Comparative analysis of external and internal loads in preparation male volleyball and beach volleyball matches

TL;DR

This study compares the physical and physiological demands of indoor and beach volleyball, showing that beach volleyball increases heart rate and energy use due to sand surfaces.

Contribution

The study provides new benchmarks for training and monitoring by highlighting biomechanical and physiological differences between volleyball formats.

Findings

Beach volleyball had higher jump counts under 20 cm but no significant differences in other external load metrics.

Beach volleyball elicited greater physiological responses, including higher heart rates and energy consumption.

Environmental factors like sand surfaces significantly impact internal workload in beach volleyball.

Abstract

This study analyzed external and internal load demands in preparation volleyball and beach volleyball matches.

Twelve national-level male players (age = 21.9 ± 2.9 years, height = 188.7 ± 7.7 cm, body mass 83.7 ± 7.7 kg) participated in three beach volleyball and one indoor volleyball sessions. External loads—including total distance covered, movement speed zones, high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, and jump counts by height—were assessed using VXSport (Omni) inertial units.

External loads showed no significant differences except for higher jump counts (< 20 cm) in beach volleyball. However, beach volleyball elicited greater physiological responses, including higher average and peak heart rates, increased time in the 90–100% heart rate maximum zone, and elevated energy consumption.

These findings emphasize the impact of environmental constraints, such as sand surfaces, on amplifying internal workloads. The results highlight the need for tailored training programs addressing the specific demands of each volleyball format. Additionally, this research provides benchmarks for designing targeted exercises, improving real-time monitoring, and enhancing sport-specific conditioning strategies. By exploring biomechanical and physiological distinctions between volleyball and beach volleyball, the study contributes to optimizing athlete performance and guiding sports training methodologies.