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CORRELATIONS BETWEEN ANTHROPOMETRIC AND SPORT SPECIFIC FIELD-BASED TESTS IN SITTING VOLLEYBALL

Abstract

Eric C. Conchola1, Mary H. Springfield1, Jacilyn M. Olson1, and Kevin J. Fink1

1University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma

Sitting volleyball is a Paralympic sport widely known for being a game of speed, agility, performance, and endurance. While many fitness tests can be used to assess specificity of sport, the combination of field-tests and anthropometric measurements can provide coaches with performance related support for future coaching decisions. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess potential correlations between anthropometric parameters and field-tests within the game of sitting volleyball. METHODS: Six females from the U.S. National Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team volunteered to participate in the study, (age=25.50 ± 4.51 years, height 170.15 ± 6.44 cm, and mass 80.89 ± 25.67 kg). The specific tests were: handgrip (HG) analysis, the seated chest press test (SCP), a speed & agility test (SAT), as well as a speed & endurance test (SET). The order of the field-tests was conducted in accordance with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines, of non-fatiguing tests first, maximum strength test second, maximum power third, sprint test fourth, and aerobic capacity tests last (Haff & Triplett, 2015). RESULTS: According to the Pearson correlation coefficient test, there was a significant correlation between the athlete’s height and spike position (r= .853, p=0.031). Other significant correlations found were between HG and SCP (Watts) (r = 0.913, p = 0.011), which was measured using time and distance from the SCP test, as well as blocking position and the SAT (r=0.888, p=0.044), and blocking position and the SET (r=0.93, p=0.022). The strongest correlation was shown between SAT and the SET (r = 0.964, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: The aim of the present study was to identify correlations between sport specific field-based tests and anthropometric measurements. Anthropometric measurements and non-laboratory field-tests specific to sitting volleyball can be useful for the coaching staff to determine which player is best suited for a specific position and the athletes’ overall performance on the court. The main findings from the present study were significant correlations with the athletes’ height and spike position, hand grip strength and chest pass power, blocking position and SAT, blocking position and SET, and SAT and SET.

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