International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
78
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ijmscr
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue02 2025
PAGE NO.
78-82
10.37547/ijmscr/Volume05Issue02-14
Kinematic analysis of lower and upper div movements
in volleyball players during ball-entry actions: a
biomechanical perspective
o’qituvchisi Turg’unov Azimjon
Namangan davlat universiteti, Uzbekistan
Received:
24 December 2024;
Accepted:
26 January 2025;
Published:
28 February 2025
Abstract:
This article provides an in-depth biomechanical analysis of both lower and upper div kinematics in
volleyball players, focusing on key actions such as serving and spiking. By evaluating the maximum and minimum
ranges of motion in the pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows, the study highlights the asymmetry
between dominant and non-dominant limbs and how this influences force generation, stability, and performance
efficiency. The findings emphasize the role of the pelvis in rotational force transmission, the hips in vertical
stability, and the shoulders and elbows in generating power for ball entry. These kinematic insights contribute to
optimizing training strategies and injury prevention for volleyball players.
Keywords:
Volleyball biomechanics, kinematic analysis, shoulder flexion/extension, pelvis rotation, hip
abduction/adduction, elbow flexion/extension, lower div kinematics, upper div kinematics, ball-entry
mechanics, asymmetry in movement, force generation, stability in volleyball, sports performance analysis.
Introduction:
Volleyball is a dynamic sport that
requires complex, coordinated movements involving
both the upper and lower div. During ball-entry
actions such as serving and spiking, players generate
significant force and power through the interaction of
various joints and muscle groups. Understanding the
kinematics of these movements, particularly the
asymmetries between dominant and non-dominant
limbs, is critical for optimizing performance, reducing
injury risk, and improving training methods. Previous
studies have explored biomechanics in volleyball, but a
comprehensive analysis of both upper and lower div
kinematics during ball-entry actions remains limited.
This study aims to fill that gap by analyzing the specific
joint movements involved in serving and spiking,
including the pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and
elbows, with a focus on their contribution to overall
performance and stability.
Biomechanical studies have long emphasized the
critical role of kinematic analysis in understanding
athletic performance, particularly in sports like
volleyball where both upper and lower div
coordination is essential. Previous research has
provided valuable insights into the biomechanics of
volleyball, focusing primarily on jumping mechanics,
landing forces, and the joint loads associated with
these movements (Ford et al., 2003; Lees et al., 2004).
However, less attention has been given to the
comprehensive kinematic analysis of ball-entry actions,
which involve a combination of rotational forces,
flexion-extension, and abduction-adduction across
multiple joints.
The upper div, particularly the shoulder and elbow,
plays a pivotal role in volleyball’s over
head actions,
such as serving and spiking. Studies have shown that
the dominant shoulder tends to have a wider range of
motion compared to the non-dominant side, reflecting
its role in generating power for ball strikes (Schneiders
et al., 2011). Right shoulder flexion and extension are
crucial for creating the momentum necessary for
powerful spikes, while the non-dominant arm stabilizes
the movement (Chang et al., 2019). Elbow kinematics
also significantly impact ball velocity, with greater
extension in the dominant arm aiding in faster and
more controlled strikes (Pappas & Carpes, 2012).
Lower div movements, particularly the pelvis, hips,
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International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265)
knees, and ankles, contribute to the initial force
generation and stability during ball-entry actions.
Bobbert et al. (1990) highlighted the importance of
pelvic rotation in transferring energy from the lower
div to the upper div during explosive movements
like jumps and strikes. Pelvic asymmetry, where one
segment of the pelvis rotates more than the other,
reflects the
dominant leg’s role in force generation.
This asymmetry is also mirrored in hip and knee
movements, where the dominant leg exhibits a greater
range of flexion and extension, contributing to the
powerful push-off needed for jumps (Ford et al., 2003).
Hips and knees are critical for both vertical stability and
force production. In volleyball, the dominant leg
typically produces more force, particularly in the initial
phases of a jump (Ford et al., 2003). Chang et al. (2019)
found that asymmetry in knee joint loading could affect
performance, where one leg bears more of the impact
during landing, and the other supports dynamic
actions. Ankle flexibility is crucial for absorbing forces
during landing and ensuring stability during directional
changes (Pappas & Carpes, 2012).
Several studies have noted that asymmetry in joint
kinematics is common in sports involving unilateral
movements like volleyball (Pappas & Carpes, 2012).
This imbalance between the dominant and non-
dominant limbs reflects the different roles each plays:
the dominant limb generates power, while the non-
dominant limb stabilizes the div. Such asymmetry,
while beneficial for performance, can increase the risk
of injury if not properly addressed in training. Athletes
with significant joint asymmetry are more prone to
overuse injuries due to the uneven distribution of load
during repetitive movements (Schneiders et al., 2011).
The literature highlights the importance of a
comprehensive understanding of both upper and lower
div kinematics in volleyball, particularly during ball-
entry actions like spiking and serving. The dominant
arm and leg play critical roles in generating power,
while the non-dominant side stabilizes the movement.
A thorough analysis of these biomechanical patterns
can help identify areas for performance improvement
and injury prevention, providing valuable insights for
coaches and athletes alike.
Aim of the Research
: The aim of this study is to conduct
a detailed kinematic analysis of the upper and lower
div movements in volleyball players during ball-entry
actions (serving and spiking), identifying key
asymmetries and their impact on force generation,
stability, and performance efficiency.
Tasks of the Research:
1. To analyze the maximum and minimum range of
motion of the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles during
volleyball-specific ball-entry actions.
2. To assess the kinematics of shoulder and elbow
flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction during
overhead movements such as spiking and serving.
3. To identify any significant asymmetries between the
dominant and non-dominant limbs in both upper and
lower div kinematics.
4. To evaluate how these kinematic patterns influence
the transfer of force from the lower to the upper div
during ball-entry actions.
5. To provide biomechanical insights that can inform
injury prevention strategies and improve training
programs for volleyball players.
Research Organization
: This research was conducted at
the high-tech laboratory of Sport at Uzbek State
University of Physical Education and Sports, which is
equipped with state-of-the-art 3D motion analysis
technology.
The
facility
provides
precise
measurements of biomechanical parameters, making it
an ideal setting for studying detailed athletic
movements. The subject of the study was an elite
volleyball player, a candidate for Master of Sports with
extensive competitive experience. The primary aim of
the experiment was to analyze the athlete’s shoulder
movements during key volleyball actions such as
vertical jumping and blocking. The study emphasized
kinematic and kinetic data related to shoulder flexion,
extension, abduction, and adduction. The controlled
environment of the laboratory ensured the accuracy
and reliability of data collection, offering valuable
insights into the biomechanics of volleyball-specific
movements at a high level of competition.
METHODS
This study utilized advanced 3D motion analysis
technology to conduct an in-depth biomechanical
evaluation of shoulder movements during the vertical
jump and blocking technique in volleyball. The research
was performed in the high-tech sports laboratory at the
Uzbek State University of Physical Education and
Sports. A highly experienced volleyball player, a
candidate for Master of Sports, participated in the
study, and their blocking and jumping actions were
captured using a high-resolution 3D motion capture
system.
Multiple infrared cameras were strategically placed
around the laboratory to track the athlete’s
movements from various angles. Reflective markers
were placed on key anatomical points, including the
shoulders, elbows, spine, hips, knees, and ankles. This
marker placement enabled the capture of precise data
on joint angles and div posture during vertical jump
and blocking actions. The comprehensive kinematic
International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
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International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265)
analysis focused on the athlete's shoulder flexion,
extension, abduction, and adduction, providing
detailed insights into the role of these movements in
blocking performance and vertical jump height.
The collected motion data also offered valuable
information on the athlete’s lower
-div mechanics,
which are critical to executing a well-coordinated and
effective vertical jump and block in volleyball. By
analyzing these biomechanical variables, the study
aimed to better understand the contributions of both
upper and lower div movements in volleyball-specific
actions.
RESULTS
Summary of Lower Body Kinematics of Volleyball
Players Entering the Ball into Play. This summary
provides insights into the lower div kinematics of
volleyball players during ball-entry actions, focusing on
the pelvis, hips, knees, and ankles. These kinematic
data points, representing the maximum and minimum
values of flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction,
reflect the complex movements and forces volleyball
players generate while executing serves and spikes. The
analysis below highlights key findings related to each
joint.
Rotation of the Pelvis in volleyball players. Maximum
Pelvic Rotation: 133.87°; Minimum: 83.32°. Lower
Segment: Min -146.69° / Max -99.00°. Left Section: Min
-313.90° / Max -212.29°. The crucial function of the
pelvis in producing rotational force during ball entrance
is reflected in the large range of pelvic rotation. During
spiking or serving motions, the dominant leg generates
more torque and force, which is likely why the left
segment rotates more than the right segment. This
indicates an asymmetry in rotational dynamics. The
kinetic chain transfers force from the lower to the
upper div through the pelvis, which acts as a focal
point (Table-1).
Volleyball players' hip flexion and extension. Maximal
Hip Flex/Ext: 58.03°; minimum: -14.68°. Hip Flex/Ext:
Left: Maximum 48.86°; Minimum -10.04°. Max 44.17° /
Min -21.27° is the right hip flexion/extension with
vertical. Hip Flex/Ext on the left with vertical: Min -
14.43°, Max 43.66°. Maximum 18.89° / Min -8.89° is the
right hip abduction/adduction. Upper limit of
abduction (left hip): 21.74°; minimum limit: -5.69°. The
idea that the dominant leg produces more force during
explosive movements is supported by the right hip's
larger flexion/extension when compared to the left.
The reduced range of motion of the right and left hips
in the vertical plane suggests the need for vertical
stability when jumping in volleyball.
Knee extension and flexion in volleyball players. Max
84.01° / Min 0.20° is the right knee flexion/extent.
Flex/Ext Left Knee: Max 102.55° / Min -1.38°. The left
leg may absorb more of the impact during landing or
stabilization while the right leg is more engaged in
producing the initial push-off or force since the left
knee has a wider range of flexion and extension than
the right. This discrepancy could also suggest a
functional asymmetry, where one leg supports dynamic
actions while the other assists with stability and
balance during the ball-entry process.
Table-1
Summary of lower train kinematics of volleyball players entering
the ball into play
PELVIS
Maximum
Minimum
Pelvis rotation
133.87 º
83.32 º
Pelvis rotation (right segment)
-99.00 º
-146.69 º
Pelvis rotation (left segment)
-212.29 º
-313.90 º
HIPS
Maximum
Minimum
Right hip flex/ext
58.03 º
-14.68 º
Left hip flex/ext
48.86 º
-10.04 º
Right hip flex/ext with vertical
44.17 º
-21.27 º
Left hip flex/ext with vertical
43.66 º
-14.43 º
Right hip abd/add
18.89 º
-8.89 º
International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research
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International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265)
Left hip abd/add
21.74 º
-5.69 º
KNEES
Maximum
Minimum
Right knee flex/ext
84.01 º
0.20 º
Left knee flex/ext
102.55 º
-1.38 º
ANKLES
Máximo
Mínimo
Right ankle flex/ext
34.68 º
-26.65 º
Left ankle flex/ext
41.17 º
-33.23 º
The larger range of motion observed in the left ankle,
with a maximum flexion of 41.17° and a minimum of -
33.23°, indicates that this ankle is crucial in maintaining
balance during swift lateral movements and sudden
directional changes. In contrast, the right ankle, with
slightly reduced flexion and extension (Max 34.68° /
Min -26.65°), likely plays a more stabilizing role during
these dynamic actions, supporting overall movement
efficiency while the left ankle adjusts to shifting forces.
The right ankle, with a slightly lower range, may be
more involved in generating stability and propulsion
during vertical jumps. The flexibility and range of
motion in the ankles are critical for absorbing impact
forces during landing and preparing for the next
movement.
Table-2
Summary of upper train kinematics of volleyball players entering
the ball into play
SHOULDERS
Maximum
Minimum
Right shoulder flex/ext
122.15 º
-156.71 º
Left shoulder flex/ext
68.18 º
-96.67 º
Right shoulder flex/ext with vertical
128.62 º
-151.64 º
Left shoulder flex/ext with vertical
67.81 º
-64.64 º
Right shoulder abd/add
74.61 º
-14.19 º
Left shoulder abd/add
77.73 º
-4.08 º
ELBOWS
Maximum
Minimum
Right elbow flex/ext
141.44 º
0.00 º
Left elbow flex/ext
79.01 º
38.38 º
The upper div kinematics of volleyball players during
ball entry, such as spiking or serving, involves
significant asymmetry in the range of motion between
the dominant and non-dominant arms, particularly in
the shoulder and elbow joints.
The right shoulder, responsible for generating the
primary force during ball entry, demonstrates a much
wider range of motion compared to the left. In flexion
and extension movements, the right shoulder achieves
a maximum of **122.15°** and a minimum of -
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International Journal of Medical Sciences And Clinical Research (ISSN: 2771-2265)
156.71°, reflecting the heavy involvement of the
dominant arm in overhead striking actions. This high
degree of movement enables the player to propel the
ball with substantial power during spikes or serves.
On the other hand, the left shoulder shows a much
narrower range, with a maximum flexion of 68.18° and
a minimum extension of -96.67°, emphasizing its
stabilizing role during these actions. This difference
underscores the biomechanical demands placed on the
dominant shoulder, as it must generate greater force
and mobility to direct the ball effectively.
When considering movements in the vertical plane, the
disparity remains. The right shoulder exhibits a
maximum flexion-extension range of 128.62° and a
minimum of -
151.64°, while the left shoulder’s range is
lower at 67.81° to -64.64°. These results support the
notion that the right shoulder plays a critical role in
controlling the vertical trajectory and height of the ball,
whereas the left shoulder aids in maintaining stability
during the strike.
In terms of abduction and adduction, the right shoulder
reaches a maximum abduction of 74.61° and a
minimum adduction of -14.19°, indicating its ability to
move laterally to adjust for different hitting angles. The
left shoulder shows slightly higher abduction at 77.73°
and a minimal adduction of -4.08°, further confirming
its stabilizing nature.
The elbow joints also reveal notable asymmetry. The
right elbow, which plays a vital role in the power
generation and control of the ball’s direction, displays
a flexion-extension range of 141.44° to 0.00°,
highlighting its capacity to extend fully for a powerful
strike. This complete extension is essential for
maximizing the force behind the serve or spike.
The left elbow, in contrast, shows a much smaller
flexion-extension range, with a maximum of 79.01° and
a minimum of 38.38°, indicating that its role is more
supportive rather than force-generating. It assists the
div in maintaining a balanced posture during ball
entry but contributes little to the actual force output.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a comprehensive biomechanical
analysis of the kinematics involved in volleyball players
during ball-entry actions, specifically focusing on the
movements of the upper and lower div. The findings
highlight a significant asymmetry between the
dominant and non-dominant limbs, with the dominant
side playing a more force-generating role while the
non-dominant side provides stabilization. The right
shoulder and elbow show greater flexibility and
extension, enabling powerful overhead actions such as
spiking and serving. Similarly, the pelvis, hips, knees,
and ankles contribute to force generation and stability,
particularly during jumping and landing movements.
The asymmetry observed in both upper and lower div
kinematics reflects the specialized roles of each limb in
volleyball. While this contributes to performance
efficiency, it also presents potential risks for injury due
to the uneven distribution of forces. Understanding
these kinematic patterns can help coaches and athletes
optimize training programs, improve performance, and
implement injury prevention strategies.
Further research should continue to explore how these
biomechanical insights can be applied in sports
training, particularly focusing on balancing strength
and flexibility between dominant and non-dominant
limbs to reduce the risk of overuse injuries in volleyball
players.
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