The Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises on Spike Velocity in Adolescent Volleyball Players

Abstract

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of regular core stabilization exercises on spike velocity in adolescent volleyball players.Method: A total of 60 athletes between the ages of 15-18 who play professional volleyball in the same sports club voluntarily participated in the study. After measuring the spike velocity of the subject group consisting of 30 athletes with a radar gun, the athletes were included in the core stabilization exercise program and their spike velocity was measured again at the end of the 6-week program. Similarly, the spike speed of the control group consisting of 30 athletes was measured for the first time, and it was measured again after 6 weeks without any further exercise planning.Results: The mean spike velocity of the subject group, who performed regular core stabilization exercises for six weeks, increased from 58.66±10.58 m/s to 69.50±9.66 m/s (p<0.001). Moreover, while there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of average spiking speed at the beginning of the study (p=0.53), the values measured in the subject group (69.50±9.66 m/s) at the end of the study were significantly higher than those of the control group (64.10±9.57 m/s) (p=0.034).Conclusion: A six-week core stabilization exercise program may increase the spike velocity in adolescent volleyball players.