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.
