Analysis and correlation of fitness and strength parameters in volleyball, basketball, and handball players of university

Abstract

Background and Aim: Each team discipline presents a specific physiological and anthropometric profile because of some particular needs and functions. The primary aim of the study was to analyze the vertical jump power (squat jump, countermovement jump, and countermovement jump with arm swing), Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability test (CKCUES test), throwing ball velocity, and handgrip strength among volleyball, basketball, and handball players, and the secondary aim was to find out the correlation of handgrip strength with all these parameters. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where 75 university male volleyball (Group A, n = 25), basketball (Group B, n = 25), and handball (Group C, n = 25) players participated. Throwing ball velocity was measured with SRA3000 Radar Gun, vertical jump power was assessed by force platform (Kinematic Measurement System), and handgrip strength was measured by using a digital handheld dynamometer (CAMRY EH101). Results: By using SPSS version 21, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation were found. Group A showed significantly higher scores in handgrip strength, vertical jump power, and CKCUES test as compared to Group B and Group C. Handgrip strength showed a positive correlation with throwing ball velocity, vertical jump power, and CKCUES test (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant differences in fitness and strength parameters were found among all the groups, and there was a positive correlation of handgrip with upper- and lower-limb strength. These findings will empower the coaches for objective selection of players on the basis of strength and fitness baselines as well as better understanding of injury risks.