Effects of yoga on ankle and knee stabilization in young male team-handball players: A study based on assessments

Sebestyen, Mate; Binnenbruck, Axel; Nemes, Roland; Bako, Diana; Dobos, Karoly; Adorjan, Gabor; Ökrös, Csaba

Abstract

In recent decades, team-handball hereinafter referred to as handball, has evolved into one of the most dynamic ball sports. With the game's increasing pace and the heightened strain on athletes' joints and muscles, injury rates have significantly risen. To prevent injuries, professionals are continually seeking new methods. In this study, we present a preventive approach and its effects. This is considered novel in handball. It is well known that various yoga poses engage the body in all directions, potentially contributing to improving athletes' joint range of motion. While the effects of regular yoga practice on physical and mental performance are widely discussed in both national and international literature, few studies link it to improving sports performance. Our study presents the changes observed after integrating a 12-week yoga program into the training routine of the youth players from the Grundfos Tatabánya Handball Club (Hungary). Of the 22 players participating in the study (age 15.27 ± 0.45 years; weight 73.04 ± 11.09 kg; height 182.13 ± 6.62 cm), two groups were formed: an 11-member yoga and an 11-member control group, following random distribution. During the testing period, the yoga group attended yoga sessions led by a certified instructor twice a week in addition to their regular handball training, while the control group followed only the sport-specific training program. Three testing methods focusing on lower limb stabilization, flexibility, and dynamic strength were used. Measurements were taken every four weeks to monitor progress. Results of the first and fourth assessments were compared by using the Student's t-tests. Our findings confirmed our initial hypothesis that the yoga program positively affected the players' ankle and knee stabilization and joint mobility of their lower limbs without negatively impacting their dynamic explosive leg strength.