Resistance Training Acutely Impairs Agility and Spike-Specific Performance Measures in Collegiate Female Volleyball Players Returning from the Off-Season

This study examined the acute effects of resistance training (RT) on volleyball-specific performance. Sixteen female volleyball players undertook their initial, pre-season RT bout. Countermovement jump (CMJ), delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), and sport-specific performances (i.e., run-up jump, agility, and spiking speed and accuracy) were measured before, 24 (T24), and 48 (T48) hours after RT. A significant increase in DOMS was observed at T24 and T48 (similar to 207.6% +/- 119.3%; p < 0.05; ES = 1.8 (95% CI: 0.94-2.57)), whilst agility was significantly impaired at T48 (1.7% +/- 2.5%; p < 0.05; ES = 0.30 (95% CI: -0.99-0.40)). However, there were no differences in CMJ (similar to-2.21% +/- 7.6%; p > 0.05; ES = -0.11 (95% CI: -0.80-0.58)) and run-up jump (similar to-1.4% +/- 4.7%; p> 0.05; ES = -0.07 (95% CI: -0.76-0.63)). Spiking speed was significantly reduced (-3.5% +/- 4.4%; p< 0.05; ES = -0.28 (95% CI: -0.43-0.97)), although accuracy was improved (38.3% +/- 81.4%: p< 0.05) at T48. Thus, the initial, preseason RT bout compromised agility and spiking speed for several days post-exercise. Conversely, spiking accuracy improved, suggesting a speed-accuracy trade-off. Nonetheless, at least a 48-h recovery may be necessary after the initial RT bout for athletes returning from the off-season or injury.