Schulte, JA, Gerberding, ED, Davies, GJ, and Kernozek, TW; University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI and Gundersen Lutheran Sports Medicine, La Crosse, WI, USA. davies.geor@uwlax.edu.

PURPOSE: To examine the effectiveness of a six-week plyometric training program on power production of the posterior shoulder and elbow musculature. SUBJECTS: Twenty-eight volunteers (5 males, 23 females) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse student population participated in this study after signing an informed consent form. METHODS: Subjects were divided into control and plyometric training groups. Both groups were pre- and post-tested using shoulder and elbow isokinetic tests (dominant throwing arm) and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKC UE ST). Isokinetic testing was performed at three speeds (60, 180, 300^o/second). The plyometric training group trained their dominant arm, two sessions per week for six weeks using a 2-pound Plyoball and the Plyoback device. RESULTS: A 2-way ANOVA was utilized to compare the power delta scores at three isokinetic speeds between the control and plyometric training group for the shoulder external rotators and elbow extensors. The plyometric training group (n=13) showed significant improvement (p<0.05) in the power generated in the elbow extensor muscles; however no significant changes were noted in the shoulder external rotators. The control group (n=15) showed no significant changes in power output. A 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures was performed for the CKC UE ST and revealed no significant power changes for either the training or control group. CONCLUSION: Plyometric training of the upper extremity was effective for increasing elbow extensor power, which is a component of throwing mechanics. FUNDING SOURCE: None.

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