Effects of Elastic Band Exercises Added to the Warm-Up Program on Throwing Performance and Viscoelastic Properties of Upper Extremity Muscles in Youth Female Handball Players

This study examined the effects of elastic band exercises added to a traditional warm-up program on throwing performance and viscoelastic properties of upper extremity muscles in adolescent female handballers. Thirty female handballers aged 12-18 years participated in the study. The athletes were randomly divided into control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 15) groups. While elastic band exercises in addition to a traditional warm-up program, six days a week for six weeks. Throwing performance, viscoelastic properties, strength, and endurance of the upper extremity were evaluated by the Throwing Accuracy Test, Myotonometry, Modified Push-Up, and Medicine Ball-Throw Test, respectively. Immediate effects of warm-up showed significant improvements in standing and jumping throws in the experimental group (p < 0.05), but no improvement in standing throws in the control group (p = 0.504). Regarding viscoelastic properties, a significant increase in deltoid elasticity was observed in the Experimental Group (p = 0.023). Long-term effects showed improvements in throwing accuracy and changes in viscoelastic properties in both groups, with significant differences in biceps muscle tone and stiffness in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were also observed in Modified Push-Up and Medicine Ball Throwing Test results in both groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, elastic band exercises added to the traditional warm-up improved throwing accuracy and altered the viscoelastic properties of upper extremity muscles in handballers.