Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of foot core exercises on jump performance in professional volleyball players. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups. The first group will perform a strength training program only, while the second group will perform foot core exercises in addition to the same strength training program. Jump performance will be assessed using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test, and performance scores will be obtained through force-time analysis using the ForceDecks system. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of training programs aimed at improving performance and reducing injury risk in professional volleyball players.

Detailed Description

This study is designed to examine the effects of foot core exercises on jump performance in professional volleyball players. Participants will be divided into two groups: a control group and an intervention group. The control group will follow a standardized strength training program, while the intervention group will perform the same strength training program combined with additional foot core exercises.

Jump performance will be evaluated using the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test. Kinetic variables derived from force-time data will be collected using the ForceDecks system. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will be compared to determine the effects of the training programs.

The results of this study are expected to provide evidence-based information for designing training programs that enhance athletic performance and help reduce injury risk in professional volleyball players.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male professional volleyball players aged 18 to 35 years
• Actively licensed athletes competing in clubs affiliated with the Turkish Volleyball Federation
• Regular participation in team training sessions without interruption for at least the past 3 months
• No history of surgery or serious injury involving the lower extremities (foot, ankle, knee, or hip) within the last 6 months
• Agreement not to participate in any additional strength, balance, or proprioception-based exercise programs during the study period
• No medical or physiological condition that would prevent participation in the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) test performed using the ForceDecks system
• Voluntary participation with written informed consent obtained prior to enrollment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of deformity, chronic pain, or functional impairment in the foot or ankle
• History of lower extremity orthopedic surgery within the past 6 months
• History of neurological or vestibular disorders, or systemic diseases affecting balance
• Participation in physiotherapy interventions, rehabilitation protocols, or exercise programs outside the scope of the study during the study period

Only male professional volleyball players are eligible to participate in this study.

Individual participant data will not be shared, as this study is conducted as part of a master's thesis with a limited sample size, and data sharing is not covered by the informed consent approved by the ethics committee.

This study is conducted as an open-label trial. Both participants and researchers are aware of the interventions being administered. There are no additional parties masked in this clinical study.