Lumbar and Abdominal Muscles Isometric Potential in Volleyball Cadets

Abstract

Given that a volleyball game requires a certain level of individual anthropological characteristics of young volleyball players to successfully act on situational conditions, and that interdisciplinary approach in the science study is the principal methodological orientation, subject of study in the field of sports is the anthropological status. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible differences in spinal lumbar and abdominal muscles isometric potential of prospective male and female. Sample included 42 subjects (15 male and 27 female subjects), male and female volleyball players, the cadet selection of Serbia, aged 14±0.5 years. Isometric muscle potential assessment was conducted using four standardized motor movement tasks, covering the following areas: static contraction of the flexors of the torso, static contraction of the extensors of the torso, static contraction of the left flexor of the torso, and static contraction of the right flexor of the torso. In addition to the descriptive statistics used, as basis statistics, the t-test for independent samples was used, to compare the mean values of parameters measured in two different groups of athletes – volleyball players (girls – boys). Descriptive indicators of the sample suggest greater values of deep spinal muscles isometric potential with boys in all study variables. Study results gained by the t-test of independent samples indicate that statistically significant difference exists between their mean results in variables of trunk flexor static contractions and trunk extensor static contractions, at the level 0.001. With other two variables, the values indicate that difference between genders is not significant but accidental. The results of this study regarding static contraction of the right and left lateral flexors of the torso show the lack of statistical significance between male and female cadet volleyball players.