The effects of skill-based volleyball training program on running economy in male volleyball players

Selcen Korkmaz Eryılmaz and Kerimhan Kaynak

African Educational Research Journal
Published: September 14 2020
Volume 8, Issue 3
Pages 603-609
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30918/AERJ.83.20.145

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week skill-based volleyball training program on the running economy (RE) of male competitive volleyball players. Ten male amateur volleyball players (age 21.1 ± 1.5 years) participated in a 6-week skill-based volleyball training program three times a week in the pre-season preparatory period. Before and after the training period, the following tests were completed: (i) incremental treadmill test to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), ventilator threshold (VT), and running velocity associated with VO_2max (vVO_2max); (ii) submaximal constant-intensity test to determine RE. RE was determined by measuring steady-state VO₂ (ml/kg/min) for 6 min at speed corresponding to 90% of the VT. The training program caused a significant improvement in RE by 5.3 ± 4.1% (p = 0.01). VO_2max, VT and vVO_2max were not significantly affected by the training program (p> 0.05). There were no significant changes in respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and minute ventilation (VE) measured during the submaximal constant-intensity test (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes in maximal RER and VE values measured during the incremental treadmill test (p > 0.05). The absence of significant changes in VO_2max as well as VE and RER suggests that the improved RE after a skill-based volleyball training may not be the result of an increase in the delivery and utilization capacity of oxygen or a change in substrate utilization. The improvement in RE may be related to more effective storage and release of elastic energy with the skill-based volleyball training.

Keywords: Oxygen cost of running, maximal oxygen uptake, running efficiency, stretch-shortening cycle.

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