Anthropometric and psychophysiological characteristics of top female volleyballers in relation to the players’ position on the court

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to find if the players who play in different positions in Estonian top female teams can be differentiated by their body build and psychophysiological characteristics. The study involved four female teams of the Estonian league: Viimsi Spa, Viljandi Metall, Tallinn University and the Junior National Team. In total, 41 female volleyballers were studied; they were divided as follows: first tempo attackers -13, setters -8, diagonal attackers -6, second tempo attackers -9, liberos -5. Twelve anthropometric measurements were taken and eight indices were calculated from the measurement results. Psychophysiological tests were conducted, using the computer program Win Psycho, on all the 41 subjects three times during the season. Psychophysiological studies consisted in measuring simple and complex reaction times and anticipation time. Anthropometric and psychophysiological variables were statistically analysed according to the players' positions on the court. The mean values of variables of the four participating teams were also analysed.Anthropometric data -both basic characteristics and indices -show great individual variability. However, there were statistically significant differences between the groups of players only in height, weight and horizontal arms spread. The results of psychophysiological tests did not differ statistically significantly between players in different positions. Still, the reaction times shortened towards the end of the season. The analysis of volleyballers' mean reaction times according to teams showed that the reaction times of three teams improved during the season. Tallinn University was the only team whose Anthropometric and psychophysiological characteristics of top female voliballers | 233 reaction times worsened. Viljandi Metall was statistically significantly better compared to Viimsi Spa. Both of them were also the strongest clubs during the 2011/2012 season. Consequently, psychophysiological tests reflect the intensity and level of coaching in the teams.

Comparison of Anthropometric Characteristics Between Athletes and Non-athletes

“…We calculated the differences of mean for both measurements and obtained 8.51cm for chest, greater differences compared to our data (3.375cm) and 2.57 cm for waist, smaller than our report (5.106cm). On expert volleyball players, Polluveer, Stamm, & Stamm (2012) found values of chest between 86.7 and 91.5cm, of waist between 74.3 and 78.7 cm, and of 99.4-104.3cm for hip circumference. All anthropometric dimensions were in accordance with positions and, at the same time, larger than what we obtained in our study.…”

Characteristics of the Level of Psychomotor Abilities of Female Handball Players

“…The obtained results were not found to be statistically significant, though. Similarly, Polluveer observed this phenomenon among female volleyball players [40]. The results of simple and complex reaction time and anticipation time did not differ significantly between players on different positions on the court.…”

Characteristics of the level of psychomotor abilities of female handball players

“…Nevertheless, this results did not prove to be statistically significant. Similarly, Polluveer [50] has observed this phenomenon among female volleyball players. Moreover, the simple and complex reaction time and anticipation time results were not found to differ significantly among players in different positions on the court.…”