EFFECT OF FOREARM TRAINING ON BAT AND HAND VELOCITIES, AND TIME TO CONTACT

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of forearm training on bat-end velocity (BV), center of percussion velocity (CV), hand velocity (HV), maximum hand velocity (HVmax), and time before ball contact (TC) of high school baseball players. Participants (N = 43) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. Group 1 (n = 23) and Group 2 (n = 20) performed the same exercises while training 3 days/wk for 12 weeks according to a linear periodized model Group 2 also performed forearm exercises 3 days/wk for 12 weeks. Forearm strength variables were measured pre & post-training. BV, CV, HV, HVmax, and TC were recorded pre & post-training by a motion capture system which identified and digitally processed reflective markers attached to one of two test bats. Both groups substantially increased forearm strength (p <0.05). However, Group 2 had significantly greater increases (p <0.05) in 10 of 12 forearm strength measures. Both groups showed significant increases (p <0.05) in BV, CV, & HVmax (m* s-1 ± SD) after 12 weeks of training. However, there were no differences between the two groups. These data indicate that a 12 week linear periodized training program can significantly increase forearm strength, BV, CV, and HVmax among high school baseball players. However, increased forearm strength did not contribute to further increases in BV, CV, or HVmax. This does not suggest that forearm strength is not important for bat control or hand position adjustments made during the swing.