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Abstract

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(4): 75-83, 2018. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week medicine ball training program on bat swing velocity in prepubescent softball players. Twenty-seven female prepubescent softball players (age = 10.2 ± 1.2) participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to either a medicine ball training (MB = 13) or control (CON = 14) group. Pre- and post-testing consisted of 10 dry swings using the bat that the participants would normally use during competition, which was then followed by 10 hits off of a pitching machine with bat swing velocity being measured with each swing. During the 8 weeks of training, the MB group completed sport-specific medicine ball throws that were aimed at developing rotational velocity. Exercises included side medicine ball throws, Russian twists, woodchoppers, and standing band rotations. Participants that were 8-10 years old used a 4-lb medicine ball while 11-13 year olds used a 6-lb medicine ball during all exercises. Participants completed 1 set of 12 repetitions 2x/wk. There were no significant interaction effects (F = 1.91, p = 0.18) between both conditions (MB and CON) from pre- to post-testing for average bat swing velocity. Average bat swing velocity from pre- to post-testing for the MB group was 35.93 ± 6.66 miles×hour-1 and 38.22 ± 8.63 miles×hour-1, respectively. Average bat swing velocity from pre- to post-testing for the CON group was 36.07 ± 5.92 miles×hour-1 and 37.71 ± 4.42 miles×hour-1, respectively. Overall, there was a 6.37% and 4.55% increase in bat swing velocity from pre- to post-testing for the MB and CON groups, respectively. Therefore, medicine ball training offers no additional benefits in bat swing velocity.

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