Comparative Effects of Foundation & Total Resistance Exercise (TRX) Suspension Training in Fast Bowlers.

Riphah International University40 enrolled

Overview

Fast bowling in cricket is an intense, high-impact activity requiring a blend of strength, power, and endurance to maintain performance and reduce injury risk. The unique physical demands of fast bowling involve repeated explosive movements, placing stress on the bowler's core, shoulders, and lower body. Two training approaches, foundation training and Total Resistance Exercise (TRX) suspension training, are gaining attention for their potential to enhance these essential attributes. Foundation training emphasizes core stability and posture, building a solid base for high-performance movements. TRX suspension training uses bodyweight and instability to activate multiple muscle groups, aiming to improve both strength and stability. Integrating these methods could offer a well-rounded approach to improve endurance, strength, and power, helping fast bowlers maintain speed and accuracy over prolonged periods while minimizing injury risks. This study explores the comparative effects of these two training modalities, aiming to identify the optimal approach for fast bowlers' specific needs. The study will employ a randomized clinical trial design involving 40 fast bowlers, divided into two groups to receive different training interventions over eight weeks. Group A will undergo foundation training, focusing on core stability and endurance, while Group B will engage in TRX suspension training, which emphasizes strength, stability, and power. Each group will participate in three training sessions per week, each lasting 45-60 minutes. Participants will be selected based on inclusion criteria, which require them to be male or female players aged 18-30 years, actively engaging in physical activity twice weekly, and having at least six months of cricket experience. Baseline and post-intervention assessments will be conducted to measure changes in endurance, strength, and power using tools such as the 1RM bicep curl, medicine ball throw and Pushups. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software 26, applying Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests to determine intra- and inter-group differences, with statistical significance set at p=0.05. Endurance, Fast bowling, strength TRX suspension training

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Interventions

Foundation TrainingOTHER

Group A will undergo an 8-week foundation-based core exercise program performed 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting 30-40 minutes. The program will progressively advance from core stability to strength, endurance, and power using bodyweight exercises (planks, side planks, dead bugs), with gradual increases in intensity, repetitions, and reduced rest intervals following FITT principles.

Total Resistrance Exercise (TRX) TrainingOTHER

Group B will follow an 8-week total resistance (TRX-based) core training program, conducted 5 sessions per week with each session lasting 30-40 minutes. Training will progress from core stability to strength, endurance, and power by gradually increasing resistance and repetitions using TRX planks to push-ups, push-ups, chest press, and push press, in accordance with FITT principles.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 30 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Both male and female players age 18-30 years Players engaged in physical activity twice - thrice in a week Players playing cricket from minimum 6 months Participants must have adequate ROM of specific areas of body (shoulder, hip and knee joint) Participants BMI range 18.5 to 25.5 kg/m2 will be included Exclusion Criteria: Participants with any musculoskeletal injuries (sprain, strain and ligamentous injury) will be excluded Players engaged in any other physical training program will be excluded Players taking medicines which affecting physical performance will not be included

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

1RM bicep curl

The 1RM (one-repetition maximum) bicep curl is a measure of the maximum weight an individual can lift for one complete repetition of a bicep curl with proper form. This measure is commonly used to assess the maximal strength of the bicep muscles and to establish baseline strength for strength training programs. Performing a 1RM test for the bicep curl involves gradually increasing weights until only one repetition can be achieved without compromising technique. Typically, adult males can curl about 50-60% of their body weight for a 1RM bicep curl, with variations based on age and training level. Generally, adult females can curl around 30-40% of their body weight for a 1RM

Time frame: 8 Weeks

Medicine ball throw

The medicine ball throw is used to assess upper-body power and explosive strength. Participants throw a standardized medicine ball (2-10 kg, based on protocol and participant capacity) from a standing or seated position, with the distance achieved recorded in meters. Performance is categorized using sex-specific normative values for male and female cricket players to interpret power output.

Time frame: 8 Weeks

Pushups

Push-ups are a classic bodyweight exercise that primarily target the chest (pectoralis major), shoulders (deltoids), and triceps, while also engaging core muscles for stability. Push-ups are widely used in strength training, endurance tests, and fitness assessments. Variations, such as incline, decline, or one-arm push-ups, adjust difficulty levels and engage different muscle groups for a well-rounded upper body workout. For male cricket players, an excellent score is above 20 push-ups, above average is 15-20 push-ups, average is 10 to 15, and below average is less than 10. Female players excellent score is 15 push-ups, score above average with 10 to 12, average with 6-8, and below average 4-6 push-ups.

Time frame: 8 weeks