Effect of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage on Bowling-Specific Motor Skills in Male Adolescent Cricketers

Abstract

The current study examined the acute effects of a bout of resistance training on cricket bowling-specific motor performance. Eight sub-elite, resistance-untrained, adolescent male fast bowlers (age 15 ± 1.7 years; height 1.8 ± 0.1 m; weight 67.9 ± 7.9 kg) completed a bout of upper and lower body resistance exercises. Indirect markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK] and delayed onset of muscle soreness [DOMS]), anaerobic performance (15-m sprint and vertical jump), and cricket-specific motor performance (ball speed, run-up time, and accuracy) were measured prior to and 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours following the resistance training bout. The resistance training bout significantly increased CK (~350%; effect size [ES] = 1.89–2.24), DOMS (~240%; ES = 1.46–3.77) and 15-m sprint times (~4.0%; ES = 1.33–1.47), whilst significantly reducing vertical jump height (~7.0%; ES = 0.76–0.96) for up to 48 h. The ball speed (~3.0%; ES = 0.50–0.61) and bowling accuracy (~79%; ES = 0.39–0.70) were significantly reduced, whilst run-up time was significantly increased (~3.5%; ES = 0.36–0.50) for up to 24 h. These findings demonstrate that a bout of resistance training evokes exercise-induced muscle damage amongst sub-elite, adolescent male cricketers, which impairs anaerobic performance and bowling-specific motor performance measures. Cricket coaches should be cautious of incorporating bowling sessions within 24-h following a bout of resistance training for sub-elite adolescent fast bowlers, particularly for those commencing a resistance training program.

Repeated Bout Effect of Two Resistance Training Bouts on Bowling-Specific Performance in Male Cricketers

“…To date, the number of studies that have reported the attenuation of basic motor skills (e.g., jumping and running) during periods of EIMD has been extensive, while the investigation of EIMD on sport-specific performance measures involving speed and accuracy has been limited. In a recent study [18], a RT bout consisting of multiple upper and lower body exercises impaired ball speed and bowling accuracy during a bowling performance protocol for up to 48-h post-exercise in adolescent male, cricket fast bowlers. In addition, vertical jump, sprint performance, and run-up speed during the bowling performance protocol were also compromised.…”

“…These findings suggest a speed-accuracy trade-off, with athletes possibly adjusting their complex motor pattern to maintain, or enhance, performance whilst accounting for impaired muscular function. Contrarily, Doma, Leicht, Woods, Harrison, McGuckin and Connor [18] showed attenuation in both speed and accuracy during a bowling task for up to 48 h following a RT bout. The discrepancy in findings between spiking [22] and bowling performance [18] suggests that the type of sport-specific task may influence the effect of EIMD on performance outcomes.…”

“…Contrarily, Doma, Leicht, Woods, Harrison, McGuckin and Connor [18] showed attenuation in both speed and accuracy during a bowling task for up to 48 h following a RT bout. The discrepancy in findings between spiking [22] and bowling performance [18] suggests that the type of sport-specific task may influence the effect of EIMD on performance outcomes.…”

“…In addition, vertical jump, sprint performance, and run-up speed during the bowling performance protocol were also compromised. Doma, Leicht, Woods, Harrison, McGuckin and Connor [18] purported that the impairment in muscular contractility caused by EIMD may perturb run-up speed and mechanics during a bowling action, thereby compromising ball speed and accuracy. However, Doma, Leicht, Woods, Harrison, McGuckin and Connor [18] only examined the acute effect of one RT bout on bowling performance measures, despite evidence indicating a reduction in EIMD symptoms following multiple RT bouts, known as the repeated bout effect (RBE) [11,19].…”

“…Doma, Leicht, Woods, Harrison, McGuckin and Connor [18] purported that the impairment in muscular contractility caused by EIMD may perturb run-up speed and mechanics during a bowling action, thereby compromising ball speed and accuracy. However, Doma, Leicht, Woods, Harrison, McGuckin and Connor [18] only examined the acute effect of one RT bout on bowling performance measures, despite evidence indicating a reduction in EIMD symptoms following multiple RT bouts, known as the repeated bout effect (RBE) [11,19]. Although the underlying mechanisms encompassing RBE are not yet completely understood, the acute adaptation following a second bout of RT is thought to be a result of improved efficiency in neural, cellular, and mechanical processes involved in RT [19].…”