Investigation of upper extremity functionality and quality of life of adolescent volleyball players

The upper extremity is the part of the body that includes the shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, hand and wrist to perform mobility and skills. Volleyball, upper extremity is used extensively, is one of the most popular sports played by people of all age categories for professional, amateur and recreational purposes. This popularity allows adolescents to gravitate towards volleyball. Adolescent individuals playing volleyball causes improvements in some parameters in their upper extremities. The aim of this study was to examine upper extremity functionality and quality of life of adolescent volleyball players. 20 adolescent volleyball players registered in Kırşehir Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports and 20 sedentary individuals without sport habits participated in the study. Study assessments were carried out in Aşıkpaşa Indoor Sports Hall affiliated to Kırşehir Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate. Upper extremity functionality and the quality of life of the participants was evaluated with WHOQOL-BREF and Q-DASH questionnaires, Plate Tapping Test, Hand Claw Force Test, Bent Arm Hang Test, Modified Push-up Test, Nelson Hand Reaction Test, Medicine Ball Throwing Test, Back Scratch Test and Upper Extremity Y Balance Test. According to the statistical analysis results between groups; A significant difference was found in favor of the athlete group in the results of the Plate Tapping Test, Bent Arm Hang Test, Modified Push-up Test, Nelson's Hand Reaction Test, Medicine Ball Throwing Test and Upper Extremity Y Balance Test (p<0,05). According to the results of WHOQOL-BREF, Q-DASH, Hand Claw Force Test and Back Scratch Test, no significant difference was found between the groups (p>0,05). In conclusion, our study revealed that individuals who played volleyball in adolescence had improved upper extremity strength, endurance, explosive power, movement speed, reaction time and balance. For this reason, we think that individuals will be directed to sports in the adolescent period.