Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters

Background: This study aimed to explore the biomechanical and neuromuscular differences in spike jumps between Outside Hitters (OH) and Opposite Hitters (OPP) in volleyball. Methods: Twelve male national-level volleyball players (six OHs and six OPPs) performed standardized spike maneuvers align...

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Main Authors: Chen Chen, Jiali Zhong, Zining Zhu, Ying Wang, Kunyi Huang, Han Yuan, Mingli Deng, Yuwen ShangGuan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MRE Press 2025-06-01
Series:Journal of Men's Health
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Online Access:https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250627-579/pdf/JOMH2025041402.pdf
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author Chen Chen
Jiali Zhong
Zining Zhu
Ying Wang
Kunyi Huang
Han Yuan
Mingli Deng
Yuwen ShangGuan
author_facet Chen Chen
Jiali Zhong
Zining Zhu
Ying Wang
Kunyi Huang
Han Yuan
Mingli Deng
Yuwen ShangGuan
author_sort Chen Chen
collection DOAJ
description Background: This study aimed to explore the biomechanical and neuromuscular differences in spike jumps between Outside Hitters (OH) and Opposite Hitters (OPP) in volleyball. Methods: Twelve male national-level volleyball players (six OHs and six OPPs) performed standardized spike maneuvers aligned with their positional roles. Kinematic data were captured using a Qualisys infrared motion capture system, and muscle activation was assessed using a Delsys wireless surface electromyography (sEMG) system. Results: OPPs demonstrated significantly greater right foot landing angle, inter-foot distance and center of mass projection-related distances, indicating a more forward-oriented posture and longer final step. In contrast, OHs exhibited larger shoulder joint line angle and take-off angle, contributing to higher vertical jump performance. Both groups showed asymmetrical force application—right-leg dominance in the braking phase and left-leg dominance in the propulsion phase. Muscle activation patterns were position-specific: OHs relied more on vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius, while OPPs showed greater semitendinosus contribution during propulsion. Conclusions: These position-specific neuromechanical patterns reflect distinct tactical demands, suggesting the need for tailored strength and conditioning programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risks in elite volleyball players.
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spelling doaj-art-e17badb6a2814c6ba3e0a869700c9d012025-08-20T03:17:40ZengMRE PressJournal of Men's Health1875-68671875-68592025-06-0121612914010.22514/jomh.2025.089S1875-6867(25)00406-3Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hittersChen Chen0Jiali Zhong1Zining Zhu2Ying Wang3Kunyi Huang4Han Yuan5Mingli Deng6Yuwen ShangGuan7Physical Education Department, Kunsan National University, 541150 Gunsan, Republic of KoreaPhysical Education Department, Yanshan University, 06000 Qinhuangdao, Hebei, ChinaPhysical Education Department, Kunsan National University, 541150 Gunsan, Republic of KoreaFaculty of Education, Woosuk University, 54896 Jeonju, Republic of Korea Department of Health and Physical Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, 999077 Hong Kong Department of Physical Education, Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 41566 Daegu, Republic of Korea School of Marxism, Changsha Medical University, 410219 Changsha, Hunan, China Physical Education Department, Kunsan National University, 541150 Gunsan, Republic of KoreaBackground: This study aimed to explore the biomechanical and neuromuscular differences in spike jumps between Outside Hitters (OH) and Opposite Hitters (OPP) in volleyball. Methods: Twelve male national-level volleyball players (six OHs and six OPPs) performed standardized spike maneuvers aligned with their positional roles. Kinematic data were captured using a Qualisys infrared motion capture system, and muscle activation was assessed using a Delsys wireless surface electromyography (sEMG) system. Results: OPPs demonstrated significantly greater right foot landing angle, inter-foot distance and center of mass projection-related distances, indicating a more forward-oriented posture and longer final step. In contrast, OHs exhibited larger shoulder joint line angle and take-off angle, contributing to higher vertical jump performance. Both groups showed asymmetrical force application—right-leg dominance in the braking phase and left-leg dominance in the propulsion phase. Muscle activation patterns were position-specific: OHs relied more on vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius, while OPPs showed greater semitendinosus contribution during propulsion. Conclusions: These position-specific neuromechanical patterns reflect distinct tactical demands, suggesting the need for tailored strength and conditioning programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risks in elite volleyball players.https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250627-579/pdf/JOMH2025041402.pdfspike jumpoutside hitteropposite hitterbiomechanicssurface electromyographykinematicsmuscle activation
spellingShingle Chen Chen
Jiali Zhong
Zining Zhu
Ying Wang
Kunyi Huang
Han Yuan
Mingli Deng
Yuwen ShangGuan
Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
Journal of Men's Health
spike jump
outside hitter
opposite hitter
biomechanics
surface electromyography
kinematics
muscle activation
title Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
title_full Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
title_fullStr Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
title_full_unstemmed Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
title_short Position-specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players: a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
title_sort position specific neuromuscular activation and biomechanical characterization of the snap jump in elite male volleyball players a comparative study of outside and opposite hitters
topic spike jump
outside hitter
opposite hitter
biomechanics
surface electromyography
kinematics
muscle activation
url https://oss.jomh.org/files/article/20250627-579/pdf/JOMH2025041402.pdf
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