Innovative Approach to Enhancing Physical and Functional Fitness in Volleyball Players

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of blood flow restriction (BFR) training in improving the physical and functional performance of skilled volleyball players. The purpose of the research is to determine the effectiveness of BFR training on the physical performance of qualified volleyball players. The object of the study is the physical and functional fitness of qualified volleyball players, while the subject is the impact of BFR training as a method for enhancing the physical and functional metrics of these athletes. Methods employed to achieve the research goal included: analysis and synthesis of scientific-methodological sources, pedagogical observation, experimental design, pedagogical testing (testing explosive power with vertical jump; upper body muscle strength with push-ups; speed-strength endurance with plank test; reaction speed with weight-transfer jumps; aerobic endurance with beep test; and flexibility with a sit-and-reach test), and methods of mathematical statistics. Organization of the Study. The research involved 22 young male athletes, divided into two groups (control and experimental). The control group followed a standard training program, while the experimental group participated in a custom BFR-enhanced training program designed to improve the physical fitness of qualified volleyball players. This program was structured over an 8-week period with a gradual increase in load. Results of the Study. The findings indicate a significant positive effect of the BFR program on the physical metrics of the volleyball players in the experimental group. Participants in this group demonstrated substantial improvements in several key parameters compared to the control group, which trained according to the standard program. Specifically, an increase in explosive power, measured by vertical jump height, reached approximately 23.5% in the experimental group, compared to only 2.8% in the control group, suggesting a high level of activation of fast-twitch muscle fibers under the hypoxic conditions created by BFR exercises. Improvements were also observed in upper body muscle endurance, with the number of push-ups in the experimental group increasing by 47.4%, compared to 10% in the control group. This result is linked to enhanced protein synthesis and activation of anabolic processes induced by BFR training. Similarly, plank duration, reflecting core endurance, increased by 63.8% in the experimental group versus 8.3% in the control group, confirming enhanced muscle endurance. Aerobic endurance, measured by the beep test, increased by 50% in the experimental group and by 16.7% in the control, indicating cardiovascular system adaptation to more intense conditions at a relatively low external load. Additionally, there was a significant improvement in flexibility metrics, with an increase of 75% in the experimental group compared to 20% in the control group, attributed to the increased elasticity of muscle and connective structures under metabolic stress. Conclusions. The BFR training program demonstrated its effectiveness and safety, reducing injury risk due to lower load intensity while enhancing the athletes' adaptive capacities. The results suggest that BFR training is suitable for enhancing volleyball players’ performance and holds promise for broader application in sports practice. BFR training is recommended for sports practice, especially for volleyball players and athletes in other team sports. With moderate loads and high efficiency, it is suitable for athletes of various skill levels and supports the comprehensive development of physical qualities.