Research Article
Defensive Stability and Performance Profiles Associated with Competitive Success in Elite Men’s Volleyball:
A Comparative Analysis of Top-Ranked Teams in VNL 2025
K. Ravivuth Rangubhet*
,
Pranee Usiri,
Pichet Chailert
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
22-31
Received:
11 May 2026
Accepted:
19 May 2026
Published:
27 May 2026
Abstract: This study aimed to analyze defensive stability and performance profiles among elite men’s volleyball teams by comparing key performance indicators (KPIs) of the top-ranked teams in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025. The dataset consisted of 32 team-match observations obtained from Brazil, Italy, France, and Japan during the preliminary competition phase. Across all analyzed matches, the dataset included 124 total sets, 3,349 attack actions, 1,490 blocking actions, 2,887 serve actions, 3,341 setting actions, 2,081 dig actions, and 2,124 reception actions. Match performance data were collected from official Volleyball World statistics and verified using video-based observational analysis through the VBTV platform and Focus X2 performance analysis software. Descriptive statistics (Mean ± S.D.), one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), effect size analysis (η²), and radar chart performance profiling were used to examine differences among teams. Significant differences were observed in successful blocking (F = 5.531, p = 0.004, η² = 0.372), dig efficiency (F = 3.916, p = 0.019, η² = 0.295), dig success (F = 3.586, p = 0.026, η² = 0.278), net ratio (F = 3.435, p = 0.030, η² = 0.268), and dig error (F = 2.965, p = 0.049, η² = 0.241). All significant variables demonstrated large practical effect sizes. Brazil demonstrated the highest attack efficiency (0.407) and performance index values (111.375), whereas Japan and France demonstrated superior defensive-related indicators, particularly in reception and dig efficiency. The findings indicate that elite men’s volleyball performance in VNL 2025 was differentiated more strongly by defensive stability, blocking effectiveness, and transition control than by offensive variables alone. The results further suggest that successful elite teams maintain distinct tactical and performance profiles characterized by balanced defensive structures and reduced performance instability during competition. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for tactical preparation, performance evaluation, and strategic decision-making in elite volleyball competition. Furthermore, the identified defensive-related indicators may serve as potential performance indicators associated with competitive success for future tactical forecasting and match outcome prediction models in elite volleyball competition.
Abstract: This study aimed to analyze defensive stability and performance profiles among elite men’s volleyball teams by comparing key performance indicators (KPIs) of the top-ranked teams in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025. The dataset consisted of 32 team-match observations obtained from Brazil, Italy, France, and Japan during the preliminary comp...
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Case Report
Effects of Low-Load Exercises with Blood Flow Restriction on Shoulder of a Multiple Sclerosis Patient with Shoulder Tendinopathy: A Case Study
Zahra Poursaleh Begi*,
Bahram Tabatabaei,
Nastaran Bahadorani
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
32-44
Received:
2 July 2026
Accepted:
20 July 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsspe.20261102.12
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Views:
Abstract: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training involves placing an inflatable cuff around the proximal part of a limb to partially restrict arterial inflow during exercise. When combined with low-load resistance exercise (LLRE), this approach has been shown to produce improvements in muscle strength and hypertrophy comparable to those achieved with conventional high-load resistance training in healthy individuals. Through its proximal effects, LLRE combined with BFR may also enhance muscle strength and size in individuals with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Although high-load resistance training is effective for increasing muscle strength and hypertrophy, its application in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is often limited because of fatigue. This case report describes the proximal effects of an LLRE+BFR program in a patient with MS and supraspinatus tendinopathy. Our case was a 48-year-old woman with a 5-year history of relapsing-remitting MS, who presented with right shoulder pain and muscle weakness in the right shoulder at rest and while elevation. She received a LLRE+BFR program for her right shoulder and aerobic exercises based on the BFR protocols in 12 sessions over 4 weeks. Outcome measures were collected before the intervention and after 4 weeks and included: 1) strength of supraspinatus and four scapular stabilizer muscles. 2) thickness of supraspinatus and upper trapezius muscles. 3) thickness of supraspinatus tendon 4) pain pressure threshold of supraspinatus and deltoid muscles. 5) Supraspinatus muscle echogenicity. Improvement was observed in the strength of supraspinatus and scapular stabilizers. Thickness of supraspinatus and upper trapezius muscles and pain pressure threshold in the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles also increased. Furthermore, supraspinatus echogenicity and tendon thickness decreased. The patient experienced a significant improvement in all outcomes following the use of a LLRE+BFR program. This program may be an option for strengthening training with less stress in MS people with supraspinatus tendinopathy.
Abstract: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training involves placing an inflatable cuff around the proximal part of a limb to partially restrict arterial inflow during exercise. When combined with low-load resistance exercise (LLRE), this approach has been shown to produce improvements in muscle strength and hypertrophy comparable to those achieved with conventi...
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