Changes in Aerobic and Anaerobic Power Indices in Elite Handball Players Following a 4-Week General Fitness Mesocycle

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 4-week training pro-gramme during the first phase of the preparation period on selected indi-ces of somatic structure as well as aerobic and anaerobic power in elite handball players. Nine handball players from a first league team took part in the study; their average age was 25.5±3.7 years, body mass 86.5±7.6 kg (I session) and 87.9±7.3 kg (II session) (p<0.01), lean body mass – 74.4±6.6 kg (I) and 76.2± 6.2 kg (II) (p<0.01), body fat mass 12.1±3.1 kg (I) and 11.7±3.1 kg (II) respectively. Two evaluations were conducted – the first at the end of the season, the second at the initial phase of the preparation period. The second phase was preceded by a 4-week period of general endurance and strength training. Aerobic fitness was assessed indirectly, taking into account the results of the PWC170 test. The absolute and relative values of the PWC170 index increased signifi-cantly from 236.6 W to 269 W (p<0.01) and from 2.73 W/kg to 3.06 W/kg (p<0.01). The values of maximum oxygen uptake – VO2max were signifi-cantly improved from 3.65 l/min to 3.98 l/min (p<0.01) and from 42.3 ml/kg/min to 45.4 ml/kg/min (p<0.05). Anaerobic fitness was assessed using the 30-second Wingate test. A statistically significant improvement of the basic indices of aerobic fitness following the 4-week training pro-gramme proved its high effectiveness. Maintaining the level of the basic indices of anaerobic power despite the absence of specific training loads, seems to corroborate the strong effect of genetic factors on the level of anaerobic fitness and the effectiveness of strength training programs.