Postural variables in girls practicing volleyball

Abstract

Study aim: To assess body posture of young female volleyball players in relation to their untrained mates. Material and methods: A group of 42 volleyball players and another of 43 untrained girls, all aged 13 - 16 years were studied with respect to their body posture indices by using computer posturography. Spinal angles and curvatures were measured, and asymmetry and body posture type were assessed. Body height and mass, BMI and body fat content (by bioimpedance technique) were determined. Results: As compared with untrained girls, the volleyball players were more slender, the positions of shoulders and pelvis being more symmetrical, and shoulder blades and waist triangles were more asymmetrical. Volleyball players were predominantly kyphotic, their lumbar lordosis was flattened and head protruded, especially in those having longer training experience. Conclusions: The observed asymmetries brought about by unilateral training loads and progressing thoracic kyphosis call for applying corrective and/or yoga exercises to adolescent female volleyball players.