Tuesday Tidbits 09/29/2020

Starting today, each Tuesday we will deliver a quick synopsis of some interesting research and information that caught our eye. With each piece of information included you will find the journal article or paper attached in its entirety. These quick-hitters are designed to draw attention and conversation to some information you may have missed. When making informed decision pertaining to the information below, please read the article in its entirety!

Weighted Balls- What’s it worth?- Research shows a 6-week weighted ball program improved velocity by an average of 2.2mph. But with a 24% increase in injury rate. Weighted balls aren’t for every athlete. Further screening of the athletes work capacity, strength, and mobility is required before onset of such a program.

Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Fleisig GS, Aune K, Andrews JR. Effect of a 6-week weighted baseball throwing program on pitch velocity, pitching arm biomechanics, passive range of motion, and injury rates. Sports health. 2018 Jul;10(4):327-33.

Is Grunting Advantageous? - The velocity, force, and peak muscle activity during tennis serves and forehand strokes are significantly enhanced when athletes are allowed to grunt (velocity by approximately 5%). This happens regardless of gender, grunt history, tennis experience, or perceived advantage of grunting.

O'Connell DG, Hinman MR, Hearne KF, Michael ZS, Nixon SL. The effects of “grunting” on serve and forehand velocities in collegiate tennis players. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 2014 Dec 1;28(12):3469-75.

Is My Concussion In My Neck?- According to biomechanical research data, concussions occur at an average force of 70-120 gravitational units. Cervical whiplash will occur at only 4.5 gravitational units. Therefore, with every concussion there is a whiplash component, and treatment of the neck is indicated.

Broglio SP, Surma T, Ashton-Miller JA. High school and collegiate football athlete concussions: a biomechanical review. Annals of biomedical engineering. 2012 Jan 1;40(1):37-46.