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Physiological Effects of Power Volleyball
The Physician and Sportsmedicine
|December 21, 2017
Summary
Collegiate volleyball players showed moderate aerobic capacity and fast-twitch muscle fibers. Prolonged play depleted slow-twitch glycogen more, suggesting aerobic endurance is key for volleyball performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Exercise Physiology
- Muscle Physiology
Background:
- Volleyball involves explosive movements, but its physiological demands are not fully understood.
- Muscle fiber type distribution and energy metabolism are crucial for athletic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the aerobic capacity and muscle fiber characteristics of collegiate male volleyball players.
- To examine the effects of prolonged volleyball play on muscle glycogen depletion and fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Assessed aerobic capacity (VO2 max) in six male volleyball players.
- Biopsied vastus lateralis muscle to determine fiber type distribution.
- Analyzed muscle glycogen levels post-prolonged play.
Main Results:
- Players exhibited moderate aerobic capacity (56 ml·kg-1·min-1) and predominantly fast-twitch fibers (57%).
- Glycogen depletion was greater in slow-twitch fibers compared to fast-twitch fibers.
- No evidence of anaerobic fatigue was observed.
Conclusions:
- Volleyball performance may rely significantly on aerobic endurance despite its explosive nature.
- Energy demands during prolonged play are met predominantly through aerobic pathways.
- Targeting slow-twitch fiber glycogen stores could be relevant for volleyball training.
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