Associations between Absolute and Relative Lower Body Strength to Measures of Power and Change of Direction Speed in Division II Female Volleyball Players.

Whitney Tramel,Keston G Lindsay,Robert G Lockie,J Jay Dawes

doi:10.3390/sports7070160

Whitney Tramel, Keston G Lindsay + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7070160

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Abstract

Volleyball is a sport comprised of multiple explosive efforts and multidirectional change of direction speed (CODS) actions. Since strength underpins both of these abilities, it is important to explore the relationship between these variables in order to develop strength and conditioning programs to optimize performance. The purpose of this study is to determine if a relationship exists between absolute and relative strength and measures of power and CODS in collegiate volleyball players. Archived testing data from ten (n = 10, age: 19.1 ± 1.2 yrs, Ht: 173.1 ± 6.64 cm, Wt: 67 ± 7.04 kg) female DII collegiate volleyball players were analyzed. These data included: block vertical jump (Block VJ), approach vertical jump (Approach VJ), a repeat jump test (i.e., four consecutive VJs), modified T-test, 5-0-5 agility test, a single leg triple hop test, and a 1-3RM deadlift. Significant large correlations were observed between relative strength and the repeat jump test, modified T-test, and 5-0-5 agility test. Significant correlations were also observed between absolute strength and the modified T-test. These results indicate that strength and conditioning professionals should emphasize the development of both absolute and relative lower-body strength to improve measures of power and agility in collegiate volleyball players.

Highlights

Volleyball is a sport comprised of multiple explosive efforts and multidirectional court movements that occur repeatedly during competition [1]
The correlation data are displayed in Relative strength (REL) and the Repeat Jump Test, Modified T Test, 505 R, 505 L, and single-leg triple hop (SLTH) L
There were no statistically significant correlations found between absolute strength and block vertical jump (BVJ), approach vertical jump (AVJ), Repeat Jump Test, 505 R, 505 L, SLTH R, and SLTH L

Summary

Introduction

Volleyball is a sport comprised of multiple explosive efforts and multidirectional court movements that occur repeatedly during competition [1]. In order to be successful, players are frequently required to perform maximal effort jumps when blocking, spiking, and performing a jump serve [2]. They must be able to quickly position themselves on the court when responding to, or setting up, for an attack [1]. Change of direction speed and agility are imperative for the volleyball athlete [3]. Because strength has been reported to underpin power and speed [4], one may posit that possessing adequate lower-body strength is an essential physical quality for volleyball players to optimize performance. Significant relationships between lower-body strength and change of direction speed (CODS)

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