The Effects of Kinesio Taping and Kettlebell Training on Shoulder Isokinetic Muscle Strength and Pitching Speed of Amateur Baseball Players

Abstract

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of kettlebell training and kinesio taping applied to amateur baseball players on throwing velocity and isokinetic strength.METHODS The subjects of this study were 17 young men with more than 2 years of experience as amateur baseball players. To determine the effect of kettlebell training and kinesio training on throwing velocity and isokinetic strength, subject were divided into three group: kettlebell and kinesio taping, baseball training group (KTBG), kinesio taping group and baseball training (TBG), baseball training group (BG). Three groups trained three times a week for six weeks, and differences in shoulder isokinetic strength and throwing velocity were analyzes from pre to post training.RESULTS In the KTBG group, significant changes in the isokinetic muscle function of the shoulder joint were observed over time in both extensor strength (p=0.042) and flexor strength (p=0.017) at 60°/sec, as well as in extensor strength (p=0.028) and flexor strength (p=0.002) at 180°/sec. In the TBG group, only flexor strength at 180°/sec (p=0.020) showed significant changes. In the BG group, no significant changes were observed over time. The group interaction effect on isokinetic muscle function was not statistically significant. There were no significant changes in pitching velocity over time, and no group interaction was observed.CONCLUSIONS Therefore, a combination of 6 weeks of kettlebell training and Kinesio taping can improve the isokinetic extensor and flexor strength of the shoulder joint. Applying Kinesio taping during training can enhance the isokinetic extensor strength (180°/sec) of the shoulder joint. However, this exercise did not result in an increase in pitching velocity, and no interaction effect was observed, indicating the need for further research.