The aim of this study was to quantify the influence of competition-induced fatigue on functional stability in professional handball players. 20 male professional handball players (age 25.3±1.4 yr, body mass 70.3±2.7 kg, VO2max 61.2±2.2 ml kg) completed a 60 min simulated competition protocol replicating the activity Profile of match-play with a 10 min passive (rest) interval. At 10 min intervals players completed a 30 s single-legged balance task on an unstable biodex platform (level 3). Balance performance was quantified as a stability index and the mean deflection of the platform. Results showed no significant (P>0.05) main effect for exercise duration in the stability index, suggesting that balance performance was maintained throughout the competition. However, the mean deflection of the platform was significantly (P<0.05) shifted toward anterior displacement during the last 10 min of the protocol. There wasn’t significant relationship between lactate acid accumulation and variations of stability indices (r =-0/661, p<0.05). A change in balance strategy was evident during the last stages of protocol, which may increase the risk of injury. Therefore, the improvement of proprioception in the ankle and knee joint is recommended as a prevention role to the injuries in the abovementioned joints.
