Abstract
Context: This study was completed in order to determine a superior training program for increasing throwing velocity in an overhead thrower. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the "thrower's ten" training program vs. the "ballistic six" training program on throwing velocity and muscular strength over a 10 week period in an apparently healthy population at Florida Gulf Coast University. A benefit of this research study was to determine a possible training program that would provide data regarding the benefits of injury prevention among elite throwers. Design: This was a single subject case study with a protocol that lasted 10 weeks. Setting: Protocol took place in the Human Performance Lab of the Florida Gulf Coast University. Participants: Five subjects initially committed to the study and signed an informed consent form. Three out of those five subjects withdrew prior to initial testing. Two subjects participated in initial testing. They were assigned to Treatment A and Treatment B respectively. One subject withdrew from the study after week one because of time restrictions. One subject completed the study protocol (study protocol A). Inclusion criteria were subjects must be a minimum of 18 years of age and be able to throw a baseball overhand 60.6 feet as measured using a radar gun. Interventions: The "Thrower's Ten" Training Program (Treatment A) and The "Ballistic Six" Training Program (Treatment B) are both training programs used to increase strength in the dominant arm of overhead throwers. Outcome Measures: Subject A was measured prior to beginning training progran1s, after six weeks of completing the protocol and at the end of 1 0 weeks of the training program. Assessments of active range of motion, passive range of motion, and manual muscle testing with a handheld dynamometer were completed for all motions of the glenohumeral joint with standard testing procedures. One repetition maximum was completed on a Cybex Eagle seated bench press. Throwing velocity of subject A at a distance of 60.6 feet was measured using a radar gun. Results: Subject A completed Treatment A over the 10 week period. Overall, subject A demonstrated an increase passive and active range of motion, increased one repetition maximum on the seated bench press, a decrease in manual muscle testing, and a decrease in throwing velocity. Conclusions: The "Thrower's Ten" Training Program did not appear to independently demonstrate to be an effective means of increasing throwing velocity in the subject who participated in this study. However, it might have shown a possible benefit to be used as a protocol for prehabilitation in overhead throwers because of the increased ROM evidence by subject A.