Sports science and education: comparison of isokinetic force between male and female volleyball players

Abstract

This study compares lower extremity isokinetic strength values of male volleyball players at two different chronological age and level of competition. 24 volunteer athletes who were playing at youth and junior teams participated in this study. The study was conducted at two different angular speed. Practise test (3 repetitions) and actual test (6 repetitions) at 60o/s angular speed and practise test (5 repetitions) and actual test (15 repetitions) at 180o/s angular speed were conducted with participants. Whether the groups had normal distribution was determined with Shapiro-Wilk test. The means of the data with normal distribution were compared using Independent Samples T-Test; the means of the data with non-normal distribution were compared using Mann-Whitney U Test. The results showed that there was no meaningful statistical difference (p>0.05) in the angular motions which were dominated by quadriceps and hamstring muscles with both legs at 60o/s and 180o/s Consequently, it was seen that in volleyball, isokinetic strength was not affected by motor actions required in the sports field like jumping and sprinting. It is believed that specific training in strength trainings should be done to improve isokinetic strength.