Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Versus Concentric Training in Fast Bowlers

Effects of Accentuated Eccentric Versus Concentric Training on Upper Arm Muscle Girth, Strength and Power in Fast Bowlers

Fast bowlers in cricket rely heavily on upper arm muscle strength, power, and endurance to deliver high-speed balls and prevent injury. Two primary training approaches, accentuated eccentric and concentric training, are widely used to enhance these physical attributes. Accentuated eccentric training focuses on the muscle-lengthening phase under increased loads, while concentric training emphasizes the muscle-shortening phase. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of these two training approaches on upper arm muscle girth, strength, and power, providing evidence-based guidance for optimizing fast bowlers' strength and conditioning programs.

This randomized clinical trial will investigate the effects of accentuated eccentric versus concentric training on upper arm muscle girth, strength, and power in 44 male fast bowlers aged 18-30 years, who have at least two years of bowling experience. Participants will be randomly assigned in to two groups: Group A, which will undergo an accentuated eccentric training program, and Group B, which will perform concentric-focused training. Both groups will participate in a structured 8-week training regimen with sessions three times per week. Baseline measurements for muscle girth, (measuring tape) strength, (via handheld dynamometer), and power, (measured by medicine ball throw) will be collected and compared with post-intervention assessments. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 26 software

Design: Randomized clinical trials(RCT) Sample Size: will be calculated by using G-power/epi tool Sampling Technique: convienent and non- probability sampling Study Setting: The study will be conducted at a sports training facility PCB lahore Inclusion Criteria

• Male fast bowlers aged 18-30
• At least 2 years of bowling experience Exclusion Criteria
• Participants with any upper body musculoskeletal injuries within the last 6 months
• History of any chronic illness affecting physical performance
• Previously activily involved in eccentric or concentric training in the past year Tools

The primary tools for data collection will include:

Muscle girth measurement: Measuring tape for arm girth. Strength measurement: squat with 1RM Power measurement: Medicine ball throw test to assess upper body power output

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male fast bowlers age 18-30 years (17)
• Bowlers having 2 years' experience of bowling (18)
• Participants should actively playing or training in fast bowling (19).
• Participants BMI must be between 18.5 and 25.5 Kg/m2 (20)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with any or chronic injury to the upper limbs, shoulder or back.
• Those who have undergone upper limb surgery within 12 months
• Participants involved any other concentric or strength training program.
• Participants with known cardiovascular or respiratory conditions will be excluded.
• Participants using performance enhancing substances will be excluded