Potentially beneficial effects of cold therapies on training adaptation still remain unequivocal. We have, thus, decided to evaluate the effects of a 2-week volleyball training program supported by 10 sessions of whole body cryostimulation (WBC) on growth factors and physical performance. Twenty healthy college-aged men and women randomly assigned either to the cryostimulation group (CRY) or the control group (CON; executed passive rest). Both groups took part in the same 2-weeks training program. Additionally, the CRY group attended in 10 cryo-sessions (3 min, -110°C temperature, five times/week). Blood samples were collected at baseline, 1 h after the first cryo-session as well as before and 1 h after the last session of WBC to assess growth factors, myokines concentration and the amino acid profile. Motor abilities were tested before commencing the training program and 2 days after its completion. The applied intervention resulted in an increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations. The adjusted effect describing the difference between groups in response to applied procedures was for both growth factors large and very likely in the CRY, higher than in the CON group (113%; Coefficient Interval: 38–230%, 45%; Coefficient Interval: 17–79%, respectively). Physical performance dropped in both groups, yet in the CRY group, the magnitude of change was smaller. The fibroblast growth factor dropped significantly 1 h following the first cryo-session, yet irisin remained statistically unchanged. The similar tendency was maintained after the whole procedure, still the range of changes was smaller. In the CRY group, an elevated uptake of tryptophan and valine noted in response to the whole intervention, could have induced a significant decrease of fasting glucose concentration (the adjusted effect small and very likely -6%; Coefficient Interval: -10 to -2%). Overall, a 2-week volleyball training program supported by the whole body cryostimulation protocol resulted in an increase of growth factors and offset a decline of physical performance. Thus these procedure can be applied in professional sport during competition period, especially among those disciplines focusing on an explosive power and ability to concentrate.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a six-week plyometric high and low-intensity training on the explosive power of lower limbs in volleyball players.

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BackgroundThe aim of the study was to analyse sports results and the somatic composition of participants in the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship held in Poland. Material/MethodsResearch material involved volleyball players participating in the World Championships (n = 280). Their age, height, weight, one-arm spike reach, both-arm block reach, and Rohrer's index were analysed. The mean value of the features and their derivatives in individual teams and groups were calculated and verified using statistical tests (t-Student, Mann Whitney and Cochran-Cox) if the differences were significant. ResultsThe subjects' mean age was 26.33 years (SD = 3.90), body height 198.41 cm (SD = 6.05), body weight 89.40 kg (SD = 8.43), spike reach 344.08 cm (SD = 13.37), block reach 326.68 cm (SD = 13.09), Rohrer's index 1.15 (SD = 0.10). 90.36% of the volleyball players manifested the leptosomatic body composition, 9.28% the athletic one, and 0.36% the pyknic one. The highest and the lowest ranked teams in the analysed tournament significantly differed in the spike reach (P < 0.005) and in body height (P < 0.015). ConclusionsThe leptosomatic body composition type is dominant among volleyball players at the top level of sports championship. The body height and the spike reach significantly differentiate the top and the bottom ranked teams participating in the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship. These characteristics should be taken into account in selection to play men's volleyball.

Background and Study Aim. Aim is to determine the influence of the components of special physical training on the effectiveness of certain elements of the game technique during the competitive activities of beach volleyball athletes. Material and methods. The study involved athletes (n = 20, age - 17-21 years, experience - 8-9 years), who are engaged in beach volleyball (Kherson, Ukraine). Experts (n = 5, work experience - over 20 years) from among the leading volleyball specialists were involved. Training sessions were conducted according to the author’s structure and content of special physical training (preparatory period of the annual cycle). The author's program was to increase the volume of athletic work by 10% (selective classes and integrated work) and 17% (complex classes). The classes used a developed special training device. The device is designed to practice practical game skills. The load at the first stage was 70-80% of the maximum. The load in the second stage was 80-90% of the maximum. Results. Significant (p <0.05) development of explosive power, speed and agility was revealed. There is a significant (p <0,05) increase: in the number of jump serve and spike; improving the quality/number of serve and attack; improving the quality of passing and the number of blocks. Conclusions. The proposed structure and content of special physical training and exercises on a special simulator have significantly increased the level of development of physical qualities. The athlete training program helped to improve the effectiveness of certain technical actions during competitive activities.