Effectiveness of a Home-Based Telehealth Exercise Program Using the Physitrack® App on Adherence and Vertical Jump Performance in Handball Players: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Physitrack® on jump performance in handball players through performance, kinematic, and kinetic variables. Material and Methods: A pilot, randomized clinical trial was conducted with male handball players (n = 28). Participants were allocated to either an intervention group (IG), which completed a specific jump-training program, or a control group (CG), which followed a general strengthening program. Both programs were delivered via Physitrack® over an 8-week period. Vertical jump variables were assessed using force platforms (Hawkin Dynamics®), along with adherence questionnaires, the Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire (TSUQ), and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in jump height, flight time, and peak velocity (p < 0.05), without differences between groups. The IG, additionally, demonstrated improvements not statistically significant in the modified Reactive Strength Index (mRSI), Rate of Force Development (RFD), and power. Mean adherence was moderate, slightly higher in the IG (52.13% vs. 48.98%), with no significant differences between groups (p = 0.74). Physitrack® received an excellent usability rating (SUS: 83.3/100) and good satisfaction (TSUQ: 3.68/5). These findings should be interpreted with caution given the pilot nature of the study and the limited sample size, which restrict statistical power and the generalizability of results. Conclusions: Physitrack® is a feasible tool for prescribing home-based exercises and is well rated by users. It does not directly improve adherence but facilitates the implementation of effective programs although the content of the program has a greater influence on performance improvements than the platform itself.

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Publication Details

Journal
Applied Sciences
Published
2025-12-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/app152413108
Primary Topic
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
Type
article
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article

Effectiveness of a Home-Based Telehealth Exercise Program Using the Physitrack® App on Adherence and Vertical Jump Performance in Handball Players: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

A.L. Rodríguez Fernández, Francisco José, Andréa Kwapisz Dos Santos, Adrián García Catalán
Applied Sciences
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
article

Effectiveness of a Home-Based Telehealth Exercise Program Using the Physitrack® App on Adherence and Vertical Jump Performance in Handball Players: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

A.L. Rodríguez Fernández, Francisco José, Andréa Kwapisz Dos Santos, Adrián García Catalán
article en

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Physitrack® on jump performance in handball players through performance, kinematic, and kinetic variables. Material and Methods: A pilot, randomized clinical trial was conducted with male handball players (n = 28). Participants were allocated to either an intervention group (IG), which completed a specific jump-training program, or a control group (CG), which followed a general strengthening program. Both programs were delivered via Physitrack® over an 8-week period. Vertical jump variables were assessed using force platforms (Hawkin Dynamics®), along with adherence questionnaires, the Telemedicine Satisfaction and Usefulness Questionnaire (TSUQ), and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in jump height, flight time, and peak velocity (p < 0.05), without differences between groups. The IG, additionally, demonstrated improvements not statistically significant in the modified Reactive Strength Index (mRSI), Rate of Force Development (RFD), and power. Mean adherence was moderate, slightly higher in the IG (52.13% vs. 48.98%), with no significant differences between groups (p = 0.74). Physitrack® received an excellent usability rating (SUS: 83.3/100) and good satisfaction (TSUQ: 3.68/5). These findings should be interpreted with caution given the pilot nature of the study and the limited sample size, which restrict statistical power and the generalizability of results. Conclusions: Physitrack® is a feasible tool for prescribing home-based exercises and is well rated by users. It does not directly improve adherence but facilitates the implementation of effective programs although the content of the program has a greater influence on performance improvements than the platform itself.

Applied SciencesVol. 15(24)
Universidad San Pablo CEU (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 40%
Knee injuries and reconstruction techniques
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