The effect of stabilization exercises on athletic performance and injury risk in volleyball players

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stabilization training on athletic performance and injury risk in volleyball players. The study included 23 volleyball players (mean age 21.26±1.00 years). The participants were randomly divided into two groups as study group (n=12) and control group (n=11). Both groups completed the routine training program for 8 weeks. The study group received stabilization exercise training for 8 weeks (2 days/week). Injury risk and athletic performance of the volleyball players were evaluated by functional movement screening (FMS), sit and reach flexibility test, weight-bearing lunge (WBL) medicine ball throwing test, closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST) 20-mt speed test, serve skill test, vertical jump test, and upper and lower extremity dynamic Y balance test (YBT). All assessments were performed for both groups before and after the 8-week training program. In both groups (except sit-reach test and asymmetry points in the control group), there was a significant improvement in all parameters evaluated after training compared to before training (p<0.05). When the two groups were compared, it was determined that the values obtained in terms of FMS score and asymmetry points, medicine ball throwing test, CKCUEST, vertical jump, serve skill test, upper and lower extremity dynamic Y Balance Test, lower extremity anterior asymmetry score, right foot WBL results were significant in favor of the study group (p˂0.05). No statistical difference was detected between the sit-reach flexibility test, the 20-meter speed test, and the left foot WBL tests (p˃0.05). The findings of the study showed that stabilization exercises in addition to the routine training program were effective in reducing the risk of injury and improving athletic performance in volleyball players. The inclusion of stabilization exercises in the training program of volleyball players can be used as an effective approach to prevent injuries and increase player and team success.