ASSESSMENT OF LOWER LIMB STRENGTH, BALANCE AND PEAK PERFORMANCE IN FIRST-DIVISION MALE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15170/SEF.2026.10.01.04Keywords:
volleyball, Countermovement Jump (CMJ), lower limb strength, static balance, dynamic balance, FAAM, IKDCAbstract
Background, hypotheses: Lower limb strength, jumping ability, and balance play a crucial role in volleyball performance and may influence injury risk. The combined use of objective performance tests and self-reported functional questionnaires provides an opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of lower limb function. The aim of this study was to investigate lower limb strength, jump performance, static and dynamic balance in first-division male volleyball players and to explore the relationships between objective performance measures and subjective functional questionnaire outcomes.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional pilot correlational study was conducted involving 25 first-division male volleyball players (mean age: 22.76 ± 3.0 years; height: 193.76 ± 9.11 cm). Lower limb strength, jump height, and peak power were assessed using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test. Static balance was evaluated with the Stork Stand Balance Test (SSBT), while dynamic balance was assessed using the Y Balance Test (YBT). Functional status was measured using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaires. Relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis (p < 0.05).
Results, discussion: A strong positive correlation was found between the eccentric and concentric mean force values of the CMJ (r = 0.756; p < 0.001). A significant relationship was also observed between the right and left sides in the static balance test (r = 0.692; p < 0.001). In contrast, no significant association was found between the sides in dynamic balance performance (r = 0.276; p = 0.181). A very strong correlation was identified between the FAAM subscales (r = 0.897; p < 0.001), while moderate positive relationships were observed between the IKDC and FAAM scores.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that objective performance tests and self-reported functional questionnaires provide partially different yet complementary information regarding lower limb function. Therefore, the combined application of objective and subjective assessment tools may be recommended for a comprehensive evaluation of lower limb status in volleyball players.
