Efficacy of Lower Quadrant Strengthening on the Biomechanics of Cricket Fast Bowlers

Abstract

Cricket fast bowlers carry high injury risk bowling action technique being one of the main contributing factors 3D biomechanical analysis can identify some key variables that could predict injury risk Large ground reaction forces generated during front foot contact cause lumbar spine and lower limb injuries when not properly dissipated Improving eccentric strength through lower quadrant training could optimise knee flexion to absorb these forces This research studies the efficacy of focused Lower Quadrant Strengthening on Trunk and Lower Limb Biomechanics in Cricket Fast Bowlers 42 male elite fast bowlers underwent Jump Performance Isokinetic Knee Strength and 3D biomechanical bowling action testing and were then randomised into two groups One group underwent focused 12 week lower quadrant training while the other did not receive any specific training The same tests were repeated after 12 weeks and differences in outcome variables were statistically analysed 67 percent bowlers had high Quadriceps eccentric strength asymmetry While majority used an acceptable bowling action type other biomechanical variables showed possible injury risk The training group showed significantly p less than 0 point 05 higher mean jump performance higher eccentric strength lower eccentric strength asymmetry lower GRF lower lateral trunk flexion higher knee flexion and ball speed Focused lower quadrant strengthening significantly improves Jump Performance Isokinetic Knee Strength Profile and Biomechanics of fast bowling This study gives insights into areas of possible injury risk which can be targeted by coaching and training interventions to reduce possible injury risk and optimise performance newline