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Rewiring for Victory: Neuro-Athletic Training Enhances Flexibility, Serve Speed, and Upper Limb Performance in Elite Volleyball Players—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Year: 2024

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: This randomized controlled prospective trial evaluated the impact of neuro‐athletic training (NAT) on flexibility, serve speed, and upper extremity performance in elite volleyball players. Thirty professional players aged 18‐35 were initially recruited and randomly assigned to either the NAT intervention or control group. However, the study was completed with a final sample of 26 participants. Performance assessments, including the Sit and Reach Test, Pocket Radar Ball Coach for serve speed, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), were conducted pre‐ and post‐intervention. The NAT group showed significant improvements in flexibility (p=0.005, d=2.32), serve speed (p<0.001, d=2.54), and upper limb performance (p<0.001, d=2.61), while the control group displayed no significant changes. These findings highlight NATʹs effectiveness in enhancing neuromuscular function and coordination, emphasizing its potential as a training approach in competitive volleyball.This randomized controlled prospective trial evaluated the impact of neuro‐athletic training (NAT) on flexibility, serve speed, and upper extremity performance in elite volleyball players. Thirty professional players aged 18‐35 were initially recruited and randomly assigned to either the NAT intervention or control group. However, the study was completed with a final sample of 26 participants. Performance assessments, including the Sit and Reach Test, Pocket Radar Ball Coach for serve speed, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST), were conducted pre‐ and post‐intervention. The NAT group showed significant improvements in flexibility (p=0.005, d=2.32), serve speed (p<0.001, d=2.54), and upper limb performance (p<0.001, d=2.61), while the control group displayed no significant changes. These findings highlight NATʹs effectiveness in enhancing neuromuscular function and coordination, emphasizing its potential as a training approach in competitive volleyball.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app142311102

Authors: Caglar Soylu, Emre Altundag

Institutions: Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, KTO Karatay University, Kütahya Dumlupınar Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Sports Performance and Training

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728