Research Article

The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework

Volume: 28 Number: 1 April 30, 2026
TR EN

The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of knee pad and arm sleeve use on the motor performance of female volleyball players competing in school league categories. The study employed a pretest-posttest experimental design and included 133 voluntary athletes. Participants’ motor performance values, such as flexibility, balance, vertical jump, speed, agility, and aerobic endurance, were measured before and after the use of knee pads and arm sleeves. The results showed that the use of knee pads and arm sleeves led to statistically significant decreases in motor performance variables, particularly those evaluated within the scope of field skills (p < 0.05), including flexibility, balance, speed, agility, and aerobic endurance. These findings suggest that protective equipment may limit athletes' motor skills and highlight the importance of raising awareness regarding equipment selection and usage among athletes. Furthermore, the study contributes to understanding the relationship between the athlete’s game and technical knowledge and equipment use within the framework of conceptual skills and sheds light on the development of ergonomic designs. In this regard, the study is important for better understanding the impact of knee pads and arm sleeves used in volleyball on performance and for offering a holistic approach to athlete development.

Keywords

Project Number

This study was supported by TÜBİTAK 2209-A Undergraduate Research Projects (Application Number: 1919B012472117).

Ethical Statement

All scientific and ethical principles were followed in conducting and reporting this study. Necessary ethical approvals and participant consents were obtained.

References

  1. 1. Adams, K. J., De Beliso, M., Sevene-Adams, P. G., Berning, J. M., Miller, T., & Tollerud, D. J. (2010). Physiological and psychophysical comparison between a lifting task with identical weight but different coupling factors. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(2), 307–312. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181c8c84e.
  2. 2. Augustsson, S. R., Augustsson, J., Thomeé, R., Karlsson, J., Eriksson, B. I., & Svantesson, U. (2011). Performance enhancement following a strength and injury prevention program: A 26-week individualized and supervised intervention in adolescent female volleyball players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 6(3), 399–417.
  3. 3. Balcı, A., Üstündağ, B., Kabak, B., Akınoğlu, B., Kocahan, T., & Hasanoğlu, A. (2021). Atletizm atlama branşı sporcularının dikey sıçrama yüksekliği ile Wingate anaerobik güç performansı arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi [Examining the relationship between vertical jump height and Wingate anaerobic power performance in track and field jump athletes]. Turkish Clinics Journal of Sports Sciences, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.5336/sportsci.2020-78862 (in Turkish)
  4. 4. Bangsbo, J., Iaia, F. M., & Krustrup, P. (2008). The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test: A useful tool for evaluation of physical performance in intermittent sports. Sports Medicine, 38(1), 37–51. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200838010-00004
  5. 5. Bayraktar, İ. (2010). Farklı spor branşlarında pliometri (2nd ed., pp. 1–35). Ankara: Ata Ofset Matbaacılık. (in Turkish)
  6. 6. Bennell, K., & Hinman, R. (2005). Exercise as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Current Opinion in Rheumatology, 17(5), 634–640.
  7. 7. Bilgin, E., & Kurcan, K. (2024). The place and importance of volleyball teaching in physical education classes. International Journal of Health, Exercise & Sports Science.
  8. 8. Bizzini, M., Junge, A., Bahr, R., & Dvorak, J. (2009). Female soccer referees selected for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2007: Survey of injuries and musculoskeletal problems. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 43(12), 936–942.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Sports Medicine, Physical Training, Sports and Physical Activity For Disabled, Motor Control

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 30, 2026

Submission Date

August 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

November 5, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 28 Number: 1

APA
Kalkavan, A., Kavalcı, İ., & Karadereli, C. (2026). The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, 28(1), 128-136. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1761121
AMA
1.Kalkavan A, Kavalcı İ, Karadereli C. The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework. Turk J Sport Exe. 2026;28(1):128-136. doi:10.15314/tsed.1761121
Chicago
Kalkavan, Arslan, İsa Kavalcı, and Cansu Karadereli. 2026. “The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework”. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise 28 (1): 128-36. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1761121.
EndNote
Kalkavan A, Kavalcı İ, Karadereli C (April 1, 2026) The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise 28 1 128–136.
IEEE
[1]A. Kalkavan, İ. Kavalcı, and C. Karadereli, “The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework”, Turk J Sport Exe, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 128–136, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.15314/tsed.1761121.
ISNAD
Kalkavan, Arslan - Kavalcı, İsa - Karadereli, Cansu. “The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework”. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise 28/1 (April 1, 2026): 128-136. https://doi.org/10.15314/tsed.1761121.
JAMA
1.Kalkavan A, Kavalcı İ, Karadereli C. The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework. Turk J Sport Exe. 2026;28:128–136.
MLA
Kalkavan, Arslan, et al. “The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework”. Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise, vol. 28, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 128-36, doi:10.15314/tsed.1761121.
Vancouver
1.Arslan Kalkavan, İsa Kavalcı, Cansu Karadereli. The Effect of Knee Brace and Armband Use on Motoric Performance in Volleyball: From Body Protection to Performance in the Context of the Skills Framework. Turk J Sport Exe. 2026 Apr. 1;28(1):128-36. doi:10.15314/tsed.1761121

Turkish Journal of Sport and Exercise is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY NC).