Özet:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a six-week upper-extremity plyometric exercise program on throwing velocity of male youth baseball players. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design in which comparisons were made between an upper-extremity plyometric group and a comparison group. 12 players were randomly recruited from two select level teams (12-15 each team) as a sample of convenience. Of those 12 players, 6 were randomly assigned to an experimental group and the other 6 were assigned to a comparison group. The experimental group participated in a supervised upper-extremity plyometric strength training program two times per week for 6 weeks, as well as a parent supervised home exercise program to be performed at home once per week. The comparison group completed their usual practice routine. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 16.0; Inc., Chicago IL). And independent t-test, a Mann-Whitney test, and two Wilcoxon signed ranks tests were utilized to attempt to identify within, and between, group differences for the variables that were studied. After 6 weeks of training, the experimental group experienced an increase of 2.44 mph in throwing velocity which yielded statistically significant results when compared to the comparison group’s increase of 0.59 mph which was not statistically significant. The researchers, nonetheless, concluded that exercises using biomechanical principles identified in the SAID principle might prove beneficial to training athletes in overhand throwing sports.

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