Kinematic analysis of lower and upper body movements in volleyball players during ball-entry actions: a biomechanical perspective

Аннотация

This article provides an in-depth biomechanical analysis of both lower and upper body kinematics in volleyball players, focusing on key actions such as serving and spiking. By evaluating the maximum and minimum ranges of motion in the pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows, the study highlights the asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant limbs and how this influences force generation, stability, and performance efficiency. The findings emphasize the role of the pelvis in rotational force transmission, the hips in vertical stability, and the shoulders and elbows in generating power for ball entry. These kinematic insights contribute to optimizing training strategies and injury prevention for volleyball players. Keywords: Volleyball biomechanics, kinematic analysis, shoulder flexion/extension, pelvis rotation, hip abduction/adduction, elbow flexion/extension, lower body kinematics, upper body kinematics, ball-entry mechanics, asymmetry in movement, force generation, stability in volleyball, sports performance analysis. provided valuable insights into the biomechanics of Introduction: Volleyball is a dynamic sport that volleyball, focusing primarily on jumping mechanics, requires complex, coordinated movements involving landing forces, and the joint loads associated with both the upper and lower body. During ball-entry these movements (Ford et al., 2003; Lees et al., 2004). actions such as serving and spiking, players generate However, less attention has been given to the significant force and power through the interaction of comprehensive kinematic analysis of ball-entry actions, various joints and muscle groups. Understanding the which involve a combination of rotational forces, kinematics of these movements, particularly the flexion-extension, and abduction-adduction across asymmetries between dominant and non-dominant multiple joints. limbs, is critical for optimizing performance, reducing injury risk, and improving training methods. Previous The upper body, particularly the shoulder and elbow, studies have explored biomechanics in volleyball, but a plays a pivotal role in volleyball’s overhead actions, comprehensive analysis of both upper and lower body such as serving and spiking. Studies have shown that kinematics during ball-entry actions remains limited. the dominant shoulder tends to have a wider range of This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing the specific motion compared to the non-dominant side, reflecting joint movements involved in serving and spiking, its role in generating power for ball strikes (Schneiders including the pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and et al., 2011). Right shoulder flexion and extension are elbows, with a focus on their contribution to overall crucial for creating the momentum necessary for performance and stability. powerful spikes, while the non-dominant arm stabilizes the movement (Chang et al., 2019). Elbow kinematics Biomechanical studies have long emphasized the also significantly impact ball velocity, with greater critical role of kinematic analysis in understanding extension in the dominant arm aiding in faster and athletic performance, particularly in sports like more controlled strikes (Pappas & Carpes, 2012). volleyball where both upper and lower body coordination is essential. Previous research has Lower body movements, particularly the pelvis, hips, International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research 78 https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijmscr International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265) knees, and ankles, contribute to the initial force volleyball-specific ball-entry actions. generation and stability during ball-entry actions. 2. To assess the kinematics of shoulder and elbow Bobbert et al. (1990) highlighted the importance of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction during pelvic rotation in transferring energy from the lower overhead movements such as spiking and serving. body to the upper body during explosive movements 3. To identify any significant asymmetries between the like jumps and strikes. Pelvic asymmetry, where one dominant and non-dominant limbs in both upper and segment of the pelvis rotates more than the other, lower body kinematics. reflects the dominant leg’s role in force generation. This asymmetry is also mirrored in hip and knee 4. To evaluate how these kinematic patterns influence movements, where the dominant leg exhibits a greater the transfer of force from the lower to the upper body range of flexion and extension, contributing to the during ball-entry actions. powerful push-off needed for jumps (Ford et al., 2003). 5. To provide biomechanical insights that can inform Hips and knees are critical for both vertical stability and injury prevention strategies and improve training force production. In volleyball, the dominant leg programs for volleyball players. typically produces more force, particularly in the initial Research Organization: This researc