Effect of Plyometric Exercise on Upper Limb Strength and Speed Performance Among Professional Cricket Bowlers – Quasi Experimental Study

Aim: To study the effect of Plyometric exercises on upper limb strength & speed performance among professional cricket bowlers. Relevance of study: The study reflects the need and importance of plyometric exercise to improve performance in sport. The principal neurophysiological adaptation states that the stretch-shortening cycle activation is similar in both upper and lower extremities. Methodology: In this experimental study, 30 patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre- and post-analysis was conducted using the Plate Tapping Test and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The plyometric exercises were prescribed to the patient for 4 weeks, five days per week. A minimum sample size of 30 was obtained through purposive sampling. Result: On intragroup comparison using paired t test the pre intervention mean of plate tapping test was 17.430±3.42. Obtained p value after the intervention is <0.0001 with post mean 13.533±2.75 which implies that there is significant difference between pre post comparison for closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test was 81.530±18.68 Obtained p value after the intervention is <0.0001 with post mean 93.714±17.06 which implies that there is significant difference between pre post comparison. Conclusion: Plyometric exercises are effective for increase in bowling speed and strength Performance among professional cricket bowlers. Key words: Plyometric exercises, Strength and Speed of bowlers.