Efficacy of Resistance Band Training on Shoulder Muscle Strength and Injury Prevention in Volleyball Athletes

Purpose: Shoulder injuries are common in women volleyball players, often resulting from repetitive overhead movements. Effective strength training methods can help prevent these injuries. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of an eight-week resistance band training program on shoulder muscle strength enhancement and injury prevention in women volleyball athletes. Material and Methods. Forty collegiate women volleyball players, aged 18-25, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=20) or a control group (n=20). The intervention group underwent a structured resistance band training program targeting shoulder strength, which included exercises like shoulder presses, lateral raises, internal and external rotations, and scapular retractions. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to assess shoulder muscle strength before and after the intervention, measuring peak torque of the shoulder flexors, extensors, internal rotators, and external rotators. Injury rates were monitored throughout the volleyball season, documenting the number and severity of shoulder injuries. Results. Significant improvements in shoulder muscle strength were observed in the intervention group across all measured parameters (p 0.05). Moreover, the intervention group exhibited a significant reduction in shoulder injury rates post-intervention (p = 0.041), whereas the control group's injury rates remained stable (p = 0.768). Conclusions. The findings suggest that resistance band training effectively enhances shoulder muscle strength and reduces injury rates in women volleyball athletes. Integrating targeted strength training, such as resistance band exercises, into regular training routines may help enhance athlete performance and mitigate injury risk in sports characterized by repetitive overhead movements. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimal implementation strategies of resistance band training in athletic contexts

Assessing the effect of exercise timing on menstrual irregularity in women diagnosed with oligomenorrhea

Background and purpose Oligomenorrhea (infrequent menstrual periods), can significantly impact women's reproductive health and quality of life. This study explores the potential connection between exercise timing and menstrual regularity, aiming to provide insights for tailored exercise interventions in women with such irregularity.  Material and methods A 12-week pretest-posttest design with multiple experimental groups was conducted with fifteen participants aged 18-23, each with a history of consistent menstruation for at least six months and without hormonal contraceptive usage. Participants were allocated to morning, afternoon, and evening exercise sessions, engaging in a personalized exercise regimen that combined cardiovascular and strength training activities thrice weekly. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were employed to comprehensively assess menstrual regularity, focusing on cycle length and characteristics. Analysis of Covariance (ANOVA) tests were utilized to scrutinize the potential impacts of exercise timing on menstrual regularity.  Results The results showed noteworthy changes in cycle lengths after the training sessions, indicating the potential effectiveness of such interventions for individuals experiencing menstrual irregularity. Regarding Oligomenorrhea, morning sessions demonstrated the most considerable reduction in cycle length, while afternoon and evening sessions had less pronounced effects.  Conclusion This study confirms the significant impact of exercise timing on menstrual cycle length and characteristics for women with Oligomenorrhea. Varied responses emphasize the importance of tailored interventions considering distinct times of the day