The effects of proprioceptive training on some performance parameters, technical skills and functional movement in volleyball players

This study aimed to investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercises applied to volleyball players on selected performance values, technical skill levels, and functional movement. A pre-test-post-test control group experimental design was used in the study. A total of 23 female volleyball players, divided into an experimental group (n=11, age=12.91±0.53) and a control group (n=12, age=13.25±0.86), voluntarily participated in the study. The experimental group athletes performed adapted proprioceptive exercises three days a week for six weeks, in addition to their routine volleyball training program, during the pre-training portion of each session. After obtaining the necessary permissions, voluntary consent forms were signed by the parents. Dynamic balance, flexibility, 20 m sprint, forearm pass, finger pass, back, leg, and grip strength tests were administered as data collection tools. The obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS 27 software package. The data were found to be normally distributed, and parametric tests were used. According to the analysis results, statistically significant results were found in the time x group interaction for FHA, finger pass, forearm pass, flexibility, and balance performance (p<0.05). However, while a limited improvement was observed in the 20 m sprint, no significant changes were observed in the strength parameters (p>0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that proprioceptive exercises have positive effects on some selected performance values and improve technical skill and functional performance in volleyball players. In line with these findings, it is thought that applying proprioceptive exercises to the training programs of those new to volleyball may be beneficial.