PHYSICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES OF ELITE VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS IN NIGERIA PREMIER LEAGUE-

Abstract

Volleyball players’ physical and physiological characteristics play a critical role in their performance and are often influenced by positional demands. Understanding these traits can provide useful information for optimising training and performance. Therefore, this study investigated the physical and physiological characteristics of elite volleyball players in Nigeria. The variables assessed were; heart rate, blood pressure, body fat percentage, body mass index (BMI), arm span, arm strength, calf and thigh circumferences, with a focus on variations across playing positions.

This study employed an ex-post facto design, obtaining data from 102 elite volleyball players in the Nigerian Volleyball Premier League. Measurements were taken using standard instruments, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 0.05 significance level. Bonferonni Post hoc tests were performed to further identify significant differences. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was conducted to determine the normality of the data and were found to be normally distributed (p =.071).

Heart rate scores were consistent across playing positions, indicating no significant differences (p > 0.05). However, significant variations were observed in arm span (p = 0.00), BMI (p = 0.00), and body fat percentage (p = 0.02) based on playing positions. Post hoc analyses showed blockers had the longest arm spans and the highest body fat percentages, while spikers exhibited the highest BMI values. Arm strength did not significantly differ across positions (p > 0.05). This study concluded; that physical and physiological characteristics, particularly arm span, BMI, and body fat percentage, are position-specific in volleyball. It was recommended that coaches consider these traits when designing training and conditioning programmes. Player’s attributes should be considered during talent identification and assigning of role. In addition, regular assessment of players’ physical and physiological attributes throughout the season to optimise performance and address weaknesses.