Volleyball

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the cognitive dual-task on athletic performance parameters in volleyball players with and without chronic ankle instability. In addition, it will examine how a pathology in the lower extremity affects upper extremity function.

Kinesiological tape is frequently used to provide support for injured muscles and joints, enhance fascial function, inhibit pain-inducing stimuli, and improve blood and lymph circulation. However, there is no consensus among researchers and practitioners regarding kinesiological taping, particularly its application to improve athletic performance. This study aimed to investigate the acute changes in functional performance of volleyball players who underwent kinesiological taping. Designed as a randomized controlled experimental study, it planned to include 24 licensed female volleyball players from Anadolu Marmara Sports Schools. Players meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized into kinesiological tape (n:12) and sham (dummy-ineffective) tape (n:12) groups. The assessment will consist of a general warm-up program followed by the single-arm hop test for upper extremity strength, speed, and stability; the closed kinetic chain upper extremity endurance test for strength and endurance; and the medicine ball throw test for functional strength. Following the initial assessment, tests will be repeated immediately after facilitative taping of the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid muscles of the athletes. SPSS 24 statistical program will be used for data analysis. Continuous variables will be presented as mean ± standard deviation, and qualitative variables as number and percentage (%). If the assumptions for parametric tests are met, the Independent Samples t-test will be used for comparing independent groups, and the Paired Samples t-test will be used for comparing dependent groups. If the assumptions for parametric tests are not met, the Mann-Whitney U test will be used for comparing independent groups, and the Wilcoxon test will be used for comparing dependent groups. Statistical significance will be accepted at p≤0.05. This study is expected to contribute to performance-enhancing practices in volleyball players by providing evidence-based data on the application method and effectiveness of kinesiological taping for functional performance.

The study will be conducted during the preparatory period of the volleyball players and will span eight weeks. Throughout this period, athletes will continue their regular volleyball training four days per week, while the experimental group (n = 10) will perform rope training with blood flow restriction (BFR) twice per week, and the control group (n = 10) will perform the same rope training without BFR. Assessments will be carried out at the beginning of the 8-week period (pre-test) and at the end of the intervention (post-test). For both groups, all exercises will target the upper-extremity muscle groups. During the study, participants will be instructed to avoid consuming any medications, engaging in additional strenuous physical activities, and using any techniques or ergogenic aids that might influence the results. In both testing sessions, a standardized warm-up protocol will be implemented, consisting of a 5-minute treadmill run at 9 km/h on a Sprint Runner device (Hoggan Health Industries, Draper, UT), followed by 3 minutes of light full-body stretching. This warm-up procedure will be applied consistently across both groups to ensure standardization.

Sports that require overhead activities (volleyball, tennis, basketball) include components such as rapid displacement, strength and movement control.Volleyball is also called as an overhead sport in terms of the way it is played. In the realization of these sports; Sub-parameters such as proprioceptive sense, strength, throwing rate, flexibility play a role. During these activities, the shoulder and elbow joints are overloaded. To meet this load, the joint must provide the necessary mobility and stability. Proprioceptive sense in increasing the quality and width of movement as well as providing dynamic joint stability in overhead sports; Increasing the range of motion of the joint, reducing muscle stiffness and thus increasing flexibility are effective in providing mobility. That's why it's important to develop them. Likewise, muscle strength should be increased in order to maintain movement performance and prevent injuries. The use of myofascial release techniques as an exercise method has increased in recent years. Application; The effects on parameters such as strength, performance and flexibility were investigated. Studies have focused more on the lower extremities and acute effects. There is no study on the subject examining proprioceptive sensation in volleyball players in the upper extremity. Therefore, our aim is to examine the chronic effects of the application on shoulder and elbow joint mobility, sensorimotor function and performance.