Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the changes in the peak torque of the knee extensors and flexors of the dominant lower limb, the shoulder internal and external rotators of the dominant upper limb, and the shoulder extensors and flexors of the dominant upper limb as well as the changes in jump height in volleyball players during the annual training macrocycle. Material and methods. The study involved 13 volleyball players from a Polish second-league team. The measurements were performed five times: before the preparation period (T1), at the beginning of the competitive season (T2), in the middle (T3) and at the end of the first competition period (T4), and after the competitive season (T5). The torque of the knee muscles and shoulder rotators was measured in isokinetic conditions, and the torque of the shoulder extensors and flexors was assessed in isometric conditions. Jumping ability was tested using a piezoelectric platform. Results. We observed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in jump height and relative peak torque between the measurements, except for the torque of the shoulder external rotators and flexors. The results of multiple factor analysis based on 5 sets composed of 5 strength variables revealed differences between subjects and measurement sessions. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate that strength and jumping ability should be assessed regularly during the competitive season. The findings of the study suggest that it is necessary to modify the training methods used during the preparation period and individualize the training in the final phase of the competition period.
Introduction. In order to help volleyball players achieve superior results, their coaches are constantly seeking new training methods. One of the methods used to improve the effectiveness of the training that is being implemented is conducting tests which make it possible to assess the player's locomotor system in terms of its motor and biomechanical functions. The aim of the study was to determine the torque of the knee flexor and extensor muscles of volleyball players in three stages of the annual macrocycle. Material and methods. The study involved 14 volleyball players. Torque was assessed using the BIODEX System 4 Pro at the angular velocities of 60°/s and 180°/s, in three periods of the annual training macrocycle. Results. After the preparatory training period, there was a statistically significant increase in the torque of the flexor and extensor muscles of the lower limbs, both for the lower velocity (p ≤ 0.02 for the right limb and p ≤ 0.024 for the left limb) and the higher one (p ≤ 0.03 for the right limb and p ≤ 0.034 for the left limb). After the preliminary round, statistically insignificant changes were found for the torque values obtained at both velocities. Conclusions. The study showed that frequent monitoring of players can help assess their strength capacity in a more reliable way. The results of such measurements carried out in different periods of the volleyball season can help evaluate the players' strength at a given moment, verify and modify the training methods which are being used, and approach each player individually.
Introduction. This study sought to determine differences in the quarterly age distribution of young Polish volleyball players from the Sports School of the Polish Volleyball Federation (SS PVF), to investigate quarterly differences in anthropometric characteristics and jump test results. Material and Methods. RAE of young players from SS PVF (n = 232) born between 1989 and 2002 was identified in the course of the research. Furthermore, the study included anthropometric characteristics and jump test results (attack jump – AJ). Results. The chi-square test (χ2) revealed the overrepresentation of volleyball players born in quarters 1 and 2, both in the case of graduates (χ2 = 27.32, p < 0.0001) and students who did not finish school (χ2 = 17.95, p < 0.0005). Two-way ANOVA for unbalanced data for the Group factor showed significant differences in the value of estimated marginal means in the case of AJ (F(1,214) = 5.907, p < 0.016) and body mass (BM) (F(1,214) = 5.348, p < 0.022). Conclusions. These results point to the need for better understanding of RAE in order to avoid dropping out or the loss of potential talent, which will contribute to even greater development of volleyball in Poland.
Introduction. The aim of the study was to determine the torque of the knee extensors and flexors of the lead lower limb, the torque of the shoulder extensors and flexors of the dominant upper limb, and the torque generated by the muscles of the kinematic chain going from the trail lower limb to the hand of the dominant limb in male handball players during the annual training macrocycle. Changes in jump height and throwing velocity were also investigated. Material and methods. The study involved 13 handball players from a Polish second-league team. The measurements were performed four times: at the beginning of the preparation period, at the beginning of the season, at the end of the first part of the season, and at the end of the second part of the season. Torque was measured in isokinetic and isometric conditions. Jumping ability was tested using a piezoelectric platform, and throwing velocity was measured with a speed radar gun. Results. The study found statistically significant differences between the relative torque values of the knee extensors (p < 0.002) and flexors (p < 0.003) of the lead leg measured in isokinetic conditions between the first three measurements and the final one. Isokinetic measurement of the torque of the muscles of the kinematic chain going from the trail leg to the hand of the dominant arm decreased in a statistically significant way at the end of the season. As for the results of the measurement of the torque of the shoulder extensors and flexors in static conditions, no statistically significant differences were observed between the four measurements. However, statistically significant differences were noted in jumping ability and throwing velocity in the annual training macrocycle. Conclusions. The results of the study indicate that there is a need to perform regular assessments of players' strength and jumping ability during the competition period. There is a need to modify the training methods used during the preparation period and in the second part of the season as well as to individualise training at the end of the competition period.
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are essential for enjoyable, confident and skillful participation in physical activity across the lifespan. Due to the alarming low level of FMS proficiency in children and adolescents worldwide, the development of motor competency is an urgent issue for physical education. The promotion and implementation of a systematic process of teaching and learning FMS should be a physical education priority. Accordingly, effective assessment tools for evaluating FMS should be adopted or developed. Because FMS assessment for both children and adolescents need further effective solutions, we proposed the Fundamental Motor Skill in Sport test (FUS) to assess FMS proficiency in students across primary and secondary education. The FUS test involves six sport skill-based tasks: hurdling, jumping rope, forward roll, ball bouncing, throwing and catching a ball, and kicking and stopping a ball. This selection of skills represents high transferability to a wide range of sports and life activities. The results of our study provide evidence that the FUS test is valid, reliable, and feasible to administer in school settings. Therefore, this tool test has the potential to support deliberate practice and improve motor competency by providing a standardized and structured approach to measuring FMS among school-aged students.
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