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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 12, No. 1
Publication Date: January 25, 2025
DOI:10.14738/assrj.121.18217.
Allafi, A., Boukari, S., Mhenni, T., Attia, A., Sioud, R., Salameh, H., Oueslati, K., & Khalifa, R. (2025). A Study on the Opinions of
Physiotherapists Regarding the Methods Used in the Recovery Process of Volleyball Players in the Libyan Premier League. Advances
in Social Sciences Research Journal, 12(1). 255-263.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
A Study on the Opinions of Physiotherapists Regarding the
Methods Used in the Recovery Process of Volleyball Players in the
Libyan Premier League
Allafi, Alfetouri
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Ksar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
Boukari, Samia
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Ksar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
Mhenni, Thouraya
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Kssar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
Attia, Ahmed
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Ksar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
Sioud, Rime
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Ksar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
Salameh, Hamed
Physical Education and Sport Sciences,
Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie, Tulkarm.
Oueslati, Khouloud
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Ksar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia.
Khalifa, Riadh
Research Laboratory (LR 23JS01) « Sport Performance,
Health & Society », Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education
of Ksar Saïd, University of La Manouba, Tunis, Tunisia
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 12, Issue 01, January-2025
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
ABSTRACT
This research aims to study the opinions of a group of Libyan physiotherapists
about the recovery methods used in the recovery process of volleyball players in
the Libyan Premier League. To achieve the research objective, the descriptive
method was used as it suits the nature of this research. The sample consisted of 18
physical therapists who accompany volleyball players in sports clubs in Libya. The
participants was selected intentionally. The research tools used in this study is the
questionnaire. The most important results of this research are that the recovery
methods used in the recovery process of volleyball players in the Libyan Premier
League are cold water immersion, relaxation exercises, and massage. The order of
the recovery methods used in the recovery process for volleyball players in the
Libyan Premier League was as follows: first; cold water immersion, second;
relaxation exercises, and third; massage. The most important recommendations of
this study are to provide the necessary financial support for the use of modern
devices and methods during the recovery process of volleyball players in Libya. We
also recommend conducting similar research to determine the effectiveness of
physical therapy programs in the recovery process for volleyball players in Libya.
Keywords: Physical therapists, recovery methods, recovery process, volleyball players.
INTRODUCTION
According to Matveev [1], sports training means procedures based on special scientific and
educational foundations that lead to building an athlete in an integrated manner from all
physical, skill, tactical and psychological aspects. It also leads and directs him towards raising
his level and his continuous athletic achievement in specialized sports with the aim of reaching
the high level. Sports training physiology looks for the physiological changes that occur during
sports activity. It aims to identify the effect of physical or skill movements in general on the
functions of vital systems and various body organs. This is why sports training physiology is
considered one of the most important basic sciences for those working in the field of sports
training and sports health sciences.
Muscle fatigue is considered a physiological phenomenon with negative effects that occur as a
result of physical effort. The degree of intensity and duration of muscular work increases in the
chemical splitting of glycogen stored in both the liver and muscles to rebuild ATP to produce
energy in light of the severe shortage in the amount of oxygen consumed. This results in
increased accumulation of lactic acid in the blood and muscles, which leads to the phenomenon
of muscle fatigue and decreased ability to perform [2].
Muscle fatigue is one of the most important problems that affect the level of a player's
performance. This is a multifaceted phenomenon. Whenever there are different types of muscle
work, there are different types of muscle fatigue. Muscle fatigue resulting from static muscle
work differs from the type of muscle fatigue resulting from dynamic muscle work, and fatigue
also varies according to the degree of difference in muscle work, its duration or performance,
and the rest periods that exist during performance [3].
When lactic acid is concentrated in the blood and muscles and reaches a high level, it affects the
nerve endings, leading to feelings of pain, increased irritation of the central nervous system,
weak muscle contraction, and impeding motor performance [4].
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Allafi, A., Boukari, S., Mhenni, T., Attia, A., Sioud, R., Salameh, H., Oueslati, K., & Khalifa, R. (2025). A Study on the Opinions of Physiotherapists
Regarding the Methods Used in the Recovery Process of Volleyball Players in the Libyan Premier League. Advances in Social Sciences Research
Journal, 12(1). 255-263.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.121.18217
Lactic acid is one of the main causes of muscle fatigue. This is related to the phenomenon of
fatigue, so measuring the level of blood lactate represents an important indicator of muscle
fatigue, since the level of blood lactate is a good indicator of performance endurance. Because
the response of blood lactate to training is very sensitive, training programs need more
specialized planning linked to the response of blood lactate levels [5].
Based on what was mentioned, it becomes clear that it is necessary to use recovery methods in
planning training programs and the content of physical therapy units. This is because it is of
great importance in renewing the athlete’s activity and restoring his physical and psychological
state to that before the sporting effort, as well as increasing his ability to continue sporting
performance at the same physical and skill level.
Recovery is the period following the execution of physical effort in general, that is, the rest
period that leads to the return of the athlete's body to the state in which it was before
performing physical effort [6].
Generally, the means of recovery used in the field of sport are as follows:
• Cold water immersion: It is a recovery method used to restore an athlete's health
condition through cooling water or ice baths, and it can be used before, during, or after
exertion;
• Massage: It is a recovery method used to rejuvenate an athlete's activity through
physical therapy devices or manual methods that help increase blood flow and stimulate
blood circulation. It can be used before, during, or after sports performance;
• Relaxation exercises: They are recovery methods used to return an athlete to his pre- exertion condition by calming the body’s muscles through free exercises or sports
equipment. They can be used before, during, or after sports performance.
Through his experience in the field of training, his practice of playing and training volleyball,
his constant review of many training units for volleyball coaches, his survey of their opinions
on their use of recovery methods, and his follow-up of the training units and matches, the
researcher noticed that most Libyan sports teams use one method in the recovery process,
although it can be used Various healing methods, such as cold water immersion, relaxation
exercises, and massage. These methods help to get rid of the accumulation of lactic acid in the
muscles and thus remove muscle fatigue. They also stimulate blood circulation and contribute
to improving the functioning of the nervous system and the health condition of volleyball
players and their appearance at the required level. The importance of this research is evident
in advancing the sciences of sports health, sports injuries, and sports medicine; Improving the
health condition and rapid recovery of volleyball players; developing the capabilities of
physical therapists accompanying volleyball teams; achieving the highest level of skill
performance among volleyball players and reducing sports injuries that volleyball players may
be exposed to.
Research Objective
This research aims to study the opinions of a group of Libyan physiotherapists about the
recovery methods used in the recovery process of volleyball players in the Libyan Premier
League.