Acute effects of systemic acupuncture treatment on strength and power performance of male handball players - A double blinded randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the acute effects of a systemic acupuncture protocol on strength and power performance of male handball players.

INTRODUCTION

Regarding sports performance, different strategies have been used displaying different outcomes. In a more holistic approach, the use of manual therapies such as acupuncture has gained increased attention.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 27 handball players divided into three distinct groups was used for analysis (Sham = 22.3 ± 3.77; Acupuncture = 23.6 ± 5.27; Control = 25.25 ± 5.50 years old). Participants were assessed for lower limb power (countermovement jump), handgrip strength, and maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) "pre" and "post" an acupuncture, control or Sham protocol.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding vertical jump performance. A significant reduction on MIVC was observed for the "Sham" group in the intraprotocol analysis for both dominant and non-dominant limbs (0.047). It was also found a significant reduction on handgrip strength in the intraprotocol comparison of both "Sham" (p = 0.028) and "acupuncture" (p = 0.015) groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an acute systemic acupuncture protocol provided a minor negative impact on handgrip strength performance in a sample composed of male handball players.