COMPARISON OF PHYSICAL FITNESS BETWEEN VIETNAMESE AND THAI VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the physical fitness level and compare the differences in physical fitness of Vietnamese and Thai volleyball players. Sixty-eight male volleyball players, who were currently training volleyball in Vietnam and Thailand, were devided into three groups (high school, college, and club levels) and two groups of nationality (Vietnamese and Thai). In high school and college age levels, the subjects were chosen from schools, colleges that emphesis in volleyball. In club level, subjects were chosen from volleyball clubs that currently playing in Vietnam and Thai national championships. This study focused on following indexes: height, weight, % body fat, VO₂ max, vertical jump, serving, setting, spiking, bump-set. Equipments and facilities used in this study consisted of wall-mounted ruler, digital weight scale, Skydex Digital Body Fat Caliper Fat Tester, cassette player, Multistage Fitness Test cassette, 20m flat and non-slip surface, 20m measuring tape, marked wall, chalk, volleyball gym, and balls. Independent t-test (equal sample size) was employed to examine the differences in the mean scores of physical fitness indexes. Statistical significance was set at .05.

The results of the study were as follows:          

1. Vietnamese are taller than Thai at high school level (= 181.33 ± 4.73 cm / = 176.08 ± 3.83cm), and college level (= 183.75 ± 6.51 cm / = 176.33 ± 7.52 cm) (Vietnamese and Thai respectively). The height was not differences at club level.
2. Body weight was not differences at high school and college but was different at club level (= 72.80 ± 7.19 kg / = 81.50 ± 7.12 kg for Vietnamese and Thai respectively).
3. Thai players were heavier than Vietnamese players at all level, however, % body fat of all groups were within athletes ranges. Mean and standard deviation % body fat of high school of Vietnamese and Thai were 7.41 ± 1.24 % /  9.41 ± 2.71 %, college 8.20 ± 1.23 % /  12.85 ± 3.55 %, and club 9.55 ± 1.47 % / 13.66 ± 4.67 %.
4. No significant difference was found in anaerobic fitness among all groups.
5. All of players performed above good level of Volleyball Skills Assessment Test (FIVB, 2007). It is not clear whether or not those skill-related fitness could be a predictor of performance. These two teams have not competed and so far there is not enough research evidence to explain the issue.

The results of this study of led to a conclusion that anthropometric and physiological factors may not play a major role in performance and thus world ranking between Vietnamese and Thai teams. Other factors such as management, psychological or some other factors may play a bigger role in the difference.