The Effect of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels, Explosive Power, and Spike Accuracy in Young Volleyball Players

Abstract

The significance of this study lies in the development of a training program based on the Velocity-Based Training (VBT) method, which the researcher expects to influence brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, explosive power, and spike accuracy in young volleyball players. The researcher believes that this study may provide practical recommendations for coaches and researchers, contributing to the development of more effective training programs for volleyball players. Accordingly, the researcher undertook this investigation in the interest of advancing Iraqi sport. The research problem stems from the fact that, despite the continuous development of sports training methods, prevailing volleyball training programs still focus primarily on weights, the number of repetitions, or a percentage of the one-repetition maximum, without considering actual movement velocity as a direct criterion for regulating training loads. This may lead to variations in training responses among players and make it difficult to adjust the training load to each player's condition at the time of performance. Furthermore, although physiological research has demonstrated that physical activity can influence the levels of neurotrophic proteins, which serve as indicators of neuroplasticity and neuromuscular adaptation, the scientific literature indicates a limited number of applied studies examining the relationship between velocity-based training and changes in these proteins among volleyball players, as well as the potential implications for skill accuracy. In light of these considerations, the research problem can be defined as the need to investigate the effects of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) on changes in the physiological marker BDNF and the associated effects on explosive power and spike accuracy in young volleyball players.