Effect of Two Weeks of Scapular Stabilization Exercises, Upper and Lower Limb Plyometric as a Part of Warm-Up on Cricket Medium-Paced Bowlers – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Incorporating scapular stabilization exercises along with upper and lower limb plyometric training into a warm-up routine can significantly enhance a bowler’s power, speed, and agility – key attributes for delivering fast and precise deliveries. Investigating the impact of such a structured training program offers valuable insights into optimizing performance and reducing injury risk. Aim: To evaluate the effect of 2-week scapular stabilization exercises with upper limb plyometric versus scapular stabilization exercises with upper and lower limb plyometric as a part of warm-up on bowling speed in medium-paced cricket bowlers. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 78 male medium-paced fast bowlers, aged 18–35 years, who were randomly divided into two groups to evaluate the impact of targeted training interventions. Bowling speed was measured using a radar coach gun, upper limb strength with the 1-min pull-up test, lower limb power through the vertical jump test (VJT), shoulder range of motion, and glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) with a goniometer, and bowling accuracy using a target-based assessment. Group A underwent a regimen of scapular stabilization and upper limb plyometric exercises, while Group B incorporated both upper and lower limb plyometric training. The structured program was implemented for 6 sessions per week over 2 weeks, aiming to enhance performance and injury resilience. Results: There was improvement in bowling accuracy, bowling speed, vertical jump, and the 1-minute pull-up test in both groups. Group A showed statistically significant improvement in the 1-minute pull-up test and bowling accuracy ( P < 0.0001). Group B showed statistical improvement in VJT when compared to Group A ( P < 0.0006). There was no improvement in the internal rotation deficit of both groups. Conclusion: The study concluded that upper limb plyometric with scapular stabilization can improve bowling speed and accuracy, while lower limb plyometric with scapular stabilization can improve lower limb power and explosiveness, and vertical jump performance.