Physiological and neuromuscular impact of beach-volleyball with reference to fatigue and recovery

The aim of the present study was to analyze the physiological and neuromuscular impact of a one 3-set beach-volleyball match and to analyze the ability of the players to recover from fatigue.

Heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration (BLC) were measured in sixteen Portuguese male elite volleyball players during beach-volleyball matches. Vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), sprint (7.5 and 15m) ability and maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) were evaluated at baseline, immediately (0h) and 3 hours after each match.

Mean HR during the match was 146 ± 3 bpm (117 ± 2-185 ± 3 bpm) corresponding to about 75% of HRmax (61-90%HRmax). Players spent 34% of match time above 80% HRmax. BLC during the 3-sets increased from rest (0.95 ± 0.23 vs. 2.10 ± 0.66 [1st-set] vs. 2.41 ± 0.15 [2nd-set] vs. 2.39 ± 0.21mM [3rd-set]). No changes in CMJ were observed at 0 and 3h. Knee extensor and flexor muscles MIVC decreased at 0h (~19 and 17%, respectively) and returned to baseline 3h after. Sprint performance was the only variable that was impaired both at 0h and 3h after the match (~3%).

Beach-volleyball is performed intermittently at moderate-to-high intensity with brief bouts of high intensity exercise interspersed by long low intensity periods. Match induced a temporary reduction in lower limb strength and sprinting time but 3h after the match all variables with the exception of the sprinting time, that was only slightly reduced, were recovered.