Medicine Ball Throw Research Articles

Differences in Anthropometry, Biological Age and Physical Fitness Between Young Elite Kayakers and Canoeists.

The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric and physical characteristics of youth elite paddlers and to identify the differences between kayakers and canoeists. A total of 171 male paddlers (eighty-nine kayakers and eighty-two canoeists), aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± SD) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants completed basic anthropometric assessments (body mass, stretch stature, sitting height, body mass index, maturity level, sum of 6 skinfolds and fat mass percentage) as well as a battery of physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, counter movement jump, sit-and-reach and 20 m multi-stage shuttle run tests). The anthropometric results revealed a significantly larger body size (stretch stature and sitting height) and body mass in the kayakers (p < 0.01) as well as a more mature biological status (p = 0.003). The physical fitness level exhibited by the kayakers was likewise significantly greater than that of the canoeists, both in the counter movement jump and estimated VO2max (p < 0.05), as well as in the overhead medicine ball throw and sit-and-reach test (p < 0.01). These findings confirm the more robust and mature profile of youth kayakers that might be associated with the superior fitness level observed and the specific requirements of this sport discipline.

Low-load bench press and push-up induce similar muscle hypertrophy and strength gain

AimTo investigate the effect of push-up training with a similar load of to 40% of 1- repetition maximumal (1RM) bench press on muscle hypertrophy and strength gain in men. MethodsEighteen male participants (age, 20.2 ± 0.73 years, range: 19−22 years, height: 169.8 ± 4.4 cm, weight: 64.5 ± 4.7 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: bench press at 40%1RM (bench-press group, n = 9) or push-ups with position adjusted (e.g. kneeling) to the same load of bench-press 40%1RM (push-up group, n = 9), performed twice per week for 8 weeks. Muscle thickness at three sites (biceps, triceps, and pectoralis major), bench-press 1RM, maximum repetition at 40%1RM, and power output (medicine ball throw) were measured before and after the training period. ResultsSignificant increases in 1RM and muscle thickness (triceps and pectoralis major) were observed in bench-press group (1RM, from 60.0 ± 12.1 kg to 65.0 ± 12.1 kg, p < 0.01; triceps, from 26.3 ± 3.7 mm to 27.8 ± 3.8 mm, p < 0.01; pectoralis major, from 17.0 ± 2.8 mm to 20.8 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.01) and in the push-up group (1RM, from 61.1 ± 12.2 kg to 64.2 ± 12.5 kg, p < 0.01; triceps, 27.7 ± 5.7 mm to 30.4 ± 6.6 mm, p < 0.01; pectoralis major, from 17.0 ± 2.8 mm to 20.8 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.01). Biceps thickness significantly increased only in the bench-press group (28.4 ± 3.3 mm to 31.5 ± 3.7 mm, p < 0.01). Neither power output performance nor muscle endurance capacity changed in either group. ConclusionsPush-up exercise with similar load to 40%1RM bench press is comparably effective for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain over an 8-week training period.

Reliability of Tests for the Assessment of Balance, Coordination and Strength among Younger Preschool Children

Abstract The aim of this research is to determine metric characteristics of tests for the assessment of balance, coordination and strength among younger preschool children. The sample of examinees consisted of 115 children aged four (+/- 6 months). The sample of variables was made up of 9 newly designed tests for the assessment of balance (MRUJN – longitudinal standing on one leg, MRPDN – transverse standing on two legs, MRUDN – longitudinal standing on two legs), of coordination (MKTL – running with ball, MKKČ – circle on all four, MKTČ – running to cones) and strength (MSČ15 – squats in 15 seconds), MSIM – medicine ball throw, MSSV – high jump). KS test was used to examine the normality of distributions. The reliability of measuring instruments was determined by Cronbach’s Alpha (α). Homogeneity was calculated by the average correlation between items (IIr). Sensitivity of the newly designed tests was assessed by the measures of skewness (Skew) and the level of kurtosis (Kurt) of the results, whereby factorial validity was determined by factor analysis. The results obtained indicate good metric characteristics of tests for the assessment of coordination (MKTL, MKKČ, MKTČ) and strength (MSSV). On the basis of the achieved results, one may conclude that it is possible to reliably measure coordination and explosive strength, such as jump, whereas the tests for assessing balance and other types of strength have to be more precisely defined, so satisfactory metric characteristics would be obtained in the repeated study. Key words: four-year-olds; metric characteristics; motor skills

Caffeine ingestion acutely enhances muscular strength and power but not muscular endurance in resistance-trained men

The goal of this randomized, double-blind, cross-over study was to assess the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on muscular strength and power, muscular endurance, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and pain perception (PP) in resistance-trained men. Seventeen volunteers (mean ± SD: age = 26 ± 6 years, stature = 182 ± 9 cm, body mass = 84 ± 9 kg, resistance training experience = 7 ± 3 years) consumed placebo or 6 mg kg−1 of anhydrous caffeine 1 h before testing. Muscular power was assessed with seated medicine ball throw and vertical jump exercises, muscular strength with one-repetition maximum (1RM) barbell back squat and bench press exercises, and muscular endurance with repetitions of back squat and bench press exercises (load corresponding to 60% of 1RM) to momentary muscular failure. RPE and PP were assessed immediately after the completion of the back squat and bench press exercises. Compared to placebo, caffeine intake enhanced 1RM back squat performance (+2.8%; effect size [ES] = 0.19; p = .016), which was accompanied by a reduced RPE (+7%; ES = 0.53; p = .037), and seated medicine ball throw performance (+4.3%, ES = 0.32; p = .009). Improvements in 1RM bench press were not noted although there were significant (p = .029) decreases in PP related to this exercise when participants ingested caffeine. The results point to an acute benefit of caffeine intake in enhancing lower-body strength, likely due to a decrease in RPE; upper-, but not lower-body power; and no effects on muscular endurance, in resistance-trained men. Individuals competing in events in which strength and power are important performance-related factors may consider taking 6 mg kg−1 of caffeine pre-training/competition for performance enhancement.

Physical and anthropometric analysis in students with and without menarche at Tucuruí/Pará region of Brazil

It was our objective to evaluate the anthropometric variables and the physical qualities in girls with menarche and without menarche from public school of Tucurui - PA, with 11 to 12 years old. Ninety-eight girls aged 11 and 105 aged 12 years were evaluated girls and divided into two groups: girls with menarche and girls without menarche. Weight and height, body mass index (BMI), body composition of two skinfolds (triceps and subscapular) were registered. Also, were assessed the performance in shuttle Run, horizontal jump, 1609 meters running, a 30 meters’ sprint run and a 3kg medicine ball throwing. After normality testing with the Kolmogorov Smirnov a t test for independent samples was computed or the Mann-Whitney test. Alpha value was set at 0.05. All calculations were computed using SPSS for Windows 15.0. It was found significant differences in body mass (44.05 and 37.85 kg) and height (1.48 and 1.42m) between groups among 11 years old girls. In the12 years old girls no significant differences were found between groups in relation to height (1.51 and 1.44m), BMI (19.86 and 18.49 kg/m2), horizontal jump (135.49 and 129.40cm), medicine ball throwing (238.29 and 207.42cm), 1.609 meters running (11.30 and 10.37m) and predicted VO 2 max (33.67 and 36.055 ml.kg -1 .min -1 ). Girls with menstrual cycle had higher values than their counterparts in anthropometric measurements and in the medicine ball throwing.

Effect of Direct Whole-Body Vibration on Upper-Body Muscular Power in Recreational, Resistance-Trained Men.

Jones, MT, Martin, JR, Jagim, AR, and Oliver, JM. Effect of direct whole-body vibration on upper-body muscular power in recreational, resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1371-1377, 2017-To determine the acute effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on upper-body power, 15 men (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 2.3 years; height 173.1 ± 6.5 cm; and weight 77.2 ± 13.8 kg) with ≥1-year resistance training experience and a bench press (BP): body mass ratio ≥1.25 participated in a repeated-measures crossover design. Session 1 included body composition ([Bod Pod] 15.76 ± 6.7% body fat), 3 repetition maximum BP, and familiarization with: seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), plyometric push-up (PPU) on a force plate, and vertical WBV platform. Sessions 2-5 were randomly ordered across condition and test, separated by 24 hours, and consisted of a warm-up followed by 4 × 30-second push-up holds (2 × elbows at 90° and 2 × arms extended) performed on the vibration platform with WBV (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 2-4 mm, 1:1 work: relief ratio) or no WBV. Seated medicine ball throw and PPU were tested immediately, 1, 5, and 10 minutes post. Standardized magnitude-based inferences were used to define outcomes. A likely positive effect of WBV was observed for SMBT at 10 minutes post. A likely negative effect of WBV resulted at 1 minute in time-to-peak force. A possibly positive effect was observed 10 minutes post. A possibly negative effect was observed 10 minutes post for peak power, and a likely negative effect of WBV was observed on time-to-peak power immediate post. Incorporating a 10-minute rest period is recommended when implementing power exercises after upper-body static-hold exercises during WBV exposure.

Development of a New Job-Related Physical Test for the Basic Training Program in Police Patrolling

PURPOSE: Based on previous observation and analyses of the basic training program in police patrolling, the main physical abilities required to successfully accomplish the critical and essential tasks of the program were identified. The objective of the study was then to develop and validate a new physical test for the École Nationale de Police du Québec (ENPQ) based on a job related approach sustaining the bona fide occupational requirements criteria. METHODS: Our approach focused both on job task simulation and assessment of specific motor and physiological abilities. Seventeen tasks representing the main physical abilities elicited in the training program were evaluated throughout the test circuit, especially: lower and upper limb power, upper limb strength, global coordination and agility. To validate the test, 184 male and 56 female police students were recruited. Students executed the new ENPQ test and also a series of six ‘convergent’ measures (C): Edgren agility test (C1), dynamometer test for strength (C2), seated medicine ball throw for upper body power (C3), vertical (C4) and horizontal (C5) jump tests for lower limb power, and a maximal aerobic power estimation (C6). Among the experimental group, 39 male and 9 female police students did twice the ENPQ test for establishing test-retest reliability. RESULTS: The new ENPQ test consists of a time circuit including various tasks in continuity, separated by 3 laps: lap 1 (8 tasks), lap 2 (7 tasks) and lap 3 (7 tasks). Mean completion time was significantly different (p<0.001) between male (210 ± 25 sec) and female participants (282 ± 52 sec). Correlation between the ENPQ test time and the six convergent tests were all significant (p<0.01) and moderately high: C1 (r=-0.43), C2 (r=-0.62), C3 (r=-0.59), C4 (r=-0.50), C5 (r=-0.71) and C6 (r=-0.49). Test-retest reliability (n=48) was r=0.81. CONCLUSION: The construction design used for the development of the new test insures per se its content (face) validity. On the other hand, the correlations obtained between the independent six ‘convergent’ ability measures and the new test’s time performance confirm its multi-facetted concurrent validity. As for its predictive, or practical, usefulness for the tightening and betterment of the training standards of future police officers, this remains to be investigated.

Evaulation of Some Physiological and Biomotor Features of Young Tennis Players

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine some physiological and biomotor properties of 9-13 years old tennis players, and detect the effect of gender on performance. Material and Methods: 19 voluntary male tennis players, (average age: 11.21±1.08 year, average height: 1.52±0.11 cm, average weight: 44.76±7.87 kg, average sport background: 3.15±1.11 year ),17 voluntary female tennis players, (average age: 11.05±1.51 year, average height: 1.48±0.08 cm, average weight: 35.84±5.75 kg, sport background: 2.7±0.91 year ) who exercise at a tennis club in Ankara participated in this study. The subjects’ anthropometric measurements were taken. Then, 5 m sprint test, 10 m sprint test, flexibility test, push up test, sit up test, long jump test, medicine ball throw test, stability test were performed on the mentioned subjects. After calculating the descriptive statistics of the voluntaries, the data collected from performance tests were evaluated with Levene test and it showed normal distribution. T test was used to identify which groups had significant differences. Results: In the applied test, it has been observed that except the 10-m sprint test; there were not any significant (p<0.05) differences. Conclusion: we could state that there is no difference between gender and all parameters of 9-13 years old tennis players and the similar training models can be applied to the players regardless of their gender.

Sequencing Effects of Balance and Plyometric Training on Physical Performance in Youth Soccer Athletes.

Hammami, R, Granacher, U, Makhlouf, I, Behm, DG, and Chaouachi, A. Sequencing effects of balance and plyometric training on physical performance in youth soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 30(12): 3278-3289, 2016-Balance training may have a preconditioning effect on subsequent power training with youth. There are no studies examining whether the sequencing of balance and plyometric training has additional training benefits. The objective was to examine the effect of sequencing balance and plyometric training on the performance of 12- to 13-year-old athletes. Twenty-four young elite soccer players trained twice per week for 8 weeks either with an initial 4 weeks of balance training followed by 4 weeks of plyometric training (BPT) or 4 weeks of plyometric training proceeded by 4 weeks of balance training (PBT). Testing was conducted pre- and posttraining and included medicine ball throw; horizontal and vertical jumps; reactive strength; leg stiffness; agility; 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprints; Standing Stork balance test; and Y-Balance test. Results indicated that BPT provided significantly greater improvements with reactive strength index, absolute and relative leg stiffness, triple hop test, and a trend for the Y-Balance test (p = 0.054) compared with PBT. Although all other measures had similar changes for both groups, the average relative improvement for the BPT was 22.4% (d = 1.5) vs. 15.0% (d = 1.1) for the PBT. BPT effect sizes were greater with 8 of 13 measures. In conclusion, although either sequence of BPT or PBT improved jumping, hopping, sprint acceleration, and Standing Stork and Y-Balance, BPT initiated greater training improvements in reactive strength index, absolute and relative leg stiffness, triple hop test, and the Y-Balance test. BPT may provide either similar or superior performance enhancements compared with PBT.

DIURNAL VARIATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COORDINATIVE ABILITIES OF SOCCER PLAYERS

The purpose of the study was to investigate the “Diurnal variation on the performance of coordinative abilities of soccer players”. The study was conducted on 50 male soccer players of Punjabi University Patiala, Punjab India, and age ranging from 17 to 24 years. The subjects were selected from soccer match practice group. The data was collected by administration of Coordinative Ability test as suggested by Peter Hirtz (1985). The subjects were tested two times (one time in morning (between 7 AM to 9 AM) and one time in evening (between 5 PM to 7 PM)). The Coordinative abilities includes Orientation ability, Differentiation Ability, Reaction Ability, Balance Ability and Rhythm Ability which was measured by Numbered Medicine Ball Run Test, Backward Medicine Ball Throw Test, Ball Reaction Exercise Test, Long Nose Balance Test and Sprint at the given Rhythm Test respectively. It was hypothesized that diurnal variation would significantly affect the performance of the subjects on Coordinative abilities. The data collected on Coordinative abilities was analysed by dependent “t” test. The level of significance for testing the hypothesis was set at 0.05 level of confidence. The mean values of Orientation ability in morning and evening were 7.44 seconds and 7.30 seconds respectively. Significant time of day (diurnal variation) effect was found for the Orientation ability (t cal =2.42>t tab =1.99). The mean values of Reaction ability in morning and evening were 166.60 Centimetres and 160.70 Centimetres respectively. Significant time of day (diurnal variation) effect was found for the Reaction Ability (t cal =4.56>t tab =1.99). The mean values of Balance ability in morning and evening were 7.26 seconds and 7.01 seconds respectively. Significant time of day (diurnal variation) effect was found for the Balance Ability (t cal =4.15>t tab =1.99). The mean values of Rhythm ability in morning and evening were 0.51 seconds and 0.44 seconds respectively. Rhythm Ability (t cal =5.50>t tab =1.99) shown significant time of day (diurnal variation) effect among soccer players whereas the mean values of differentiation ability in morning and evening were 15.14 seconds and 14.80 respectively. No significant time of day (diurnal variation) effect was found for differentiation ability (t cal =1.04<t tab =1.99) among soccer players. The result showed that diurnal variation significantly affect the performance of soccer players on Orientation ability, Reaction Ability, Balance Ability and Rhythm Ability whereas differentiation ability showed insignificant diurnal effect among soccer players. Article visualizations:

Physical fitness profile of competitive young soccer players: Determination of positional differences

The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of the different playing positions in adolescent soccer players. Furthermore, differences among playing ages (under 14, under 16, and under 18 years) were determined. One hundred and sixty-seven young male national level soccer players were tested on anthropometric characteristics and physical performance tests (30 m sprint, ball kicking, overhead medicine ball throw, and countermovement jump). The results demonstrated differences in anthropometric characteristics between positions ( p &lt; 0.05). Differences were also found in the physical performance tests; forwards performed better in the throwing, countermovement jump, and sprint tests than defenders. Midfielders demonstrated greater countermovement jump performances than right defenders. Our results highlight that there is an influence of playing position on the anthropometric and physical qualities in adolescent players. This emphasizes the importance of evaluating the physical profile of players and their development according to playing age and playing position.

Determinants of Club Head Speed in PGA Professional Golfers.

Turner, AN. Determinants of club head speed in PGA professional golfers. J Strength Cond Res 30(8): 2266-2270, 2016-Club head speed (CHS) has been significantly correlated with golf performance, but only in amateurs. The purpose of this study therefore, was to investigate the relationship between field-based measures of strength and power with CHS in Professional Golfers Association (PGA) professional golfers, and further determine differences between age groups. A correlation design was used to test relationships between squat jump (SJ), seated medicine ball throw (SMBT), rotational medicine ball throw (RMBT), and CHS. Twenty participants volunteered to take part in the study (age, 31.95 ± 8.7 years; height, 182.75 ± 6.88 cm; mass, 90.47 ± 15.6 kg). Intraclass correlation coefficients reported high reliability for performance variables (r = 0.85-0.95). Significant correlations (p < 0.01) were found between CHS and SJ (r = 0.817) and SMBT (r = 0.706), but not RMBT (r = 0.572). A stepwise linear regression analysis identified that SJ and SMBT explained 74% of the variance in CHS. When dividing the sample based on age, professionals <30 years (n = 10; 25.6 ± 2.9 years) displayed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher CHS and SJ height compared with professionals >30 (n = 10; 39.7 ± 5.5 years). Correlations to CHS for <30 were significant for SJ (r = 0.801) and SMBT (r = 0.643), but nonsignificant for RMBT. Those >30 had significant correlations to CHS not only in SMBT (r = 0.881) and SJ (r = 0.729), but also in RMBT (r = 0.642). The results of this study suggest that SJ and SMBT have the largest contribution to CHS in PGA professional golfers. When comparing age groups, it appears that younger golfers (<30 years) utilize more leg strength whereas older golfers (>30 years) utilize more upper body strength. Results suggest that strength-based leg exercises and power-based chest exercises may improve CHS in professional golfers.

Sprint kayaking and canoeing performance prediction based on the relationship between maturity status, anthropometry and physical fitness in young elite paddlers

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify the maturity-related differences and its influence on the physical fitness, morphological and performance characteristics of young elite paddlers. In total, 89 kayakers and 82 canoeists, aged 13.69 ± 0.57 years (mean ± s), were allocated in three groups depending on their age relative to the age at peak height velocity (pre-APHV, circum-APHV and post-APHV) and discipline (kayak and canoe). Nine anthropometric variables, a battery of four physical fitness tests (overhead medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sit-and-reach test and 20 m multistage shuttle run test) and three specific performance tests (1000, 500 and 200 m) were assessed. Both disciplines presented significant maturity-based differences in all anthropometric parameters (except for fat and muscle mass percentage), overhead medicine ball throw and all performance times (pre > circum > post; P < 0.05). Negative and significant correlations (P < 0.01) were detected between performance times, chronological age and anthropometry (body mass, height, sitting height and maturity status), overhead medicine ball throw and sit and reach for all distances. These findings confirm the importance of maturity status in sprint kayaking and canoeing since the more mature paddlers were also those who revealed largest body size, physical fitness level and best paddling performance. Additionally, the most important variables predicting performance times in kayaking and canoeing were maturity status and chronological age, respectively.

Effects of mental training on muscular force, hormonal and physiological changes in kickboxers.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of mental training on muscular force generation, hormonal alterations, and physiological adaptations in male trained kickboxers. Fifty-three male trained kickboxers (24.2±4.4 years, 1.75±0.08 m and 70.4±10.2 kg) were randomly assigned to a physical-training group (PG; N.=20), physical and mental training group (PMG: N.=18, mental-training package [MTP] plus physical training] or control group (CG: N.=15). Physical fitness tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), bench press, and half-squat tests; hormones: resting cortisol (C) blood sample, plasma testosterone (T) concentration, and T/C ratio; and physiological variables: resting heart rate (HR), and blood pressure (BP) were assessed before training commenced (baseline) and at week 6 and 12 of training. PMG and PG improved performance in CMJ height (16.2%, 8.4%), MBT (27.9%, 14.2%), bench press (26.5%, 15.7%), half-squat (27.2%, 16.3%), T concentration (35.2%, 22.4%), and T/C ratio (60%, 0%, for PMG only), respectively. In contrast, the C concentration decreased for the PMG (16.3%) and increased for the PG (22%) after 12 weeks. The PMG and PG had significant decrease from pre- to post-training for the resting HR (9.1%, 3%, respectively) and BP (8.5%, 5.3%, respectively). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in MBT (9.3%) after 6 weeks in PMG. Outlined improvements (PMG and PG) were favorable compared to CG (P<0.05) in all instances. The greater muscular force generation in PMG than PG seem to be explained by the reduction of hormonal and physiological stress after 12 weeks.

Concurrent Training in Prepubescent Children: The Effects of 8 Weeks of Strength and Aerobic Training on Explosive Strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max.

Alves, AR, Marta, CC, Neiva, HP, Izquierdo, M, and Marques, MC. Concurrent training in prepubescent children: the effects of 8 weeks of strength and aerobic training on explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2019-2032, 2016-The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week training periods of strength training alone (GS), combined strength and aerobic training in the same session (GCOM1), or in 2 different sessions (GCOM2) on explosive strength and maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) in prepubescent children. Of note, 168 healthy children, aged 10-11 years (10.9 ± 0.5), were randomly selected and assigned to 3 training groups to train twice a week for 8 weeks: GS (n = 41), GCOM1 (n = 45), GCOM2 (n = 38) groups, and a control group (GC) (n = 44; no training program). The GC maintained the baseline level, and trained-induced differences were found in the experimental groups. Differences were observed in the 1 and 3-kg medicine ball throws (GS: +5.8 and +8.1%, respectively; GCOM1: +5.7 and +8.7%, respectively; GCOM2: +6.2 and +8%, respectively, p < 0.001) and in the countermovement jump height and in the standing long jump length (GS: +5.1 and +5.2%, respectively; GCOM1: +4.2 and +7%, respectively; GCOM2: +10.2 and +6.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the training period induced gains in the 20-m time (GS: +2.1%; GCOM1: +2.1%; GCOM2: +2.3%, p < 0.001). It was shown that the experimental groups (GCOM1, GCOM2, and GS) increased V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscular strength, and explosive strength from pretraining to posttraining. The higher gains were observed for concurrent training when it was performed in different sessions. These results suggest that concurrent training in 2 different sessions seems to be an effective and useful method for training-induced explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in prepubescent children. This could be considered as an alternative way to optimize explosive strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness in school-based programs.

Strength and Power Correlates of Throwing Velocity on Subelite Male Cricket Players.

Throwing velocity is an important aspect of fielding in cricket to affect run-outs and reduce the opponent's run-scoring opportunities. Although a relationship between strength and/or power and throwing velocity has been well established in baseball, water polo, and European handball, it has not been adequately explored in cricket. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the relationship between measures of strength and/or power and throwing velocity in cricket players. Seventeen male cricket players (mean ± SD; age, 21.1 ± 1.6 years; height, 1.79 ± 0.06 m; weight, 79.8 ± 6.4 kg) from an elite athlete program were tested for maximal throwing velocity from the stretch position and after a 3-meter shuffle. They were also assessed for strength and power using a range of different measures. Throwing velocity from the stretch position (30.5 ± 2.4 m·s) was significantly related to dominant leg lateral-to-medial jump (LMJ) distance (r = 0.71; p < 0.01), dominant shoulder internal rotation (IR) strength (r = 0.55; p ≤ 0.05), and dominant (r = 0.73; p < 0.01) and nondominant (r = 0.54; p ≤ 0.05) medicine ball rotation (MB Rot) throw velocity and medicine ball chest pass (MB CP) distance (r = 0.67; p < 0.01). A nonsignificant trend was observed for vertical jump (VJ) height (p = 0.06), whereas no significant relationships were observed for nondominant LMJ distance (p = 0.97), nondominant shoulder IR strength (p = 0.80), 1 repetition maximum (RM) squat strength (p = 0.57), 1RM bench press strength (p = 0.90), height (p = 0.33), or weight (p = 0.29). Multiple regression analysis revealed that dominant MB Rot and MB CP explained 66% of the variance. The results were similar for velocity after a shuffle step (31.8 ± 2.1 m·s); however, VJ height reached statistical significance (r = 0.51; p ≤ 0.05). The multiple regression was also similar with MB Rot and MB CP explaining 70% of the variance. The cricketers in this study threw with greater velocity than elite junior and subelite senior cricketers but with lower velocities than elite senior cricketers and collegiate level and professional baseball players. This is the first study to demonstrate a link between strength and/or power and throwing velocity in cricket players and highlight the importance of power development as it relates to throwing velocity. Exercises that more closely simulated the speed (body weight jumps and medicine ball throws) or movement pattern (shoulder IR) of overhead throwing were greater predictors of throwing velocity. Strength and conditioning staff should assess and develop power to enhance throwing performance in cricket players. Exercises with greater movement and speed specificity to throwing should be used in preference over exercises that are slower and have less movement specificity to the throwing motion. Cricket players should engage in power training to bridge the gap in performance between them and baseball players.

Arremesso de medicine ball prediz potência de membro superior em jogadores de rugby sevens

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n2p166 The aim of this study was to develop an upper limb muscle power (PUL) prediction model using the Medicine Ball Throw Test (MBT) in rugby players. Eighteen amateur rugby players underwent the MBT test and the guided bench press exercise at 30, 40, 50 and 60% of 1. Myotest® accelerometer was positioned on the bench press bar to estimate muscle power. Linear regression was used to derive the upper limb muscle power prediction equation from the MBT distance. The residue analysis estimated the residual error of the predicted values using values obtained by Myotest®. Bland-Altman plots were used to verify agreement between actual and predicted upper limb muscle power, both in absolute Watts (W) and relative terms (W/kg of fat-free mass). There were significant correlations between actual and predicted upper limb muscle power (r = 0.834, 0.854, and 0.872) for intensities of 30%, 40% and 50%, respectively. Absolute bias of predicted values was -1.87 W (p &lt;0.05). For muscle power predicted relative to fat-free mass, bias was 0.782 W/kg (p &lt;0.05). Conclusion: The MBT test has high correlation with actual PUL values and it was found that the equation developed in this study has high accuracy to predict PUL in rugby players of both sexes.

A randomized trial of traditional and golf-specific resistance training in amateur female golfers: Benefits beyond golf performance

ObjectiveCompare golf-specific resistance training (GSRT) with traditional resistance training (TRAD) with regard to golf performance and other outcome measures. DesignRandomized controlled study. SettingOutpatient gym. Participants45 female golfers were randomized into TRAD or GSRT, both of which targeted muscles active during the golf swing. Participants performed supervised training 3d.wk−1 for 10 weeks. Outcome MeasuresGolf performance, bone density, body composition, and physical performance tests. Results29 individuals (58.1 ± 2.1y; 15 TRAD, 14 GSRT) completed training. Completers were older (p = 0.048) and played golf more frequently than non-completers (p = 0.002), but were not otherwise different. Training decreased whole body fat mass (p = 0.013) and visceral fat mass (p = 0.033) across groups, but did not influence lean mass (p = 0.283) or bone mineral density (p = 0.205). Training increased driver speed (p = 0.001), driver distance (p = 0.020), and 7I distance (p < 0.001), but not 7I speed (p = 0.160), but no group or interaction effects were present. Training increased all physical performance tests (p ≤ 0.005) regardless of group, but the seated medicine ball throw was most related to baseline driver speed (r2 = 0.384), and also most responsive to training (r2 = 0.250). Conclusion10 weeks of supervised TRAD and GSRT provided similar improvements in body composition, golf performance, and physical performance in amateur female golfers.

Relationship Between Grip Strength and Seated Medicine Ball Throw in Young Adult Distance Runners

Relationship Between Grip Strength and Seated Medicine Ball Throw in Young Adult Distance Runners

Impact of Fitness Characteristics on Tennis Performance in Elite Junior Tennis Players

The impact of fitness characteristics on tennis performance in adolescent players is not clearly understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test whether physical characteristics are related to players' competitive level (i.e., national youth ranking). A secondary aim was to compare adolescent tennis players by performance level (i.e., regional selected players and the national team). A total of 902 male and female junior players (aged, 11-16 years) in Germany were evaluated using a physical testing battery: grip strength; countermovement jump; 10 and 20-m sprint; tennis-specific sprint; overhead, forehand, and backhand medicine ball throws (MBT); serve velocity and tennis-specific endurance test (hit and turn tennis test). Results showed that serve velocity (r = -0.43 to 0.64 for female subjects [♀]; r = -0.33 to 0.49 for male subjects [♂]) and upper-body power (e.g., MBT r = -0.26 to -0.49 ♀; r = -0.20 to -0.49 ♂) were the most correlated predictors of tennis performance (i.e., national youth ranking) in both female and male tennis players. Moreover, national selected players showed better performance levels than their regional counterparts, mainly in the most predictive physical characteristics (i.e., serve velocity: effect size [ES], 0.78-1.04 ♀; ES 0.92-1.02 ♂, MBT: ES, 0.66-0.88 ♀; ES, 0.67-1.04 ♂) and specific endurance (ES, 0.05-0.95 ♀; ES, 0.31-0.73 ♂). The present findings underline the importance of certain physical attributes, especially serve velocity and strength- and power-related variables (upper body), and suggest the need to include these parameters in the area of training, physical testing, and talent identification of young tennis players.