Abstract:

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a WBV training on sprint and jumping performance in junior volleyball players. Twenty-two young, healthy volunteers participated in this study (age 17.13 ± 0.81 years, body mass 70.84 ±5.94 kg, body height 175.18 ± 5.50 cm and BMI 23.02±0.75). All participants were students in high school. They were divided randomly as control group (CG) and whole-body vibration training group (WBVTG). During the period of the study, all players performed the same voleyball specific training, but the WBVTG had additional WBVT (amplitude: 4 mm, frequency: 40 Hz) three times per week for six successive weeks. They were given 48 hours of rest between each training session. Before starting the WBV training program, experimental group were applied WBV education program during 2 weeks. Countermovement jump (CMJ), 5 m and 10 m sprint tests were applied to evaluate the jump and sprint performances of the athletes at baseline and after 6 weeks. Since parametric conditions were observed, paired sample t test was used in intragroup analysis and independent sample t test was used in intergroup analysis. Additionally, differences were analyzed using a magnitude-based Cohen’s effect size (ES) statistic with modified qualitative descriptors.  There were no significant differences between training and control groups in demographic characteristics at baseline measures. After 6 weeks, control group had significant differences between the values of pre-test and post test in vertical jump (t= -3,03, p<0.05). On the contrary, there was no significant difference in the 5 and 10 m sprint values after 6 weeks in the control group. But, training group had significant differences between the values of pre-test and post test in all measurements. It can be concluded that implementation of 6-week WBV training in routine practice in volleybal improves the jumping and sprint performance in training group.

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