Analysis of volleyball players' force generation during jump spike from the perspective of electromyographic characteristics

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the force characteristics of novice athletes and professional athletes in completing a cross spike at position four from the perspective of electromyographic characteristics. Methods Ten novice and ten professional athletes were selected as subjects. The electromyographic characteristics of the athletes were obtained by the Noraxon Ultium electromyography (EMG) and compared. Results In the first stage, i.e., the takeoff stage, the activation level of the rectus abdominis and external abdominal obliques was significantly higher in the professional group (p < 0.05). During the second stage, i.e., the stage of flying to hit the ball, the professional group had a higher integrated electromyography (iEMG) value in the trapezius. Moreover, it showed significantly higher muscle contribution from the rectus abdominis (5.59 ± 1.58%), external abdominal obliques (3.67 ± 1.21%), and trapezius (10.12 ± 2.61%) compared to the novice group (p < 0.05). In the third stage, i.e., the stage of landing and buffering, p < 0.05 in the comparison of the iEMG values of trapezius and gluteus maximus between the two groups. Moreover, the professional group exhibited higher muscle activation levels in all muscles except for the gastrocnemius, compared to the novice group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Professional athletes display superior muscle coordination and more effective muscle force generation in the trunk and lower limbs during the execution of the jump spike action.