Functional Effects of Inertial Training of the Upper Extremity

Abstract

Context:Inertial training of the shoulder.Objective:To determine the differences of functional and EMG measures between a control group and an exercise group of overhead throwers.Design:Repeated measures.Setting:Research laboratory.Participants:17 intercollegiate baseball players and 19 intercollegiate softball players divided into 2 equal-size groups, control and exercise.Main Outcome Measures:Preliminary data were recorded, including throwing velocity, throwing accuracy, and EMG activity of the biceps brachii, upper pectorals, and posterior deltoid. The exercise group completed a 4-week training regimen on the Impulse Inertial Trainer. All participants returned for follow-up measures.Results:No significant group-by-time interaction occurred relative to ball velocity, accuracy, or EMG activity.Conclusion:For experienced throwers, functional measures and muscle activity during throwing were not affected by inertial training of the upper extremity.