Effect of two strength training programs on throwing velocity

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two strength training programs on throwing velocity, range of motion and strength of the rotator muscles of the glenohumeral joint.

Thirty-four male subjects (ages 18-28 yrs. old) participated in a repeated measures experimental design study with subjects randomly assigned to one of three groups (Weight, Tubing, Control). Subjects were pretested for external and internal rotation range of motion, concentric and eccentric external and internal rotation peak torque, and maximum throwing velocity. One group of subjects then completed an eight week exercise program using weights (weight group) while another group completed an exercise program using surgical tubing (tubing group). The third group served as the control group and did not exercise. At the end of eight weeks, all subjects were post-tested on the same variables under the identical conditions of the pretest.

Statistical analysis included computation of analysis of variance with repeated measures and Pearson Product Moment Correlation matrices on all variables for the pretest, posttest, and change (difference between pre and posttest) values.

The results indicated that both the weight and the tubing protocols produced a significant (p< .01) increase in external and internal rotation range of motion. The tubing group had a significant (p< .05) increase in throwing velocity while the control group had a significant (p< .05) decrease in throwing velocity. No group had significant changes in any of the strength variables. The correlation matrix revealed that the only significant relationship on the change values was between concentric internal torque and throwing velocity (r=.46, p< .01).

Note: Abstract extracted from PDF file via OCR.