Electrophysiological changes that occur on the conduction velocity in the upper extremity nerves of elite female volleyball players

The aim of this study is to find out whether volleyball has any effect on the electrophysiological changes that occur on conduction velocity in the upper extremity nerves of elite volleyball players.This study was conducted with a sample of 40 people, consisting of 20 voluntary elite female volleyball players and 20 healthy females who do not perform any sport activities. All participants in the experimental and control groups were chosen among right-handed individuals.The statistical analyses were done using SPSS for Windows 13.0 (Mann-Whitney U Test). The findings were discussed in the p<0.05 significance level.When the right-arm median motor nerve measure values were analyzed, a statistically significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups in terms of median motor nerve latency, conduction velocity and F responses.When the right arm ulnar motor nerve measure values were analyzed, another statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of ulnar motor nerve latency, elbow segment conduction velocity and F responses.When the left arm median motor nerve measure values were analyzed, a statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in terms of median motor nerve F responses.When the left arm ulnar motor nerve measure values were analyzed, another statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in terms of ulnar motor nerve latency and F responses.As a result, the obtained findings have shown that, between the experimental and control groups, dominant and non-dominant upper extremities are effected in different ways. This situation can be accepted as an indication of asymptomatic nerve damage in volleyball players. These results also state that there may be a tendency toward ulnar and motor asymptomatic nerve damage in volleyball players.Key Words: Volleyball, conduction velocity of nerves, electrophysiology