Search
Search Results
-
Antagonist Muscle Activation During Isometric Elbow Flexion at Varied Joint Angles: A Comparative Neuromuscular Analysis Between Volleyball Players and Sedentary Adults
Views:26Neuromuscular coordination enhances athletic performance and prevents injuries. Antagonist muscle activation during isometric movements, such as elbow flexion, is crucial for joint stability and efficiency. Volleyball-specific training may lead to distinct neuromuscular adaptations that differ from those of sedentary individuals. This study aims to investigate differences in antagonist activation patterns during isometric elbow flexion between volleyball players and sedentary adults, with a focus on neuromuscular control and the effects of co-contraction. Twenty-eight males (14 volleyball players and 14 sedentary individuals; ages 18–25) participated in the study. Surface electromyography (EMG) recorded biceps and triceps activity at 45°, 90°, and 120° elbow angles. Muscle activity, co-contraction indices (CCI), and perceived exertion (RPE) were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance. Bonferroni corrections assessed angle-specific effects. Significance levels (α) were set to 0.05 for all analyses. Athletes exhibited significantly higher biceps activation (mean EMGmax = 0.63 vs. 0.48) and lower triceps activation (mean EMGmax = 0.25 vs. 0.35, p < 0.001). Co-contraction (CCI) was lower among athletes (mean = 0.55 vs. 0.89). RPE scores were consistently lower in athletes (mean = 12.8 ± 1.6) compared to non-athletes (15.7 ± 1.5), indicating superior neuromuscular efficiency. Volleyball players demonstrated enhanced neuromuscular control, as evidenced by higher agonist activation, reduced antagonist activation, and lower co-contraction. The enhanced neuromuscular adaptations of volleyball players, likely resulting from consistent training, suggest improved movement mechanics and a reduced risk of injury. Future longitudinal studies are advised to explore causality and sport-specific neuromuscular changes.
-
MAXIMIZING JUMP PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF PLYOMETRICS IN YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING
Views:484Vertical jump training is a fundamental method for the physical conditioning of athletes. The synergy of motor skills exhibited during such movements substantially contributes to achieving motor acts and actions with higher performance indices. In football, vertical jumping, like other specific factors, is an essential element that can determine the outcome of a match. Football players need to be physically prepared to handle any complex situations that may arise during a game.
Our study aims to evaluate the impact of plyometric training on vertical jump height performance in young football players.
A total of 16 subjects, U11 football players, were randomly assigned equally into a PL group (N=8), which followed a plyometric training routine for 6 weeks, and a control group (N=8), which followed the routines set by the club team's coach. They were evaluated in two phases – an initial and a final phase – using Optojump testing equipment. The results obtained were compared using statistical and mathematical methods of descriptive analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality distribution, and the Independent Samples T-test.
Additionally, Levene's test was used to analyze the type of variances in the distributions.
Our study confirmed that a customized plyometric training routine can significantly improve vertical jump performance, considering age-specific characteristics.
Our investigations suggest that integrating this type of training into the subjects' routines can bring significant benefits to the development of motor skills, specifically to young football players, offering exciting perspectives for optimizing their performance in the long term.