Using the medicine ball throw test to predict upper limb muscle power: validity evidence

Abstract

Muscle power is the product of muscle force and velocity, which translates into the ability to produce force in a short time interval. Periodic evaluations of strength and power, coupled with training strategies for these capacities, are of great value to athletes and multi-sports coaches, since they are key determinants for team success. Specifically, in rugby, where passing is a predominant and determinant element of sporting success, few field tests are available for assessing upper limb muscle power. The purpose of this point of view is to correct the upper limb power prediction equation previously published by our group and to highlight its concepts and applicability in sports, especially in rugby.

Effects of Combined Upper and Lower Limb Plyometric Training Interventions on Physical Fitness in Athletes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…We examined the effect of ULLPT on MBT performance for upper body muscle power, and there were significant moderate (ES = 0.87) benefits following ULLPT. Of note, MBT is the most well-known and extensively utilized indirect test for assessing upper-limb muscle power in sports [65]. Briefly, MBT variations are probably the result of upper body adaptations, such as increased motor unit activation and neuronal firing frequency, or simply by cognitive-motor learning effects [66,67].…”

“…Specifically, the vertical jump is an essential component of volleyball players' spike, block, topspin, and floating serves [75]. In short, plyometric training-induced changes in jumping performance were caused by several neuromuscular adaptations, such as (1) enhanced neural drive of agonist's muscles, along with (2) changes in muscle-tendon mechanical stiffness features, (3) changes in muscle size and/or architecture, and ( 4) alterations in single-fiber mechanics [65,[76][77][78][79]. Besides, because the ULLPT incorporates different jumping exercises, it is not surprising that this type of movement improves dramatically.…”

Effectiveness of Zumba Exercise on Maximum Oxygen Volume, Agility, and Muscle Power in Female Students

“…Measurement of maximum oxygen volume (VO 2 max) using the Multi-Stage 20-m Shuttle Run Fitness Test (Paradisis et al, 2014). Measurement of leg muscle power using the vertical jump test (García-Ramos et al, 2017;Cuk et al, 2014), while arm muscle power was evaluated using the medicine ball throw test (Leite et al, 2020). Measurements of VO 2 max, agility and muscle power were carried out pretest and 1x24 hours posttest for 8 weeks of zumba exercise intervention.…”

The Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test for Older Adults

“…The SMBTT is an inexpensive, portable, and safe test that has been shown to produce valid and reliable results for assessing bilateral, multijoint upper body dynamic performance (1,2,13). It also has been correlated with upper body strength, power, and function in overhead athletes, golfers, college football players, Rugby Sevens players, adolescent athletes, law enforcement professionals, and United States Army soldiers (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20). It is a relatively simple test to learn and administer, should be considered by all healthfitness professionals, and can be adapted for use by many older adult clients with varying amounts of upper body strength (with different weighted medicine balls) (1).…”