Abstract
Objective:The goal of this study is to describe the adaptation of an elite volleyball population and see how this differs from the normal “non-specialized” one.
Methods
50 elite players were kinematically evaluated to assess the 3 main rotational degrees of freedom (DOF): protraction-retraction, tilt, and upward. The age of this population spanned between 16 and 30 years old. The measuremens were achiede using a Show Motion sensor kinematic device in a resting physical condition and the inclusion criteria considered healthy subjects without recent injuries and free of pain during a normal training activity. The whole population was made of subjects having a minimum of 8 training sessions a week.
Results
the aggregated data produced several kinematic bands (3 for the flexion and three for the abduction movements). The data dispersion is narrow and there is good repeatability along the whole range of motion (ROM). The main finding is that the group shows a significant difference mainly in protraction (showing a deficit of the external rotators) and a drop of the tilt in the overhead (related to the lower trapezius activity). There is a postural asymmetry in the protraction angle at rest.
Conclusion
The athletes show a specific pattern that differentiates from the one obtainable from a normal population. This adaptation need to be considered and can drive the implementation of specific exercises to account for the endemic deficiency.