Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a linear periodization training program combined with barbell-based landmine exercises on physical fitness factors related to performance enhancement in 18 female professional volleyball players. METHODS: The experiment was conducted over a 16-week linear periodization program, with participants assigned to either a Weight Training Group (WG, n = 9), which performed resistance training using weights, or a Weight plus Landmine Group (WLG, n = 9), which performed both resistance and landmine exercises. To evaluate improvements in physical fitness among elite athletes, measurements were taken for strength (deadlift, back squat), muscular endurance (sit-ups, pushup), and explosive power (countermovement jump). A paired t-test was performed to compare pre and post intervention results, and repeated two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the interaction effects between groups and time. RESULTS: The paired t-test results indicated that both groups showed significant improvements in deadlift, back squat, push-ups, countermovement jump (CMJ), and sit-ups. In particular, CMJ, which represents a volleyball-specific fitness component, showed significant between-group differences and group × time interaction effects in the landmine group. CONCLUSION: Landmine exercises are considered effective for improving physical fitness in volleyball players, particularly by enhancing explosive power when incorporated into traditional linear periodization resistance training programs. These findings suggest that the application of landmine exercise programs in the field of sports may contribute to more effective improvements in athletic performance.