal years. Physical adaptation may not be explained in consideration of the athletes' hormonal or anthropometric characteristics.

Conclusion: Gradually increased training volume followed by a summer break should be applied to youth handball, considering the anti-hypertrophic responses and the inhibitory effect of elevating C on pre-pubertal maturation.

Keywords: children; cortisol; handball; sex hormones; strength.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Anthropometry
Athletes
Child
Female
Hand
Hand Strength*
Humans
Muscle Strength
Sports*