Investigation of the effect of deep fascial stimulation on perception of proprioception in volleyball players

Aim: This study aims to examine the effect of deep fascial stimulation applied to the upper extremity with the foam roller on shoulder maximal strength and proprioception in volleyball players. Material and Methods: A total of 47 female athletes voluntarily participated in research between the ages of 14-20, residing in Manisa and participating in the competitions in the Women's Volleyball 2nd League of the Turkish Volleyball Federation. First, the participants' maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVIC) levels were measured during shoulder joint flexion, then 50% MVIC target strength value was determined, and a two-trial strength perception (FS) test was performed with this value. The target force value was evaluated by visual feedback from the computer screen. Descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied using SPSS for Mac 28.0 package program. The statistical significance level was accepted as p <0.05. Results: When the research results were examined, an increase was observed in the MVIC values in the posttest and this increase was found to be statistically significant. A decrease was observed in the perception of force, but it was determined that this decrease did not have any statistical significance. Conclusions: As a result, we can say that SMR applied to the upper extremity with FR has a positive effect on the maximal strength of the shoulder joint, while it causes a decrease in shoulder proprioception, although it is not statistically significant.