Effect Of Indian Club Exercise On Bat Swing Velocity, Shoulder Strength And Respiratory Efficiency In District Level Cricketers Of Bhavnagar

Abstract

Background: Indian clubs are traditional exercise tools engaging the shoulder girdle, upper back, and intercostal muscles. We hypothesized that incorporating Indian club exercises with resistance training improves bat swing velocity, respiratory efficiency, and shoulder strength more than resistance training alone.

Aim: To assess the effects of Indian club exercises on bat swing velocity, respiratory efficiency, and 1 repetition maximum (1RM) shoulder strength.

Material and Methods: An interventional study was conducted in 2022 at Government Medical College Bhavnagar with 22 male cricketers (>18 years, NSCA intermediate fitness level, injury-free >6 months). Participants were divided into two groups (n=11 each): resistance training only (R) and resistance training plus Indian club exercises (RC). Respiratory efficiency was evaluated by pulmonary function tests, breath-holding time, and 40 mm breath endurance. Bat swing velocity was measured using a stance beam. Shoulder strength was assessed by 1RM per NSCA guidelines. Both groups trained four weeks with two upper and two lower body sessions weekly; RC group included club swings.

Results: Group R showed significant improvement in 1RM shoulder strength, breath-holding time, and lung function (FVC, FEV1), but not bat swing velocity. Group RC improved significantly in 1RM shoulder strength, bat swing velocity, and breath-holding time, with no significant change in 40 mm endurance.

Conclusion: Adding Indian club swings significantly enhances bat swing velocity. Shoulder strength improved in both groups, while respiratory efficiency improved only with resistance training alone.