Abstract
The purpose of this research is to compare the elbow isokinetic strength applied at different angular velocities on the dominant and non-dominant side in elite male volleyball players. Fifteen elite volleyball players participated in the research. Isokinetic elbow flexion and extension strength were separately obtained on concentric/concentric dominant and non-dominant side as 5 repetitions at 60˚.s-1 angular velocity, 10 repetitions at 180˚.s-1 and 15 repetitions at 300˚.s-1. In the research, the peak torque (PT), peak torque/body weight (PT/BW), flexion/extension ratio (B/T), angle of PT, work and power parameters were compared between the dominant and non-dominant elbows. No significant difference was found between the dominant and non-dominant side in the elbow isokinetic strength parameters of the subjects at three different velocities. A significant difference was found at three different velocities only in the angle of PT flexion (p < 0.05). It is thought that this difference may result from the muscle shortening that may occur on muscle length (longitudinal effect) as a result of the more concentric contraction of the muscle on the dominant side compared to the non-dominant muscle. Consequently, there is not any isokinetic strength difference between the dominant and non-dominant elbow in elite male volleyball players. Isokinetic elbow test can provide important information regarding the potential risk factors for elbow injuries. For this reason, it is recommended to include this test in the functional screening of volleyball players.
Highlights
Volleyball differs from other sports in terms of having very different, frequent and rapidly changing game situations (Öz, 2019)
It is suggested to protect elbow isokinetic muscle strength with regular trainings to prevent elbow joint injuries that can occur during spike and serve movements that require explosive strength and block movement requiring good stabilization in volleyball
Pietilä, et al (1998) determined that the peak torque (PT) of the shoulder and elbow rotator muscles in volleyball players was higher than the sedentary females
Summary
Volleyball differs from other sports in terms of having very different, frequent and rapidly changing game situations (Öz, 2019). This game has been one of four popular international sports in males and females since the 1964 Olympic Games (Tilp, 2017). Volleyball players should gain strength to apply technical elements successfully and increase muscle endurance to maintain throughout a competition (Cardoso Marques et al, 2006). Cardoso Marques et al (2006) suggested that volleyball is not a sports branch consisting of mere strength, athletes should perform maximal strength training at least for 8 weeks during the preparation process for the long-term season due to the need for the strength parameters Volleyball players should gain strength to apply technical elements successfully and increase muscle endurance to maintain throughout a competition (Cardoso Marques et al, 2006). Häkkinen (1993) noted that the magnitude of both strength and explosive power training stimuli should be carefully observed during the competition season to protect explosive power. Cardoso Marques et al (2006) suggested that volleyball is not a sports branch consisting of mere strength, athletes should perform maximal strength training at least for 8 weeks during the preparation process for the long-term season due to the need for the strength parameters
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