This retrospective observational study compares the association of Thrower's Ten training and conventional conditioning with throwing performance and shoulder muscle strength in amateur male discus throwers. The study uses previously completed training and performance records from athletes who participated in one of two conditioning programmes. Throwing distance and shoulder muscle strength were assessed at baseline, during the training period, and at the end of the training period. The primary outcome is change in discus-throwing distance. Secondary outcomes include changes in shoulder muscle strength. The study aims to determine whether athletes who participated in the Thrower's Ten programme showed different changes in throwing performance and shoulder strength compared with athletes who participated in conventional conditioning.
This is a retrospective observational comparative study evaluating previously completed training records of amateur male discus throwers. The study compares athletes who participated in a Thrower's Ten-based conditioning programme with athletes who participated in conventional conditioning. Participant allocation to the training programmes was not performed prospectively according to a research randomization protocol; programme assignment was primarily related to scheduling and facility availability. The analysis includes athletes for whom complete records were available for the relevant assessment time points. The primary outcome is discus-throwing distance. Secondary outcomes comprise shoulder muscle strength measured using manual muscle testing. Outcome assessments were available at baseline and subsequent assessment points during the training period, including the end-of-training assessment. The primary analysis evaluates differences in the pattern of change over time between the two training groups using a mixed-design analysis of variance, with the time-by-group interaction representing the principal longitudinal comparison. Multiple outcomes were considered and a Bonferroni-adjusted significance threshold was applied. Difference-in-change estimates and confidence intervals were also calculated. Exploratory covariate-adjusted sensitivity analyses were performed for selected outcomes. Because the study is based on previously completed records, the findings represent associations between participation in the respective training programmes and changes in throwing performance and shoulder strength. The study does not establish that the Thrower's Ten exercise content alone caused the observed differences. Differences in programme progression and unmeasured training factors, including throwing volume, may have contributed to the observed results. The study is intended to provide preliminary evidence regarding the relationship between a structured Thrower's Ten-based conditioning programme and performance-related outcomes in amateur male discus throwers and to inform future prospective controlled studies.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
32
An 8-week Thrower's Ten conditioning program for amateur male discus throwers, consisting of supervised shoulder strengthening and flexibility exercises performed 3 sessions per week for 30 minutes per session. The program was based on the Thrower's Ten exercise series and incorporated progressive resistance during the training period. The program was administered as part of the athletes' routine conditioning.
An 8-week conventional conditioning program consisting of shoulder strengthening and flexibility exercises, including prone horizontal abduction, horizontal abduction at 90° external rotation, side-lying external rotation, standing row, military press, towel stretch, crossover arm stretch, and sleeper stretch. Training was performed 3 sessions per week for 30 minutes per session. Progression in the conventional cohort was determined at the discretion of the trainer.
Saveetha Medical College and Hospital [SMCH]
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Discus-Throwing Distance
Discus-throwing distance measured in metres. Athletes performed three legal discus throws following a standardised warm-up, with 1-2 minutes of rest between attempts. The longest valid throw was recorded. Two trained evaluators independently identified the initial ground-contact point and measured the throwing distance using a standard measuring tape.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Isometric Shoulder Flexor Muscle Strength
Isometric shoulder flexor muscle strength measured using the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST). Strength was assessed by a trained assessor and recorded in mmHg.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Isometric Shoulder Extensor Muscle Strength
Isometric shoulder extensor muscle strength measured using the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST). Strength was assessed by a trained assessor and recorded in mmHg.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Isometric Shoulder Abductor Muscle Strength
Isometric shoulder abductor muscle strength measured using the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST). Strength was assessed by a trained assessor and recorded in mmHg.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotator Muscle Strength
Isometric shoulder internal rotator muscle strength measured using the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST). Strength was assessed by a trained assessor and recorded in mmHg.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Isometric Shoulder External Rotator Muscle Strength
Isometric shoulder external rotator muscle strength measured using the Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST). Strength was assessed by a trained assessor and recorded in mmHg.
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
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