Throwing Performance Research Articles

The Effects of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Tissue Flossing, and Kinesiology Taping on Shoulder Functional Capacities in Amateur Athletes.

Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), tissue flossing, and kinesiology taping are increasingly popular treatments among athletes for improving functional performance, despite limited evidence for their efficacy. Previous research regarding the efficacy of soft tissues and neuromuscular techniques on improving functional capacity of shoulder joints in athletes has yielded conflicting results. We examined the immediate and short-term effects of IASTM, flossing, and kinesiology taping on the functional capacities of amateur athletes' shoulders. Randomized controlled study. Clinical assessment laboratory. Eighty amateur overhead athletes (mean [SD]: age = 23.03 [1.89]; weight = 78.36 [5.32]; height = 1.77 [.11]). We randomly assigned participants to 4 research sub-groups in which they received the following treatments on their dominant shoulders: IASTM (n = 20), flossing (n = 20), both IASTM and flossing (n = 20), and kinesiology tape (n = 20). Nondominant shoulders served as controls. We evaluated participants-before, immediately after, and 45minutes after the therapeutic interventions-with the following tests: internal and external shoulder rotation range of motion, isokinetic strength and total work, the functional throwing performance index, and the one-arm seated shot put throw performance. All therapeutic interventions significantly improved the strength and functional performance of the dominant shoulder in comparison with the control (P < .005) immediately after and 45minutes after the treatment. The IASTM led to significantly greater improvement in shoulder internal rotation than kinesiology taping immediately after (P = .049) and 45minutes after the treatment (P = .049). We observed no significant differences between the other treatment interventions (P > .05). Findings from the current study support the use of novel soft tissue and neuromuscular techniques for the immediate and short-term improvement of the shoulder functional capacities in amateur overhead athletes.

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF 8 WEEKS CORE TRAINING PROGRAM ON FREE SHOOTING AND VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE IN BASKETBALL PLAYERS AGED 16-18

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the core training program applied for 8 weeks to basketball players aged 16-18 on free throw and vertical jump performance. 22 male basketball players (11 experimental group, 11 control group) aged 16-18 participated in the study voluntarily. While core training was applied to the basketball players in the experimental group, 2 days a week for 8 weeks, together with the basketball training, the basketball players in the control group only continued their routine basketball training. Free throw and vertical jump performance tests were applied to the subjects before applying the 8-week core training program (pre-test) and after the 8-week core training (post-test). Statistically significant difference was found between pretest and posttest in terms of experimental group free throw test values (p&lt;0.05) Statistically significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest values of the control group in terms of free throw test values (p&lt;0.05). When the experimental group and control group free throw pretest and posttest were compared, no statistical significance was found (p&gt;0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the pretest and posttest in terms of vertical jump test values of the experimental group and the control group (p&lt;0.05). However, the development in the experimental group was higher than in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the free throw test difference mean values of the experimental group and the control group (p&gt;0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the vertical jump test difference mean values of the experimental group and the control group (p&lt;0.05). As a result, it can be said that 8-week core training has positive effects on the development of vertical jump performance on basketball players, but no effect on free throw performance.&#x0D; &#x0D; &lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0870/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

The Acute Effects From the Use of Weighted Implements on Skill Enhancement in Sport: A Systematic Review.

Jermyn, S, Neill, CO, and Coughlan, EK. The acute effects from the use of weighted implements on skill enhancement in sport: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2922-2935, 2021-Weighted implements are used before competitive performance with the aim of enhancing motor skill execution on return to the standard implement. The purpose of this review was to analyze the existing literature pertaining to the acute effects of weighted implements on respective sporting performance. Following a systematic screening process, 25 studies were identified. This review highlighted the effects of (a) weighted balls and bats on throwing and batting performance and (b) indoor weight throw implements on indoor weight throw performance. Studies reported conflicting effects on immediate performance post-warm-up with the respective implements. Notably, although overweighted bats and overweight attachments are a prominent preparatory tool in baseball, this review found consistent and repeated evidence of degraded batting performance in striking-based studies. Decreased bat velocity, altered swing patterns, subjective-objective mismatches of bat speed and weight, temporal accuracy errors, and inadequate recalibration to the standard bat were identified as acute effects. This review identified an obvious dearth of research into the acute effects of weighted implements on motor skills in other sports with equally complex perceptual motor patterns, such as football (soccer), golf, rugby, basketball, and American football. Future weighted implement research should investigate the acute effects of respective implements on motor skill performance in other sports, such as those aforementioned, with the purpose of exploring relevant implications for preparatory strategies and immediate performance on return to the standard implement.

The study effect of focus of Attention instructions on motor skills learning: Difference in children’s learning process

The limited information processing capacity of individuals forces coaches in various sports to turn their attention to the main and important parts of the movement by providing instructions. One of the most important factors in the effectiveness of instructions is to focus on individual. It is very important to pay attention to this issue in children. By study the effects of instructions of attention on children's free-throwing learning skills, this study will help determine which type of instructions of attention are most useful for children. Tools and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, It is chosen 42 girl students randomly who aged 9 to 11 years old in 18 district of Tehran and divided in three groups: internal focus attention, external focus attention, and control. After introduction the primary instructions and watching instructional movie related to basketball free throw, the participates thrown five times in test way then in acquisition phase, made 100 attempts in two sessions during two sequencing days. Each session included two blocks of 10-attempts and recovery time in 2 minute among blocks. The retention test included two blocks of 10-attempt that token 48 hours after last acquisition session. It is used covariance analysis test (3(group)* 10(throw)) in acquisition phase and LSD test to analyze the data. Resuit: The result showed that the internal focus attention group performed better than the control group in acquisition phase (P = 0.012), there isn’t significant difference between external focus attention group's mean (P = 0.084). also there isn’t significant difference between internal focus attention group's mean and external one (P = 0.401). In other words, internal focus led to an improvement in basketball throwing performance in children at the acquisition stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of focus instructions on motor skills learning in children. The results of free throw performance scores did not show any significant difference between the groups during retention, but showed the advantage of using internal attention in the acquisition stage. A theoretical understanding of how different instructions can have practical implications for teachers and educators in helping learners for acquire skills, and changes in performance and learning processes depend on both task and performance, and no definitive conclusion can be drawn as to which The type of focus is useful for children's learning, and educators should take on the role of facilitator in guiding learners, regardless of the type of focus provided in different areas of learning.

Systematically Increased External Loads Secured Inferior to Younger and Older Adults’ Center of Mass Improves Postural Control without Compromising Functional Motor Performance

Few studies have investigated the effect of external loads secured inferior to the center of mass (COM) on postural control and motor performance in younger and older adults. In the present study, we investigated the effect of systematically increased external loads secured inferior to the COM on young (N = 15, age [years]: M = 26.67, SD= 3.45) and older adults’ (N = 15, age [years]: M = 67.4, SD= 7.69) center of pressure displacement and velocity, and also dart throwing performance in four different load conditions: 1) no load (control condition), 2) loading with 5% of body mass, 3) loading with 10% of body mass, and 4) loading with 20% of body mass. Overall, older adults had higher COP displacement and velocity in both anterior/posterior (AP) and Medio-lateral (ML) directions and poorer dart throwing scores than younger adults. Despite no significant difference in dart throwing performance for the different load conditions within each age group, loading with 10% and 20% of body mass reduced AP COP displacement relative to control for both study groups, with 20% body mass also reducing AP COP velocity relative to control for both study groups. In conclusion the present findings reveal that external loads secured inferior to older and younger adults’ COM may enhance postural control without compromising motor performance. The findings were discussed in the context of fall-prevention and athletic performance.

Effects of a 25-Week Periodized Training Macrocycle on Muscle Strength, Power, Muscle Architecture, and Performance in Well-Trained Track and Field Throwers.

Anousaki, E, Zaras, N, Stasinaki A-N, Panidi, I, Terzis, T, and Karampatsos, G. Effects of a 25-week periodized training macrocycle on muscle strength, power, muscle architecture, and performance in well-trained track and field throwers. J Strength Cond Res 35(10): 2728-2736, 2021-The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of a 25-week macrocycle on strength, power, vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture, and competitive track and field throwing performance, in well-trained track and field throwers. Twelve well-trained throwers (age: 24.3 ± 5.5 years, mass: 96.6 ± 9.9 kg, and height: 1.82 ± 0.02 m), participated in the study. All athletes followed a 25-week periodized training program divided into 3 training phases: the hypertrophy/maximum strength phase, the maximum strength/power phase, and the power/speed phase. Measurements were performed at the beginning of the training period (T1), after the first training phase (T2), and after the end of the training period (T3). Measurements included the following: competitive track and field throwing performance; shot put throws; maximum strength (1-RM) in snatch, clean, and squat; countermovement jump (CMJ); and VL muscle architecture. Competitive track and field throwing performance and shot put throws increased from T1 to T3 by 10.9 ± 3.2% (p = 0.001) and 5.1 ± 6.4% (P = 0.049), respectively. 1 RM strength in snatch and squat increased significantly from T1 to T3 by 9.7 ± 8.9% (p = 0.001) and 9.9 ± 7.1% (p = 0.002), respectively. Countermovement jump height increased only from T1 to T2 by 10.9 ± 11.8% (p = 0.026). A significant increase was found for VL fascicle length between T1 and T3 (9.6 ± 11.1%, p = 0.049). Strong correlations were found between the percentage increase of competitive track and field throwing performance with 1 RM snatch (r = 0.571, p = 0.046) and with shot put throws (r = 0.715, p = 0.001). Twenty five weeks of training may increase performance and VL fascicle length, whereas increases in 1 RM snatch and in shot put throws are associated with competitive track and field throwing performance in well-trained throwers.

Development of high-performance sports machine and elucidation of Two-seam ball gyroball

Sports engineering uses mathematics and physics to develop solutions to sporting problems. It involves the design and manufacture of sports equipment and facilities that can help maximise athletic performance. In order to develop fit-for-purpose products, it is necessary to consider the motions and movements of athletes. Professor Shinobu Sakai, Production Systems Engineering and Sciences, Komatsu University, Japan, is combining AI and neural networks (NN) to develop multifunctional and high-performance sports equipment and training machines that can benefit athletes and people across the globe who play sports. Believing that machines are subordinate to human beings, a key goal for Sakai is to augment the performance of sports players through the development of tools and machines. Some of the state-of-the-art tools and methodologies he uses in his work are high-resolution sensors, laser-speed sensors, MATLAB and general finite element method analysis software (ANSYS/LS-DYNA). He has developed a shuttlecock launching machine for badminton that can launch at high speed, a high-performance baseball pitching machine that is able to generate an efficient and objective gyro spin and has a high throwing performance and a pitching control method that uses AI.

Biological Determinants of Track and Field Throwing Performance.

Track and field throwing performance is determined by a number of biomechanical and biological factors which are affected by long-term training. Although much of the research has focused on the role of biomechanical factors on track and field throwing performance, only a small body of scientific literature has focused on the connection of biological factors with competitive track and field throwing performance. The aim of this review was to accumulate and present the current literature connecting the performance in track and field throwing events with specific biological factors, including the anthropometric characteristics, the body composition, the neural activation, the fiber type composition and the muscle architecture characteristics. While there is little published information to develop statistical results, the results from the current review suggest that major biological determinants of track and field throwing performance are the size of lean body mass, the neural activation of the protagonist muscles during the throw and the percentage of type II muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Long-term training may enhance these biological factors and possibly lead to a higher track and field throwing performance. Consequently, coaches and athletes should aim at monitoring and enhancing these parameters in order to increase track and field throwing performance.

The Acute Post-Activation Performance Enhancement of the Bench Press Throw in Disabled Sitting Volleyball Athletes

The purpose of the present study was to examine the acute effects of the bench press exercise with predetermined velocity loss percentage on subsequent bench press throw (BPT) performance with raised legs or feet on the floor among disabled, sitting volleyball players. Twelve elite sitting volleyball athletes (age = 33 ± 9 years; body mass = 84.7 ± 14.7 kg; relative bench press maximum strength = 1.0 ± 0.3 kg/body mass) took part in this study. The experiment was performed following a randomized crossover design, where each participant performed a single set of bench press with a 60% one-repetition maximum (1RM) to a 10% decrease of mean bar velocity as a conditioning activity (CA). The BPT with a 60%1RM was performed to assess changes in peak power (PP), peak velocity (PV) before and after the CA. The differences between analyzed variables before and after the CA were verified using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (condition × time; 2 × 2). The ANOVA showed a significant main effect of time for peak bar velocity (p = 0.03; η2 = 0.312) and peak power output (p = 0.037; η2 = 0.294). The post hoc comparison showed a significant increase in post-CA peak bar velocity and peak power for raised legs condition in comparison with pre-CA value (p = 0.02, p = 0.041, respectively). The present study showed that the subsequent BPT performed with raised legs could be enhanced by the bench press with a 60% 1RM to a 10% mean bar velocity decrease as a CA among disabled sitting volleyball players. Therefore, athletes and coaches can consider performing a bench press throw with raised legs without compromising performance.

Relationship between fatness, physical fitness, and academic performance in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players in Qatar State.

The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between physiological parameters (namely fatness and physical fitness) with academic performance (namely mathematics and science grade point average [GPA]) in normal weight and overweight schoolchild handball players. Thirty-six young male team handball players (age: 9±1 years; body mass: 45.5±14.2 kg; height: 1.38±9.1 m; body fat: 19.7±5.6%) at the highest national league for their age group participated. Anthropometry was examined by measuring body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and body mass index (BMI). Fitness testing included the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (level 1), squat jumps (SJ) and counter-movement jumps (CMJ), and upper-limb throwing performance (2 kg medicine ball seated front throw), a 15 m sprint test, and a T-half test for change-of-direction (COD) ability. Academic performance was evaluated through school records of grade point average (GPA) of mathematics and science. BMI was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = -0.57, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = -0.39, p<0.001). Significant correlations between Yo-Yo test performance and science GPA (r = 0.73, p<0.001) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.66, p<0.001) existed. T-half test score (less time taken meant a superior performance) was negatively correlated with science GPA (r = 0.48, p = 0.003) and mathematics GPA (r = 0.63, p<0.01). In conclusion, fatness and physical fitness (except for the upper-muscular strength) were significantly related to academic performance in in schoolchild handball players. Based on results of this study, it seems pragmatic and appropriate to engage young schoolchild in physical activity as it associates with superior academic performance.

Moderate movement variability is optimal in massive practiced dart throws

Background and Study Aim. Movement variability is one of the fundamental topics concerning the control of human movement. In recent years, researches have focused on various aspects of variability, which has changed the noise to useful variable on human movement. Present study investigated movement variability level in high skilled dart players that repeated throws over many years.&#x0D; Material and Methods. Seven experienced dart players (three women and four men) were threw 36 darts in three sets (each set 12 throws) from a standard distance (2.37 meters), while the kinematic features of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist were recorded during the throws. Qualisys motion capture system with six cameras was used to record the kinematics of the elbow.&#x0D; Results: entropy analysis revealed that greater variability in movement angle, velocity and acceleration resulted in better dart throwing performance but after reach to this level, throw variability was decreased. The remarkable point in these findings was that variability was constant across all samples despite the varied range of experience in throwing darts from 2.37 meters distance. Entropy analysis showed that in the throws of highly experienced individuals, variation led to greater throwing efficiency.&#x0D; Conclusions: these findings suggest that variability in a throwing activity, which revealed that moderate movement variability results in optimal throwing performance when dart throw has massive amount of practice during many years.

Functional Movement Proficiency’s Association to Actual and Perceived Motor Competence

The adoption of compensatory movement patterns occurs when limitations in mobility, stability, or motor control prevent proper motion from occurring. These dysfunctional movements may inhibit fundamental motor skill development and negatively influence perceived movement competence, impeding the development of physical literacy. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between functional movement and perceived and actual motor skill competence in young adolescents. Functional movement proficiency was determined using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™), which provides three variables of interest: (a) FMS™total score, (b) number of asymmetries, and (c) number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Perceived physical competence was assessed through the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile. Finally, the Get Skilled: Get Active process-oriented motor skill assessment was used to evaluate vertical jump, kick, run, and overhand throw proficiency. A significant positive correlation between FMS™total score and vertical jump performance was found. A positive relationship was also found between the number of asymmetries and overhand throw performance. The Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile constructs of body attractiveness and physical condition were positively associated with FMS™total score, and physical condition was also shown to be inversely related to the number of movement pattern dysfunctions. Results suggest that functional movement may underpin movement competence and confidence.

Body Fat Is a Predictor of Physical Fitness in Obese Adolescent Handball Athletes

We examined the relationships between body fat (BF) and field measures of physical fitness in adolescent handball players. Twenty nine players (age: 16.6 ± 1.72 years; body mass: 79.8 ± 17.0 kg; height: 1.70 ± 0.12 m; body fat: 27.7 ± 8.67%) from Qatar handball first league performed a series of anthropometric and fitness tests related to their performance in sprinting (i.e., 15 m and 30 m sprint), jumping (i.e., countermovement and squat jumps), throwing (i.e., 3 kg medicine ball seated front throw) and running (i.e., agility T-Half and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 tests). Significant differences between obese and non-obese groups, classified based on age-stratified %BF norms, were found, with the largest difference being attributed to aerobic performance on the Yo-Yo test. Results indicated no significant relationships between anthropometric variables and sprinting or jumping abilities. %BF predicted a significant 8–15% portion in running performances of agility and aerobic capacity, while the latter were mainly explained by body height and mass. %BF was the only and strongest predictor of throwing performance, being an important determinant of performance in handball. Optimizing %BF should be considered as a training and nutrition goal in order to improve sport performance.

Analysis of the biomechanical parameters of the lineout throwing performance under distance variable conditions in high level rugby players

In Rugby Union, the lineout is a play phase whose performance significantly influences the overall team performance during a game. Indeed, winning teams lose fewer balls during their lineout plays ...

Kinematics and performance of team-handball throwing: effects of age and skill level

ABSTRACT To assess the influence of age and skill level on handball throwing kinematics and performance, 126 participants were distributed into groups according to their skill level (elite or recreational) and age group (U12, U16 or +18). Each participant performed three sets of 10 throws, aiming to hit a target (40 × 40 cm) located in the right corner of the goal. During testing, kinematic data were recorded and throwing performance (accuracy and velocity) was measured. Results showed greater throwing velocity in the elite compared to recreational groups, whereas no differences were found for throwing accuracy. The elite U16 and +18 groups displayed higher segment velocities (hand, arm and pelvis) than the recreational groups. The participation of proximal segments was higher in older groups, showing the more skilled players (U16 and +18) greater pelvis velocities (1.62–1.75 vs 1.02–1.22 m/s). The increased velocity of the distal joints (hand peak velocity: 13.56 ± 1.65 vs 10.67 ± 1.98 m/s) are responsible for the difference in throwing velocity between the elite and recreational U12 groups. Several correlations were found between joint kinematics and throwing velocity. Coaches could use these results during training, to optimise specific throwing training.

Comparison of Shoulder Neuromuscular Control in Overhead Athletes with and without Shoulder Hypermobility

PURPOSE: A wider range of motion of shoulder joint is necessary for explosive throwing performance and the increase of the range of motion by repetitive throwing is inevitable. The wide range of motion is related with the instability of the joint. Neuromuscular control plays an essential role in stabilizing the joint. However, when the joint becomes hypermobile, how neuromuscular control was affected was not clear. The purpose of this study was to compare shoulder neuromuscular control of overhead shoulder athletes and identify the influence of hypermobility on it.METHODS: Total 24 subjects (hypermobility group (HMG); 12 athletes, normal range group (CON); 12 athletes) were recruited in this research. To assess shoulder neuromuscular functions, joint position sense (JPS), the threshold of detection to passive motion (TTDPM), and force reproduction (FR) were measured.RESULTS: In active JPS at HMG was greater than CON at the 90% target angle, (p&lt;.05). In passive JPS, HMG showed lower JPS compared to CON at the 50% target angle (p&lt;.05). In FR, HMG was lower than CON in internal rotation (p&lt;.05). In relationship test, hypermobility was negatively correlated with active JPS (p&lt;.05).CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the hypermobile shoulder has greater neuromuscular control compared normal range shoulder to compensate for the hypermobility and active sub-system plays a crucial role in the neuromuscular control of the shoulder joint. Thus, it is recommended that neuromuscular training should be considered in training program for overhead athletes with hypermobile shoulder.

THE USE OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION FOR INCREASING THROWING PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT Introduction Throwing is considered the most important technical skill in Handball. However, it requires the athlete to perform this movement with maximum speed and accuracy, as it can define the final score of the game. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, known as the Kabat method, on the throwing performance of handball athletes. Methods An experimental study of 18 male handball athletes with a mean age of 14 ± 1.13 years. The athletes were divided into two groups: control group (CG) and Kabat method group (KG). The athletes performed 16 training sessions, with analyses at the beginning and end of each session. Range of motion (ROM) of internal and external shoulder rotation, strength, muscle imbalance, throwing speed and accuracy were measured. The results were compared by the Student t-test of repeated measures. Results KG significantly increased external shoulder rotation and muscle strength in all the analyzed shoulder complex muscles. CG also increased strength, but not in all muscles. KG significantly increased the speed and accuracy of the pitch. Conclusion The Kabat method, through proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, significantly increased throwing performance, speed and accuracy in handball athletes when compared to the control group. Level of evidence III; Randomized Experimental Study.

The Effect of a Neuromuscular vs. Dynamic Warm-up on Physical Performance in Young Tennis Players.

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, García-Tormo, V, Santos-Rosa, FJ, Teixeira, AS, Nakamura, FY, Granacher, U, and Sanz-Rivas, D. The effect of a neuromuscular vs. dynamic warm-up on physical performance in young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2776-2784, 2020-The aim of this study was to examine performance-enhancing (i.e., training) effects of a neuromuscular warm-up (NWU) compared with a dynamic WU (DWU) in young tennis players. Twenty-eight well-trained male tennis players with a mean age of 15.09 ± 1.16 years participated in this study and were assigned to either a training group performing NWU (n = 14), or a group that followed DWU (n = 15) before tennis-specific training, for 8 weeks. Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 change of direction (COD) test; bilateral/unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ); 2 kg overhead, forehand, and backhand-side medicine ball throw performance (MBT); serve velocity, and shoulder strength and range-of-motion (ROM) performance (i.e., internal [IR]/external [ER] rotation). Results showed that both groups, NWU and DWU, significantly improved their sprint performances (5-20 m; [p < 0.05; d = 0.83-1.32]), CMJ (bilateral and unilateral [dominant side] [p < 0.005; d = 1.27-1.59]), overhead MBT (p = 0.014; d = 1.02), and some shoulder strength (i.e., IR dominant side [D], ER D, ER/IR ratio [p < 0.05; d = 0.86-1.59]) and ROM (i.e., ER D, total ROM D [p < 0.05; d = 0.80-1.02]) values. However, the interaction effects revealed that NWU compared with DWU produced greater performance gains in most of the analyzed parameters (i.e., 5-10 m sprint, CMJ, overhead MBT, serve speed). The inclusion of an NWU characterized by a relatively low volume (∼20-35 minutes), including general mobility, core, and shoulder strength exercises, combined with neuromuscular-related exercises (e.g., plyometric and acceleration/deceleration/COD drills), can be recommended to obtain positive effects in tennis performance-related variables.

Effects Of Different Warm-up Protocols On Throwing Performance

Power is essential in throwing performance. Past research indicated that high-intensity dynamic warm-up enhance the subsequent explosive performance, which is referred as post-activation potentiation (PAP). At present, there is no research explored the effect of maximal isometric contraction as warm-up on throwing performance. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of maximum isometric squat (MIS) and counter movement jump (CMJ) as warm-up exercises on subsequent throwing performance. METHODS: 16 healthy experienced baseball or softball players (30.5±5.98 years old) performed two warm-up protocols (MIS and CMJ) in counter-balanced order. Throwing performance was examined at 15 minutes before and 4 minutes after warm-up. Distance of underhand medicine ball throw (MBT) and baseball throwing velocity (BTV) were used to evaluate throwing performance. RESULTS: The results revealed that after performing two types of warm-up exercises, the average and best distance of MBT improved significantly (P<.05). The average and best speed of BTV increased significantly (P<.05) after warm-ups. Performance of MBT after MIS (average: + 5.35%; best: + 6.05%) showed greater improvement compare to warm-up with CMJ (+4.82%; +4.47%) (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Both MIS and CMJ as warm-up exercise are beneficial in subsequent throwing performance. MIS showed better effect than CMJ for underhand medicine ball throwing distance.

Rehabilitation of the Throwing Athlete—How to Get Them Back to Sport

Rehabilitation of the overhead athlete must take into account the loads required to perform their sport early in the postoperative treatment. While general concepts of range of motion and strength specific to the surgical repair are important, enhanced surgical and rehabilitative techniques have resulted in fewer complications and an expedited return to play progression. The biomechanical rehabilitative needs of the sport should include but not be limited to rotator cuff stability, scapular stability, core strength, hip mobility, hip stability, contralateral arm strength, and posterior kinetic chain strength. This chapter will address these rehabilitative approaches as the athlete transitions from postsurgical rehabilitation to optimal throwing performance.