Neuromuscular adaptations in handgrip force control: An electromyographic comparison of volleyball athletes and sedentary young adults

Abstract

Volleyball demands exceptional motor control and upper limb strength, repeatedly challenging athletes to execute fine-grip actions with precision. This study explores the influence of volleyball-specific training on neuromuscular coordination, focusing on handgrip force control. Fourteen trained volleyball players and twenty-one sedentary males (aged 18-25) performed isometric handgrip tasks at maximal and submaximal (50% MVC) effort. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the flexor carpi radialis brevis and extensor carpi radialis longus assessed muscle activation patterns and co-contraction index (CCI). Results showed that athletes exhibited significantly greater handgrip strength, elevated agonist EMG activity, precise force control and reduced CCI during submaximal contractions, reflecting superior neural efficiency and motor control compared to sedentary adults. Volleyball-specific training appears to optimize neural drive and antagonist muscle activation, enabling precision and efficiency while minimizing fatigue. These findings emphasize how sports training enhances neuromuscular coordination, with implications for performance optimization and injury prevention strategies.