The effect of perturbation training on volleyball players' strength, proprioception and performance

Perturbation training which is in the context of volleyball routine practice is a type of neuromuscular exercises that is useful in overhead sports; leads to contraction responses through unpredictable perturbation.
The present study aims to investigate the effects of perturbation training on volleyball players strength proprioception and performance.
Twenty-four volunteer male volleyball players (age: 24.42±2.15 years; height: 181.46±3.00m; Weight: 73.87±3.77kg; BMI: 22.43±0.80) were recruited and randomly assigned into perturbation and control groups, Before the intervention, a set of isokinetic dynamometry was carried out to measure shoulder proprioception as well as rotator cuff muscles strength, what is more, the upper extremity performance was evaluated using Y-Balance Test. For a course of 6 weeks, players of the perturbation group implemented perturbation trainings, 3 times weekly while the control group performed its routine training. The dynamometry was repeated at the end of training period to compare trainings outcome. The Repeated Measures ANOVA statistic was used to find differences between groups.
A significant difference in shoulder proprioception, as well as the YBT-UQ test, was observed between the groups; Also, the ANOVA showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in functional strength ratio followed by 6 weeks of perturbation training.
Perturbation trainings might have benefit to volleyball players conditioning by improvement rotator cuff strength, shoulder proprioception and upper extremity performance. Given this adopting kind of training as a part of regular basic training for volleyball players is highly recommended.