Overspeed (OS) training is used to train the body at speeds that are faster than regular competitive speeds. To this end, OS training enhances muscular rate coding, which leads to muscular adaptation. Recently, OS training of the legs with resistance bands was shown to increase vertical jump height in trained males. However, little is known about OS training of the arm as it relates to an overarm throw.
PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that muscular excitation of the arm is greater during OS training than an overarm throw.
METHODS: Nineteen males (age: 21 y, BMI: 26.6 kg/m²) completed four visits to the laboratory. Muscular excitation of the anterior forearm (FA) and posterior shoulder (SH) were assessed using two independent wireless surface electromyography (sEMG) devices (Somaxis Cricket). Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the FA and SH were assessed after a standardized warm-up. Each visit consisted of various band assisted OS exercises. In general, the subject placed their arm between a stretched resistance band and moved their arm at maximum intent for ~six seconds. The position of the body was dependent upon the exercise and the amount of weight in the hand varied. The exercises were compared to an overarm throw via a one-way ANOVA and a Pearson correlation. Data are presented as a percentage (%) of MVIC (mean±SD).
RESULTS: Peak sEMG amplitude of the FA was significantly greater for the OS Unweighted Shoulder Y (110±33%, p=0.01) and the OS Weighted Drop Shoulder Y (95±27%, p=0.01) when compared to the overarm throw (72±17%). Peak sEMG amplitude of the SH was significantly greater for the OS Unweighted Shoulder Y (82±29%, p=0.03) when compared to an overarm throw (56±21%). Peak sEMG amplitude of the SH was not significantly different for the OS Weighted Drop Shoulder Y (65±21%, p=0.39) than the overarm throw. For the FA, OS Unweighted Shoulder Y (r=0.57, p<0.01) and OS Weighted Drop Shoulder Y (r=0.72, p<0.01) were significantly correlated with overarm throwing. For the SH, OS Unweighted Shoulder Y (r=0.52, p=0.01) and OS Weighted Drop Shoulder Y (r=0.77, p<0.01) were significantly correlated with overarm throwing.
CONCLUSION: These data indicate that OS training generates greater peak sEMG amplitude than an overarm throw. Yet, it remains unclear whether OS training will enhance throwing velocity.