Shoulder concentric internal rotator strength plays a significant role in throwing velocity in cricket, and should be considered as part of well-planned sport conditioning programs for players, a new research reveals.
The study, conducted by University of the Western Cape researcher Lloyd Leach in collaboration with Rucia Vern-Clare November of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, support the important role of the shoulder internal rotators in increasing the force on the ball, which partially determines the ultimate ball velocity during the acceleration phase of throwing in cricket players.
Forty male cricketers, aged 18 to 32 years, were conveniently sampled from four teams at the cricket club at the University of the Western Cape. All participants were asymptomatic and injury-free for three months prior to testing.
Published in the Journal of Human Sport and Exercise in March, this study showed a significant correlation between isokinetic peak torque for concentric internal rotation at 60º•sec-1 and throwing velocity. Also, the strength ratio during concentric external to concentric internal rotation at 60º•sec 1 and throwing velocity correlated significantly.
According to publication, the study provides evidence that shoulder concentric internal rotator strength is a good measure of throwing velocity in club cricket players. “In certain playing situations, fast throwing arms can help produce run -outs and thereby limit the loss of unnecessary wickets,” the study explains.
“Therefore, it may be recommended that training programs focus on the development of shoulder concentric internal rotator muscle strength to increase throwing velocity. Additionally, cricket players must learn to coordinate the muscle activity within the throwing arm, as well as the motion of the throwing arm with the rest of the body in order to increase throwing speed.”
