Collegiate Volleyball Research Articles

Efficacy of an Educational Intervention for Improving the Hydration Status of Female Collegiate Indoor-Sport Athletes.

Research focusing on improving hydration status and knowledge in female indoor-sport athletes is limited. Investigators have demonstrated that hydration education is an optimal tool for improving the hydration status of athletes. To assess the hydration status and fluid intake of collegiate female indoor-sport athletes before and after a 1-time educational intervention. Controlled laboratory study. Collegiate women's volleyball and basketball practices. A total of 25 female collegiate volleyball and basketball athletes (age = 21 ± 1 years, height = 173.5 ± 8.7 cm, weight = 72.1 ± 10.0 kg) were assessed during 6 days of practices. Participants' hydration status and habits were monitored for 3 practice days before they underwent a hydration educational intervention. Postintervention, participants were observed for 3 more practice days. Change in body mass, fluid consumed, urine specific gravity (Usg), urine color (Ucol), and sweat rate were recorded for 6 practice days. Participants completed a hydration-knowledge questionnaire before and after the intervention. Three-day mean Usg and Ucol were considered euhydrated prepractice (Usg = 1.015 ± 0.006, Ucol = 4 ± 1) and remained euhydrated postpractice (Usg = 1.019 ± 0.005, Ucol = 5 ± 2) during the preintervention period. Decreased prepractice Ucol (P < .01) and increased hydration knowledge (P < .01) were present postintervention. Basketball athletes had greater body mass losses from prepractice to postpractice than did volleyball athletes (P < .001). Overall increases were evident when we compared prepractice and postpractice measures of Usg and Ucol in the preintervention (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively) and postintervention (P = .001 and P < .001) period, respectively. No correlation was found between hydration knowledge and physiological indices of hydration and fluid intake. Overall, female collegiate indoor-sport athletes were hydrated and knowledgeable on hydration. However, our variable findings indicated that further research on these athletes is needed; clinically, attention should be given to the individual needs of each athlete. More examination will demonstrate whether a 1-time educational intervention may be an effective tool for improving hydration status in this population.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome in a Collegiate Volleyball Player: A Case Report

A 19-year-old female volleyball player reported shoulder pain, numbness, tingling, and difficulty gripping in her left arm. Provocation tests were positive for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). Duplex ultrasonography revealed occlusion of the subclavian artery. The athlete underwent a first rib resection and scalenectomy. A cervical rib and 75% of the first rib were excised. Rehabilitation consisted of regaining range of motion and strength. Return to play occurred after 14 weeks of rehabilitation. Thoracic outlet syndrome is rare and often misdiagnosed. All sports medicine professionals should have an understanding of TOS symptoms and path to diagnosis.

THE USE OF POSTURAL RESTORATION FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC ROTATOR CUFF PATHOLOGY: A CASE REPORT.

Postural Restoration Institute® (PRI) theories and rehabilitation techniques focus on restoring balance to anatomical systems. Common postural asymmetries can present in athletes as dysfunctions and limitations. The purpose of this case report was to examine the use of PRI exercises and theories to address pelvic alignment, along with core stabilization, during treatment of shoulder dysfunction in a collegiate volleyball player. A 22-year-old female volleyball athlete reported unresolved right rotator cuff tendinopathy. She presented with bilateral rib cage flare, anterior pelvic tilt, and bilateral ROM differences in hip and shoulder internal and external rotation. PRI® special test findings included a positive left and right Adduction Drop Test (ADT), positive left Extension Drop, and Hruska Adduction Lift test (left=2, right=3) indicating posterior exterior chain (PEC) pattern of dysfunction. The traditional shoulder rehabilitation program from the previous season was eliminated and a PRI based intervention was performed. Intervention exercises included the 90/90 dead bug diaphragmatic breathing, 90/90 hamstring hip lift, and right sidelying respiratory left adductor pull back. Exercises were performed as three sets of ten diaphragmatic breathing repetitions, a minimum of three times weekly prior to activity. Likert scale ratings of pain decreased from a six pre-intervention to two. The left hip gained 10° of internal rotation and the right hip gained 14° of external rotation. Right shoulder internal rotation increased 15°. Hruska Adduction Lift improved to a four bilaterally (right by day 24, and left by day 31). Left extension drop test was negative following day 17. PRI® exercises focusing on core and pelvic stability translated to improved hip and shoulder ROM, and decreased shoulder pain associated with rotator cuff tendinopathy. By treating pelvic alignment with the PRI® exercises, the ROM imbalance and pain at the shoulder joint were addressed. Incorporating PRI exercises and theories into the rehabilitation program of a volleyball player was useful in addressing underlying imbalances throughout the kinetic chain. 3b.

Positional Body Composition of Female Division I Collegiate Volleyball Players.

Bisch, KL, Bosch, TA, Carbuhn, A, Stanforth, PR, Oliver, JM, Bach, CW, and Dengel, DR. Positional body composition of female division I collegiate volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 34(11): 3055-3061, 2020-The primary study objective was to measure positional differences in total and regional body composition among female NCAA Division I collegiate volleyball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The secondary objective was to examine normative age curves for fat and lean mass (LM) variables. Ninety female volleyball players from 5 universities received a DXA scan. Athletes were categorized by position: middle blocker (MB = 31), outside hitter (OH = 32), setter (ST = 9), and Libero (LB = 18). Height, body mass, total and regional fat mass (FM), LM, bone mineral density (BMD), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue were measured by DXA. Body mass distribution ratios were calculated. The secondary age analysis included a subset of 153 DXA scans (n = 83, ages 18-21 years). Front row players (i.e., MB and OH) had significantly greater total and regional LM and BMD measures (p < 0.05, all), compared with non-front row players (i.e., LB and ST). Differences in total LM (p < 0.001) were significantly influenced by height. Front row players had consistently lower mass distribution ratios compared with non-front row players (p < 0.05, all). Lean mass index (LMI, p = 0.752) and FM index (FMI, p = 0.392) were not significantly different across ages. Back row players have greater relative upper body mass, whereas mass in front row players is more evenly distributed between the upper and lower body. Bone mineral density differences may be influenced by repeated impact of jumping during the attacking and blocking actions of front row players. Minimal changes in LMI and fluctuations in FMI can be expected across an athlete's career.

Analyzing The Impact Of Body Composition On Vertical Jump Performance In Collegiate Female Volleyball Players

The vertical jump (VJ) test is often used in sport and recreational performance sectors. Prior studies have examined the effects that anthropometric and body composition values have on VJ performance in no less than averagely fit populations. Yet, it appears that no study has evaluated the relationship between body fat percentage (BF), body mass index (BMI), lean leg mass (LLM), and trunk lean mass (TLM) on VJ performance using collegiate female volleyball players. PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between BF%, BMI, LLM, and TLM on VJ performance in collegiate female volleyball players. METHODS: After having descriptive data recorded, 12 female collegiate volleyball players had their BF%, BMI, LLM, and TLM assessed via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Subjects had their reach height measured, participated in an 8 min dynamic warm-up, were then given a 4 min passive recovery (PR) period after the warmup, and then completed three familiarization jumps (ie. trials) using a VJ measurement device. After another 4 min PR period, subjects completed one series of six jumps with 30 secs of PR between each jump. Pearson Correlations were then performed between BF%, BMI, LLM, TLM, and VJ (ie. the highest of the six jumps) with significance differences determined at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A non-significant low negative correlation existed between BF% and VJ (r = -0.350, p = 0.132), yet a non-significant low correlation occurred between BMI and VJ (r = 0.371, p = 0.117), TLM and VJ (r = 0.265, p = 0.202), and LLM and VJ (r = 0.372, p = 0.117). CONCLUSIONS: BF% appears to have a low negative relationship with VJ performance in collegiate female volleyball players, while TLM, BMI, and LLM have a low relationship with VJ performance. Having a lower BF% may not necessarily predict higher jumping performance in collegiate female volleyball players. Further research may be required to determine if gender, fitness level, or a different type of body fat percentage measurement technique may play a factor when considering if BMI, BF%, LLM, and TLM have a relationship with VJ performance in athletes who specialize in sports with repetitive jumping movements.

Reactive Strength Index Scores Are Associated With Injury Risk And Game Performance In Female Collegiate Volleyball Players

PURPOSE: The reactive strength index (RSI) is a measure used by coaches to quantify an athlete’s explosiveness. The RSI score is calculated based on one’s drop vertical jump (DVJ) performance (RSI = jump height [m]/ contact time [sec]). The purpose of this study was twofold. The first purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of preseason RSI scores to discriminate injury risk in female collegiate volleyball (VB) players. The second purpose was to evaluate correlations between preseason RSI scores and game statistics. METHODS: 117 female collegiate VB players representing 3 levels of competition participated. Reflective markers were applied to the pelvis and the lower extremities. Athletes performed 3 DVJ from a 30.48 cm box. Subjects were instructed to drop off the box, land with one foot on each force plate (BP 600600 force plate, ATMI, Watertown, MA), and then immediately upon landing jump as high as possible. Reflective marker and force data was collected simultaneously with an 11 camera Qualisys motion system (Gothenburg, Sweden) at 100 Hz for the 3D marker data and 1000 Hz for the force plates. Visual3D (C-Motion, Germantown, Maryland) was used to create the kinematics and kinetics. A receiver operator characteristic curve was constructed to identify a cutoff score for subsequent risk analysis. Relative risk was calculated to determine the difference in injury risk between two groups based on cutoff score dichotomization. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was calculated to determine the relationship between preseason RSI scores and game statistics. RESULTS: Mean preseason RSI scores were 0.88 m/s (± 0.31). Athletes with a lower preseason RSI score (0.9125 m/s or less) were 4 times more likely (relative risk = 4.4 [95% CI: 1.0, 18.4]; p-value = 0.022) to experience a noncontact time-loss injury to the low back or lower extremities during the season. There was a significant correlation between preseason RSI score and kills/set (r = 0.369; p-value = 0.000) and points/set (r = 0.360; p-value = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The RSI measure should be collected as part of a preseason screening clinic to identify female collegiate VB players at risk for a noncontact time-loss injury to the low back or lower extremities. The RSI score could also be used by VB coaches when evaluating current and future athletes.

Use Of Plyometric Training To Offset Fatigue In Division I Collegiate Female Volleyball Players

Volleyball is a demanding sport consisting of multiple passages of play with a high priority on jumping, including attacking, blocking, jump serving and setting. Heavy resistance training and plyometric training have been shown to increase vertical jump in volleyball players, as well as high intensity interval training to increase conditioning, however, there is a lack of information on the use of plyometric training to decrease indexes of fatigue. PURPOSE: To determine if plyometric training can decrease repeated jump fatigue in NCAA Division I female college volleyball players METHODS: 8 female collegiate volleyball players (Age: 18.4 ± 0.7, height: 179.7 ± 9.2cm, weight: 71.8 ± 10.0kg), cleared of injuries completed a vertical jump test, squat jump test, repeat squat jump, and repeat block jump test while wearing velocity and height measuring devices. Participants were split into a control group (CON) and a plyometric group (PLYO), which completed a 3 day a week/ 8 week program consisting of dot drill and box drop jump exercise variations. After 8 weeks, participants were retested. Fatigue Index for the repeat tests were analyzed for statistical significance, [(Initial Jump-Final Jump)/Initial Jump)] x 100. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen in the PLYO group in the repeat squat jump test at posttest compared to the CON (10.98 ± 4.69 vs -5.41 ± 4.65 p<.015), and in the repeat block jump test compared to pretesting values within the PLYO group (6.41 ± 8.47 vs-4.24 ± 14.77, p<.042). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of plyometric training may help offset fatigue as seen in multiple jump bouts in volleyball players, potentially attributing to increased athletic performance.

Assessment of Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Sports Nutrition Knowledge of NCAA Division I Female Collegiate Volleyball Players

Abstract Objectives To assess nutritional intake, body composition and sports nutrition knowledge of NCAA Division I female volleyball players. Methods Nutritional intake was assessed using three-day food records. Daily average energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and specific vitamins and minerals intakes were analyzed using Food Processor 11.1. These values were compared to the recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Sports nutrition knowledge was assessed using an 87-question validated nutrition for sports knowledge questionnaire (NSKQ). Athletes were also asked to state their sources for nutrition knowledge. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Descriptive data (mean ± SD) and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated using SPSS 26.0 with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results Fourteen female volleyball players (age: 19.6 ± 1.3 y, height: 174.9 ± 8.2 cm, weight: 73.2 ± 8.5 kg, BMI: 24.1 ± 2.5 kg/m2; body fat: 25.2 ± 3.4%) completed the study. Athletes’ mean energy intake was 24.7 ± 6.4 kcal/kg BW/day, while carbohydrate, protein and fat intake were 2.9 ± 0.92, 1.3 ± 0.44, and 0.88 ± 0.28 g/kg BW/day, respectively. Vitamin D intake was 137.1 ± 90.7 IU/day and calcium intake was 673.4 ± 352.5 mg/day. Energy and carbohydrate intake were lower than the ACSM recommendations (37–41 kcal/kg BW/day and 6–10 g/kg BW/day, respectively) while fat intake was higher. Protein intake fell within the recommended ranges (1.2–1.7 g/kg BW/day). Additionally, vitamin D and calcium were lower than the recommendations. The average NSKQ score was 45.4 ± 9.6% and was positively associated with weight (r = .738, P = 0.003) and vitamin D intake (r = .587, P = 0.027). Weight management score (51.8 ± 15.4%) was positively associated with weight (r = .676, P = 0.008). Four athletes included a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) as a source of nutrition information. In contrast, twelve athletes listed athletic trainers as a source. Conclusions The average NSKQ score suggests that NCAA Division I female volleyball players lack adequate sports nutrition knowledge which may be associated with inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. Athletes may benefit from nutrition education and counseling for improved performance and health from RDNs. Funding Sources There are no funding sources.

Comparison of Training Effects of Split-Style Olympic Lifts and Squat-Style Olympic Lifts on Performance in Collegiate Volleyball Players

This study compared the training effects of split-style Olympic lifts (SP-L) with those of squat-style olympic lifts (SQ-L). In the study, the participants (n = 33 collegiate female volleyball players) were sorted on a random basis into the SP-L group (age = 15.80 ± 1.03 years; height = 164.50 ± 3.96 cm; body weight = 60.88 ± 8.26 kg), SQ-L group (age = 15.22 ± 1.2 years; height = 167.78 ± 3.53 cm, body weight = 62.02 ± 7.20 kg), and control group (CG; age = 15.14 ± 0.38 years; height = 165.29 ± 5.25 cm; body weight = 61.32 ± 5.89 kg). The groups performed split and squat snatch and clean and jerk twice a week for 6 weeks. Analysis of variance and magnitude-based inferences determined whether there was a significant difference in the measured variables among groups. In the groups, compared with the pretraining values, a significant and positive improvement was noted in posttraining leg stiffness and time to 5-m and 20-m sprint. However, for the time to 5-m sprint, the gains in the SP-L group were better (large/d = 1.79). In addition, an increase to spike jump and change of direction in the SP-L group alone was significant for the main effect of time (p &lt; 0.05). The results of this study indicate that SP-L are more effective for spike jump, change of direction, and time to 5-m sprint. Although the results of the study provide insights regarding the beneficial effects of training with SP-L rather than SQ-L, consolidation of the study results with the results of future studies is warranted. Subscribe to TPE

0228 The Impact of Westward Travel Across 9 Time Zones on Sleep Behaviors of Female Collegiate Athletes

Abstract Introduction Jet lag can significantly impact an athlete’s health and performance. However, the effect of ultra long-haul travel (&amp;gt; 12h flying time) westward across nine time zones on the sleep of female collegiate athletes is limited. We therefore studied the sleep behavior of NCAA Division I female volleyball players on an exhibition tour to China. Methods For this observational study, eleven females were recruited from a NCAA Division I Volleyball team. During the Tour, sleep behavior was monitored using wrist actigraphy (Actiwatch Spectrum, Phillips) before (5 days) outbound travel (PRE-FLIGHT), during air travel to (1) &amp; from (2) China (FLIGHT-DAY 1 &amp; 2) and during the athletes’ tour while in China (TOUR-DAY 1–8). Athletes were instructed to wear the actigraphs at all times, except during competition. Standard parameters were collected from the actigraph including sleep durations and sleep efficiency and expressed as mean ± sd. Results Sleep duration and sleep efficiency were similar for PRE-FLIGHT days (~8.3 hrs ± 1.5, 90.6 ± 3.2%). Sleep duration and efficiency were significantly lower on FLIGHT-DAY 1 &amp; 2 compared to TOUR-DAY and PRE-FLIGHT, but were not significantly different from each other (~5.2 ± 2.4h, 80.5 ± 8.8%). Sleep duration during TOUR-DAY 1–7 followed a quadratic relationship, peaking on TOUR-DAY 1 and reaching a nadir on TOUR-DAY 5, before increasing again through TOUR-DAY 7 (p&amp;lt;0.05). Sleep duration on TOUR-DAY 8 (~5.9 ± 0.9 h) was significantly lower than PRE-FLIGHT and TOUR-DAY 1,2,6 &amp; 7. Conclusion During travel female collegiate volleyball players showed sleep disturbance. Implementation of sleep interventions for jet lag are warranted for athletes traveling across multiple time zones. Support PAC-12 Student-Athlete Health and Wellbeing Initiative, Grant #1554240

Comparison of Periodised and Fixed Repetition Protocol on Shoulder Strength in Collegiate Volley Ball Players

Comparison of Periodised and Fixed Repetition Protocol on Shoulder Strength in Collegiate Volley Ball Players

Evaluation of Strength and Conditioning Measures With Game Success in Division I Collegiate Volleyball: A Retrospective Study.

Bunn, JA, Ryan, GA, Button, GR, and, and Zhang, S. Evaluation of strength and conditioning measures with game success in Division I collegiate volleyball: A retrospective study. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 183-191, 2020-The purpose of this study was to retrospectively assess relationships between strength and conditioning (SC) measures and game performance in Division I volleyball. Five years of SC and game data were collected from 1 women's Division I collegiate team, n = 76. Strength and conditioning measures included T-drill, 18.3 m sprint, back squat, hang clean, vertical jump, and broad jump. All game and SC stats were normalized to Z-scores. Analyses included assessing SC differences by position and multiple stepwise regression to assess relationships between game and SC stats. There was a significant difference by position for broad jump (p = 0.002), 18.3 m sprint (p = 0.036), vertical (p ≤ 0.001), and total strength (p = 0.019). Overall, game performance and SC measures were significantly correlated (r = 0.439, p ≤ 0.001). Multiple regression analyses indicated significant relationships (p ≤ 0.05) between SC measures and game success by position as follows: defensive specialist stats with squat and total strength; setters game stats with hang cleans, T-drill, and broad jump; pin hitter game stats with vertical, squat, and total strength; middle blockers game stats with broad jump. These data indicate that SC measures correlate well with game performance and are specific by position. These data could help SC coaches create a more precise training approach to focus on improving specific measures by position, which could then translate to improved game performance. These data could also help coaches with talent identification to determine playing time and rotations to maximize player ability and achieve success.

Lower-body power, linear speed, and change-of-direction speed in Division I collegiate women's volleyball players.

Volleyball players need to sprint and change direction during a match. Lower-body power, often measured by jump tests, could contribute to faster movements. How different jumps relate to linear and change-of-direction (COD) speed has not been analyzed in Division I (DI) collegiate women’s volleyball players. Fifteen female volleyball players completed the vertical jump (VJ), two-step approach jump (AppJ), and standing broad jump (SBJ). Peak power and power-to-body mass ratio (P:BM) were derived from VJ and AppJ height; relative SBJ was derived from SBJ distance. Linear speed was measured via a 20-m sprint (0–10 and 0–20 m intervals); COD speed was measured using the pro-agility shuttle. Pearson’s correlations (p < 0.05) calculated relationships between the power variables, and speed tests. There were no significant relationships between the power variables and the 0–10 m sprint interval. Greater VJ height (r = -0.534) and P:BM (r = -0.557) related to a faster 0–20 m sprint interval. This be due to a greater emphasis on the stretch-shortening cycle to generate speed over 20 m. However, although a 20-m sprint may provide a measure of general athleticism, the distance may not be specific to volleyball. This was also indicated as the AppJ did not relate to any of the speed tests. Nonetheless, VJ height and P:BM, and SBJ distance and relative SBJ, all negatively correlated with the proagility shuttle (r = -0.548 to -0.729). DI women’s collegiate volleyball players could develop absolute and relative power in the vertical and horizontal planes to enhance COD speed.

Deep Vein Thrombosis in Lower Extremity of a Female Collegiate Volleyball Athlete: A Case Study

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in deep veins in the body, usually in the lower extremity. DVT is commonly seen in older or hospitalized patients. This case is unique because the patient, is a 20-year-old female division III collegiate volleyball athlete, which is not the typical age or population affected by DVT or clotting disorders. The patient presented with swelling, pain, and decreased knee flexion (3/5) and plantarflexion (4/5) strength in her left lower extremity. These impairments reduced her ability to walk or run. The patient’s athletic trainer (AT) incorrectly diagnosed her with a left gastrocnemius muscle strain, resulting in contraindicated treatments. The AT referred the patient to the team physician, who referred her to the Emergency Department (ED) where she received a real-time grayscale and Doppler ultrasound of the left lower extremity deep venous structures, leading to the DVT diagnosis. The patient received a dose of Lovenox, an intravenous anticoagulant, by the ED physician. The following day, she began 15 mg of Xarelto, twice per day for 21 days, to dissolve the blood clots. She could not participate in volleyball for approximately two weeks, which reduced her ability to socialize with teammates and coaches. The Wells’ scoring system is a clinical prediction tool to identify patients with low risk of being diagnosed with DVT. The AT did not include this tool in their initial evaluation, leading to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. Although the patient reported that she had a positive outcome, ATs should be familiar with the Wells Clinical Prediction Rule. Blood clots in veins can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream. The loose clot can block blood flow in the lungs, forming a pulmonary embolism. Early diagnosis can prevent this life-threatening condition.

Preseason Lower Quarter Y Balance Test Scores Are Not Associated With Time-Loss Injury in Collegiate Volleyball Players

Preseason Lower Quarter Y Balance Test Scores Are Not Associated With Time-Loss Injury in Collegiate Volleyball Players

Reflexive practice of coaching in physical training of the women’s collegiate volleyball team

Reflexive practice of coaching in physical training of the women’s collegiate volleyball team

Low prevalence of patellar tendon abnormality and low incidence of patellar tendinopathy in female collegiate volleyball players

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of patellar tendinopathy has been reported to be as high as 50% in elite male volleyball (VB) players; however, the rate of injury in female collegiate VB athletes is unknown. The purpose of this study was to 1) identify the prevalence of ultrasonographic evidence of patellar tendon abnormality at the start of the preseason in female collegiate VB players; 2) report the incidence of tendinopathy during the season; and 3) determine if the preseason presence of tendon abnormality is associated with onset of disease. One hundred and six female collegiate VB players had both patellar tendons imaged. Incidence of patellar tendinopathy was tracked during the course of the 4-month season. Twenty-two athletes presented with ultrasonographic evidence of patellar tendon abnormality in at least one knee at the start of the preseason. The incidence of time-loss patellar tendinopathy was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.85) per 1000 athletic exposures. This study was unable to determine if preseason presence of tendon abnormality was associated with a greater risk of tendinopathy due to power. The prevalence of tendon abnormality in the preseason and the incidence of patellar tendinopathy in female collegiate VB players are lower than that observed in other populations.

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

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.

Nutrition and the Female Athlete: Macronutrient Consumption and Body Composition Changes among Collegiate Volleyball Players.

Nutrition and the Female Athlete: Macronutrient Consumption and Body Composition Changes among Collegiate Volleyball Players.

Effects Of A Pre-season Intervention On Hydration In Female Collegiate Volleyball Athletes

Urine specific gravity (USG) is commonly utilized to assess hydration status. Athletic performance has been shown to be affected by hydration status. In addition to nutritional and hydration practices, environmental conditions can also influence hydration status. Therefore, healthcare professionals should also consider environment, both indoor and outdoor, when assessing hydration. PURPOSE: To compare base-line USG to season-long urine collections following a one-time, pre-season hydration intervention. METHODS: Fourteen NCAA Division II female collegiate volleyball athletes participated in this study. Urine was collected in sterile cups in the hours preceding either a game or practice. Collections were roughly two weeks apart, starting August 25th and ending November 4th, 2017, resulting in eight total collections. The hydration intervention consisted of information and guidelines presented to the team and coaching staff. The intervention was administered verbally immediately following base-line urine collection. Written guidelines were left with athletes and coaching staff. Urinalysis was conducted via reagent strips. Data was analyzed via SPSS v.22 with an a priori level of 0.05. Subsequent urinalyses were compared to the baseline urinalysis. RESULTS: USG statistically decreased from base-line to the second collection and did not statistically differ again until the final three collections (base-line = 1.021±0.008, 1.007±0.003*, 1.015±0.008, 1.013±0.006, 1.020±0.016, 1.014±0.005*, 1.011±0.008*, and 1.013±0.003*, *p < 0.05 compared to baseline). DISCUSSION: The hydration intervention illustrated a short-term effect on USG. A correlation between USG and environmental temperatures was evaluated post hoc for the final six urine collections, arguably when the effects of the intervention had subsided. The coefficient of determination (r2) revealed that 35.7% of the difference in USG was due to the environmental temperature, which was statistically significant (r = 0.597, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The intervention appeared to have a limited impact on USG. Differences in USG were evident again later in the season (late October to early November). Further analysis demonstrated a statistical influence of cooler temperatures on lower USG near the end of season.