Effect of Prancing and Galloping Drills on Fitness and Ankle Joint Stability in Volleyball Players: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Volleyball is a sport that requires rapid changes in movements and high-intensity actions and skills. Ankle stability is a key factor in preventing injuries and enhance performance in volleyball players. This study evaluated the effects of prancing and galloping drills on ankle stability, agility, and fitness parameters in volleyball players. Methods: Forty-two male volleyball players (mean age 23.67 ± 3.15 years) were randomly assigned to the prancing and galloping drills (POGO) training (PGT, n = 21) or conventional training (CT, n = 21) group. Over 6 weeks, the experimental group performed prancing and galloping drills, whereas the control group continued their routine warm-up. Outcome measures included ankle stability (Prokin system), vertical jump height (VJH), agility (CODAT), endurance (Cooper test), and dynamic balance (SEBT), assessed after implementing conventional and POGO drills. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups, but the POGO training group demonstrated larger effects. Notably, the POGO training group showed substantial improvements in ankle instability (right ankle: t = 4.09 and p < 0.001; left ankle: t = 5.04 and p < 0.001) and dynamic balance (SEBT Right A: t = −4.20 and p < 0.001; SEBT Left A: t = −4.35 and p < 0.001). Conclusions: Prancing and galloping drills effectively enhanced ankle stability and dynamic balance, offering a valuable addition to volleyball training programs for injury prevention and performance enhancement.