Effects of Unilateral Compound Training on Lower-Limb Strength Asymmetry and Athletic Performance in Female Handball Players (UCT-HB)

emale handball requires repeated sprinting, jumping, rapid changes of direction, and unilateral movements that may contribute to the development of lower-limb strength asymmetries. Such asymmetries have been associated with impaired athletic performance and an increased risk of injury. Although unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises have shown beneficial effects individually, evidence regarding the effectiveness of unilateral compound training in female handball players remains limited.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a six-week unilateral compound training program on lower-limb strength asymmetry, isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios, body composition, sprint performance, change-of-direction ability, countermovement jump performance, and single-leg jump performance in competitive female handball players.

Thirty competitive female handball players were randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group completed unilateral resistance and plyometric exercises three times per week for six weeks in addition to regular handball training, whereas the control group continued regular handball training only. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized laboratory procedures. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of unilateral compound training for reducing lower-limb asymmetry and improving sport-specific performance in female handball athletes.