ASH Test and Serve Velocity in Elite Volleyball Players

Abstract

The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is a novel assessment designed to measure the isometric force-time characteristics of the shoulder joint at three angles of abduction: 180° (I), 135° (Y), and 90° (T). Despite its increasing popularity, there is limited evidence linking this test to sport-specific tasks in overhead sports. This study aimed to provide normative data on peak isometric force during the ASH test and to examine its association with jump serve ball velocity in elite male volleyball players. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 13 athletes. Peak isometric force in the I, Y, and T positions was measured using force plates, while jump serve ball velocity was assessed with a radar gun. The average peak force recorded during the ASH test was as follows: 199.15 ± 26.42 N in the I position, 193.38 ± 31.75 N in the Y position, and 173.69 ± 35.42 N in the T position. We found a weak positive, not statistically significant correlation between jump serve ball velocity and the peak isometric force produced in the I position (r=0.17, p=0.574) and weak negative, not significant correlations between jump serve ball velocity and the peak isometric force produced in the Y and T positions (r=-0.28, p=0.357 and r=-0.29, p=0.344). The univariate linear regression analysis showed no significant association between jump serve ball velocity and peak isometric force generated in any of the aforementioned positions: I (F=0.34, p=0.574), Y (F=0.91, p=0.357), or T (F=0.98, p=0.344). Our findings indicate that the peak isometric force produced in the ASH test is not a determinant of jump serve ball velocity in volleyball.