Effect of 4 Weeks Upper Extremity Plyometric Versus Free Weight Exercise On Shoulder Power and Strength in Cricket Players: An Experimental Study

Background: Bowling action is explosive in nature; whereby a large amount of force must be generated over a very short period of time. Cricket bowlers are at the greatest risk of shoulder injury. The purpose of plyometric training is to increase the excitability of the neurological receptors for improved reactivity of the neuromuscular system. Overhead activities necessitate elastic loading to produce maximal, explosive, concentric contraction. In addition to the neurophysiological stimulus, the positive results of plyometric exercise can also be attribute to the recoil action of elastic tissues. Aims & Objectives: To compare the effects of 4 weeks’ upper extremity plyometric and free weight exercise on shoulder power and strength in cricket players. Methods: Total 60 subjects were included in this study and were randomly divided in three groups. Group A performed plyometric exercise 2 days/week, Group B performed exercises with dumbbells and Thera Band for 3 days/week for 4 weeks. Result: Analysis of the present study was done using One-way ANOVA for between the group comparison and Repeated Measures ANOVA for within the group comparison. The results of between the group analysis showed statistically significant improvement in shoulder strength as p=0.03 while no significant difference found for power (p=2.517). Conclusion: This study concludes that 4 weeks of upper extremity plyometric exercise group showed significant improvement in upper extremity strength compared to free weight exercise group and control group while no significant improvement is found for upper extremity power between all the three groups.