Physical fitness predictors of skill-specific and match performance in Indian sitting volleyball players: a regression analysis approach

Authors

  • Aravindh Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, India Autor/a https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3793-4527
  • Dharmalingam Yuvaraj Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, India Autor/a
  • Sankaran Sethu Central University of Tamil Nadu, India Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6365-3330
  • Susanto Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia Autor/a
  • Rajkumar Bharathiyar University, India Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0248-2464
  • Perumal Vanithamani Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, India Autor/a https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8768-7671
  • Harish Kumar Nagaland University, India Autor/a
  • Nishan Multani Mal Modi College, India Autor/a
  • Sundarraj Autor/a

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55040/htjf3z27

Keywords:

sitting volleyball, performance prediction, physical fitness, skill performance, adapted sports, Indian para-athletes

Abstract

Sitting volleyball is a Paralympic sport that relies heavily on upper-body physical fitness for players to perform well. Although the sport is becoming increasingly popular in India, there is little research on how physical fitness affects match outcomes among Indian sitting volleyball players. This study set out to find which physical fitness factors best predict skill-specific and overall match performance, using regression analysis. The research included 82 male players aged 18 to 35, chosen from national competitions. The study measured agility, speed, and endurance, forward and backward speed, handgrip strength, upper-body explosive power, flexibility, and coordination. Skill-specific actions like attack, block, service, and defense, as well as overall match results, were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that flexibility had the strongest positive link with performance. Upper-body explosive power, handgrip strength, and coordination were also important, while agility and speed-related factors had negative correlations. Regression analysis showed that these physical fitness factors could predict match outcomes, with explosive power, handgrip strength, coordination, and flexibility being the most important. The model explained 75% of the difference in match performance. In summary, the study found that physical fitness is a key predictor of both skill-specific and overall match results in sitting volleyball. Focusing on upper body strength, explosive power, flexibility, and coordination is important for success. These findings can help guide training programs for adapted sports in India.

Author Biography

  • Dharmalingam Yuvaraj, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, India

    Dr. D. Yuvaraj is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of General & Adapted Physical Education and Yoga (GAPEY) at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI), Coimbatore, India. His teaching and research interests include Adapted Physical Education, Inclusive Sports, Football Performance Analysis, Sports Biomechanics, and Rehabilitation.

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2026-08-01

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