25th Annual Student Research Conference
Relationship of Arm Strength and Shoulder Flexibility to Throwing Velocity
Christine D. Ulses
Dr. Jerry Mayhew, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of shoulder flexibility and arm power to overhand throwing velocity in college softball players. Subjects (n = 15) preformed two maximum external rotations and shoulder joint extensions measured with a goniometer. Upper-body power was measured using a specially designed Smith Machine. Three maximum velocity throws were measured with a softball accelerometer and averaged to represent overhand throwing velocity. External shoulder rotation was significantly correlated to throwing velocity and shoulder extension was not. Bench press power was not significantly related to throwing velocity. Infield and outfield players produced almost identical throwing velocities, despite a tendency towards greater external rotation for infielders. Players with higher BMI, but not body mass, produced higher bench press power. Bench press power may not offer a specific enough measurement to predict throwing velocity in college softball players. Greater shoulder flexibility might lead to greater throwing velocity.
Keywords: Flexibility, Stength, Velocity, Rotation, Extension, BMI, Power, overhand
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 500-5
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30