MEDICAL CARE AND STRENGTH TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE HANDBALL GOALIE'S ELBOW SYNDROME
D. HATZIMANOUIL1, K. NATSIS2, T. TOTLIS2, M. KARVANI2,G. SOFIDIS2, K. VLASSIS2
1Dept. of Physical Education and Sports Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
2Dept. of Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
Keywords: Team handball, goalkeeper, sports injuries, overuse syndromes, elbow, muscle-strengthening, exercise
Abstract
The “handball goalie’s elbow” is a chronic and almost inevitable syndrome affecting a great number of team handball goalkeepers. The aim of this study was to assess information regarding the medical care of high level team handball goalkeepers who present the “handball goalie’s elbow” syndrome, before and following a muscle-strengthening program. Sixteen goalkeepers were randomly divided into two equal groups. The injuries were inflicted by the intense striking of the ball on goalkeepers’ hands when blocking a shot. The players filled in a specific questionnaire relating to previous elbow injuries. The study group followed a muscle-strengthening program for three months. The control group did not follow any specific muscle-strengthening program. After the program was complete, all the athletes filled in the specific questionnaire again. The results displayed that the frequency of complaints was continuous for both groups, even after the muscle-strengthening program. Medical diagnosis revealed a variety of symptoms, and all players followed conservative treatment. Both group members presented complications. Relapses occurred when they returned to athletic activities, while the syndrome caused problems in their daily life outside the athletic field.
