Core training

Few studies have investigated the effects of core training on functional performance. Athletic training researchers investigated the effects of a shoulder training program with and without core stability exercises. 19 baseball players were randomly assigned to an open and closed-chain exercise program, or the same program with additional core training. 15 healthy age-matched non athletes were used as a quasi-control group. Each subject was tested for throwing accuracy, core stability, and proprioception before and after the 6-week program.

Both groups performed a shoulder training program that included free weights, closed-chain balance board, step-up, and exercise ball exercises, as well as plyometric ball tosses. The core training group also performed stabilization exercises such as the dead bug, sit-up, bridge, wall slides, and sitting on an exercise ball.

After the training program, both groups improved in function, stability and proprioception. The addition of core stability exercises did not result in significantly different outcomes. It’s possible that the core stability program may not have been functionally challenging to the core. Relatively static exercises were used in the core training program, rather than sports specific training.

 Thera-Band® products such as exercise balls, soft weights, and balance boards can be used successfully in a baseball training program to improve throwing accuracy.

Visit the Baseball Resource Center at Thera-Band Academy

Lust KR, et al. The effects of 6-week training programs on throwing accuracy, proprioception, and core endurance in baseball.J Sport Rehabil. 2009 Aug;18(3):407-26.

Functional Exercise Progressions

Each regional chapter reviews relevant functional anatomy and describes appropriate functional tests with normative data. The normative data can be used to set goals for the athletes’ rehabilitation, which can be very helpful to practicing clinicians. Exercises are grouped into specific progressions and labeled with different stages in the progression. The exercises start with isolated, joint-specific exercises and progress to more functional movements. Some exercises also include “Pearls of Performance,” which provide additional hints on performing and progressing the exercise.  The 3 chapters also include interval programs that provide specific exercise protocols for returning to sports such as tennis, baseball, football, soccer, and basketball.  The exercises include easy to use and convenient equipment such as elastic tubing, dumbbells, and exercise balls, making them accessible to virtually anyone.

Online Exercise Database

One of the best features of this book is the ability to access electronic versions of each exercise image in the book for PowerPoint presentations or patient handouts.  This provides a great tool for therapists, athletic trainers, or fitness trainers who give written exercise programs to their patients and clients.  Too often, exercises depicted in books are not readily available to create patient handouts; however, with the evolution toward electronic media in book publishing, this resource from Human Kinetics helps solve that problem.

A Great Resource for Sports Rehabilitation

Effective Functional Progressions in Sport Rehabilitation is a great resource for athletic trainers and physical therapists, including those who specialize in sports rehabilitation, and those who don’t. Those without sports rehabilitation experience may benefit from a little more review of the biomechanics of specific sports found in other textbooks.  Even readers with years of experience will learn a few new exercises from 3 great sports physical therapists. Ellenbecker, De Carlo, and DeRosa have done a great job bringing evidence to practice. Although more research is needed on specific protocols and outcomes for sports rehabilitation, such research will serve well for the next edition.

New Thera-Band Ankle and Wrist Weights

Reinold MM, Escamilla RF, Wilk KE. Current concepts in the scientific and clinical rationale behind exercises for glenohumeral and scapulothoracic musculature. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2009 Feb;39(2):105-17.