Analyzing Targeted Muscle Strength: Impact on Speed, Endurance, and Performance in Female Volleyball

Abstract

This study examines the influence of muscle strength on performance metrics in volleyball, addressing the need to understand how specific and non-specific strength training impacts athletic capabilities. A cohort of athletes underwent various strength tests, including squats (SQs), bench presses (BPs), and deadlifts (DLs), to assess their force and power during various forms of test. Lactate thresholds (LT1 and LT2) were also measured to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic capacities. The median speed at LT1 was 1.80 m/s, and LT2 was determined at a mean velocity of 2.56 m/s. Notably, a correlation was found between SQ performance and total points scored (p = 0.040, r = 0.285), while upper body strength was strongly correlated with performance metrics, showing significant relationships with points scored (p = 0.0001, r = 0.690) and peak power during BPs (p = 0.0001, r = 0.587). The findings suggest that targeted strength training enhances physical capabilities and improves technical and tactical performance in volleyball, highlighting the critical role of muscle strength in athlete selection and training strategies.

Keywords

• volleyball
• exercise testing
• muscular strength