The Relationship Between Eccentric Hamstring Muscle Strength and Reaction Time in Elite Volleyball Players: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not eccentric hamstring muscle strength has an effect on reaction time in elite volleyball players. Material and Methods: The study included 33 male volleyball players, aged 16-20 years, who met the study inclusion criteria. The eccentric hamstring strength was measured during Nordic hamstring exercises with an iVMES H-BORD ® . The reaction time of the volleyball players was measured with the Light Trainer Flash Light Exercise System™.Results: A strong level, negative, significant correlation was determined between the maximum eccentric hamstring muscle strength values of the dominant and non-dominant side of the study participants and the mean reaction time (r=-0.69, p<0.001; r=-0.78, p<0.001, respectively) and the best reaction time values (r=-0.70; p<0.001, r=-0.75; p<0.001, respectively). A strong level, negative, significant correlation was determined between the mean eccentric hamstring muscle strength values of the dominant and nondominant side and the mean reaction time (r=-0.69; p<0.001, r=-0.71; p<0.001, respectively) and the best reaction time values (r=-0.71; p<0.001, r=-0.68; p<0.001, respectively). At the same time, it was determined that there was no significant correlation between maximum and mean eccentric muscle strength difference and mean reaction time and best reaction time values (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant correlation between eccentric hamstring muscle strength and reaction time parameters in young, male volleyball players. Trainers and sports scientists should take this into consideration in training programs to improve the performance of volleyball players.