Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Mark Romanick

Keywords

Movement -- physiology

Abstract

Previous studies have shown strength training programs to be effective in improving throwing velocity. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a significant training effect, as measured by an increase in throwing velocity, among subjects who had been instructed to perform proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques of the dominant upper extremity at a slow and controlled speed, subjects who had been instructed to perform PNF techniques of the dominant upper extremity at a sport specific speed, and a control group. A total of 28 male and female subjects, between the ages of21 and 30 participated in the study. Each subject's throwing velocity was tested on two separate occasions with a radar gun to determine if increases in throwing velocity had occurred. Subjects underwent a six-week training protocol between velocity trials, during which time they performed PNF techniques using elastic band as a means of resistance. Training intensity was self-monitored using the BORG Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. The results of our study suggested that PNF strengthening can increase a person's throwing velocity over a 6-week training program. While the gains in throwing velocity were not significant, increases did occur in both training groups. These results do not support training at a sport specific speed as being any more beneficial than training at a slow and controlled speed, as measured by no significant differences in throwing velocities between the two training groups.

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