The potential effects of a holistic yoga intervention on performance and injury risk in volleyball players: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yoga exercises on volleyball players' fundamental physical indicators and their contributions to sports performance and injury prevention.

Methods: Twenty-six volleyball players aged 18-26 were randomly divided into intervention and control groups for an eight-session pretest-posttest, single-blinded experimental study. Both groups followed routine training; the intervention group added yoga twice weekly, while the control group performed strength exercises. Evaluated flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, vertical jump, speed, and service accuracy.

Results: The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in flexibility, balance, endurance, and service accuracy compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated notable enhancements in upper extremity strength and vertical jump performance, while the control group exhibited limited progress, especially in flexibility and vertical jump.

Conclusions: Incorporating yoga into the regular training regimen of volleyball players significantly improves flexibility, balance, endurance, and service accuracy. Additionally, it enhances upper extremity strength and vertical jump performance, while reducing injury risks through improved musculoskeletal balance and body awareness.