Moussi Linda, Zouhal Hassane, El Hage Rawad
Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Balamand, El-Koura, Lebanon.
University Rennes, M2S (Laboratoire Mouvement, Sport, Santé), EA 1274, Rennes, F-35000, France; Institut International des Sciences du Sport (2IS), Irodouer, 35850, France.
J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025 Oct;44:1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.05.027. Epub 2025 May 16.
Strength and explosive power are crucial for volleyball performance, especially in jumping and sprinting. Periodized resistance training, including linear and nonlinear models, is commonly used to enhance these attributes. However, there is a debate over which method is more effective for volleyball players, and comparing these approaches can help coaches design better training programs.
This study involved 30 players, aged between 18 and 23 years. Stratified sampling was used to divide the athletes into three groups: Linear (n = 10), Nonlinear (n = 10), and Control (n = 10). All tests were conducted using validated protocols. The intervention lasted for 6 weeks, with each week including 2 gym sessions and 3 volleyball training sessions for the Linear and Nonlinear groups, while the Control group completed 5 volleyball training sessions per week. The Linear group changed training intensity every two weeks, while the Nonlinear group varied intensity in every session.
There were no significant differences in the pre-intervention values among the three groups. A two-way repeated-measure ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions for most of the studied parameters. Additionally, significant pre-post changes were observed for most parameters in both the Linear and Nonlinear groups. Significant differences in the percentage of changes in maximal strength and explosive strength parameters were found among the three groups. The Nonlinear group showed better results than the Linear group in the best vertical jump, block jump, squat jump height, and leg curl. In contrast, the Linear group outperformed the Nonlinear group in the 10 m sprint.
Both Linear and Nonlinear periodization models were effective in improving maximal strength and explosive strength parameters in amateur volleyball players. A 6-week period of either model significantly enhances these physical attributes in young adult male volleyball players. However, NLIN periodization may be more beneficial for developing jump-related power, while LIN could be preferable for speed-based improvements. These findings suggest that coaches and trainers should tailor training plans based on specific performance goals.
