Multivariable associations of lower-limb performance indicators with sprint and reactive agility in elite female handball players
Nebahat Eler, Serdar Eler, Murat Bilge, Kubra Altunsoy, Tevfik Cem Akalin
article (Uluslararası, Hakemli) | Yazar(lar): Nebahat Eler, Serdar Eler, Murat Bilge, Kubra Altunsoy, Tevfik Cem Akalin | Yıl: 2026 | Dergi/Kurum: BMC SPORTS SCIENCE MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION | İndeks: WOS.SCI | DOI: 10.1186/s13102-026-01718-5 | Anahtar Kelimeler: Agility, Sprint, Reactive strength, Female handball,
Background Acceleration, short-distance sprinting, and rapid change-of-direction are critical performance determinants in handball. This study examined the associations between key lower-limb performance indicators and sprint/reactive agility outcomes and evaluated their independent associations within multivariable models in elite female handball players. Methods Twenty-seven athletes (n = 27; age 15.61 +/- 0.69 years) completed assessments of countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), reactive strength index (RSI_{3-5}), leg stiffness, and relative power; sprint performance (0-5-10-20 m) and reactive agility were evaluated using standardized field protocols. Pairwise relationships were analysed using Pearson's correlations, and independent contributions were evaluated with AIC-guided multivariable linear regression (standardized beta, adjusted R & sup2;). Results Strong associations were observed between CMJ/RSI and sprint/agility parameters (r = 0.65-0.89, p < 0.01). In regression models, RSI and leg stiffness were retained as significant associated variables, particularly in relation to the 5-20 m sprint segments and reactive agility (standardized beta = 0.31-0.67). The models showed high explanatory capacity for sprint outcomes, reaching an adjusted R & sup2; of 0.825 in the 5-10 m sprint model, and more moderate explanatory capacity for agility outcomes (adj. R & sup2; = 0.422). Conclusions These findings indicate that jump-derived elastic/neuromuscular indices, particularly RSI and leg stiffness, are independently associated with sprint and reactive agility performance in elite female handball players. However, given the cross-sectional design, these associations should not be interpreted causally. The results may help identify candidate performance-monitoring variables for practice settings. Prospective and intervention-based studies are required to determine whether modifying these variables improves sprint or agility outcomes.