Linking Isokinetic Strength to Functional Performance: A Correlational Analysis in Elite Male Handball Players

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between isokinetic and function-al performance tests used to determine upper and lower limb strength in elite handball players. 22 male volunteers participated in the study. Concentric/concentric (Con/Con) knee extension (EX) and flexion (FLX), shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external ro-tation (ER) tests at angular velocities of 60, 180 and 240°/sec and nine functional per-formance tests (FPT) were performed in lower and upper extremities of the partici-pants. There was no significant difference in isokinetic knee strengths in EX and FLX phases at all angular velocities on dominant (DS) and non-dominant (NDS) sides. There were significant differences in IR and ER isokinetic shoulder strength in favor of DS, while single leg hop for distance (SH) and medial rotation hop for distane (MRH) in favor of NDS. No significant correlation was observed be-tween lower extremity FPTs and isokinetic knee strength. A moderate positive correla-tion was found between isokinetic shoulder and knee strengths at some angular veloci-ties. In conclusion, it demonstrates that improving overall body stability can enhance both upper and lower extremity performance. Additionally, since the participants' asymmetric strength ratios are within a safe range, it can be said that under normal conditions the likelihood of injury is low.