The effect of pliometric, neuromuscular exercises and graston myofacial relaxation technique on vertical jump in volleyball players

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of graston myofascial release technique applied after plyometric and neuromuscular exercises in volleyball players on vertical jump, flexibility and dynamic balance performances. Volleyball players (n=10) who continue their education at Istanbul Gelişim University and play actively in the men's volleyball team participated in the study. In line with the purpose of the research, a weak experimental design, which is a single group pre-test post-test design, was used. After the pre-test measurements, plyometric and neuromuscular exercise programs were applied to the study group 3 days a week for 6 weeks, and at the end of the last exercise of the week, graston myofascial release technique was applied and after the exercise program was completed, post-test measurements were made. Body weight and height, vertical jump test, flexibility test, body mass index, bioelectrical impedance measurement, dynamic balance measurements were performed on the study group in the pre-test and post-tests. The findings were made using the SPSS 25.0 package program. Data were analyzed by t-test (paired t-test) in dependent groups. No statistically significant relationship was found between the pre-test and post-test comparisons of the study group's body weight, skeletal muscle weight, body fat weight, body mass index and body fat ratio (p>0.05). When the pre-test and post-test results of vertical jump, sit-reach and balance parameters were evaluated, a statistically significant difference was found (p<0.05). As a result, it was determined that plyometric and neuromuscular exercises supported by the graston technique had a positive effect on vertical jump, flexibility and balance parameters.