A Comparative Study of Flexibility, Balance, and Strength Between Volleyball-Playing and Non-Athletic Girls Aged 7-14
Clinical Physiotherapy and Related Research, cilt.1, sa.2, ss.15, 2026 (TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 1 Sayı: 2
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Dergi Adı: Clinical Physiotherapy and Related Research
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.15
- Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: The
aim of this study is to examine flexibility, balance, and strength, which are
physical fitness parameters, among girls who play volleyball and those who are
sedentary.
Methods:
This study included 40 volunteer girls aged 7-14, consisting of 20 who play
volleyball and 20 who are sedentary. Flexibility was assessed using the Sit and
Reach Test; balance was evaluated with the Flamingo Balance Test and the Star
Excursion Balance Test (SEBT); and strength was measured using the Handgrip
Strength Test, Standing Long Jump Test, Vertical Jump Test, and Overhead
Medicine Ball Throw Test.
Results:
No significant difference was found in flexibility between the
volleyball-playing and sedentary groups (p>0.05). Regarding static balance
assessed by the Flamingo Balance Test, no significant intergroup difference was
observed (p>0.05). In the dynamic balance assessed by the SEBT, no significant
difference was found for the right posterolateral and lateral directions, or
for the left lateral and anterolateral directions (p>0.05). However, the
volleyball-playing group performed significantly better in the other directions
(p<0.05). In strength assessments, the volleyball-playing group showed
superior performance in static strength (Handgrip Strength, p<0.05) and
explosive power (Standing Long Jump, p<0.05; Vertical Jump, p<0.001;
Overhead Medicine Ball Throw, p<0.05).
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that more active children who play volleyball generally
have better physical fitness parameters compared to their sedentary peers. This
highlights the importance of encouraging sports participation and establishing
healthy habits from an early age.
Keywords:
Balance, Flexibility, Girl, Strength, Volleyball