Both of the 6-week training programs could be used to increase throwing accuracy, core stability, and proprioception in baseball.

The periodized resistance-training model has not been well documented in the literature. Further research is needed to determine if periodized resistance training in conjunction with creatine supplementation can cause changes in strength, performance, total body weight, girth, and lean muscle mass. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of periodized resistance training in conjunction with low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) creatine supplementation on strength, body composition, and anaerobic muscular endurance. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: LD, HD, and placebo (P). Testing took place pre-, mid-, and postsupplementation for the following: weight, body composition (fat-free mass and fat mass), 1 repetition maximum squat, and anaerobic muscular endurance testing. Results revealed no significant differences in either creatine group when compared with the P group. However, significant differences were noted over time. These data suggest that 10 weeks of periodized resistance training was effective for causing changes in strength, body composition, and anaerobic muscular endurance.

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This study aimed to investigate the kinematics and muscle activity differences of football goalkeepers at different levels during punt kicking. METHODS: Eleven male goalkeepers were divided into two groups according to the kicking distance and self-score of their movements (excellent group: n=5, distance=51.4±1.6m; normal group: n=6, distance=45.6±2.2m). Two high-speed JVC cameras (GC-PX100BAC, Japan) whose frequency was set at 50 Hz/s and exposure time of 1/1000 s were fixed ten meters front and to the side of the kicker. Muscle activities were recorded using Trigno Wireless EMG system (Delsys, Natick, MA, USA) at a sampling rate of 2000 Hz and positioned bilaterally on the following muscles: gluteus maximus, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior.Differences between the two groups were determined using an independent-samples t-test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A shorter time from tossing the ball to the supporting foot touchdown (246.7±133.07 vs. 415±77.4ms, p=0.023) and a higher kicking point (50.83 ± 6.31 vs. 35.06 ± 8.76, p=0.031) in the excellent group than in the normal group. During kicking of the ball, the left and right hip flexion angles were greater in the excellent group than the normal group (left: 137.96±10.58 vs. 163.83±8.55°, p=0.009; right: 121.48±12.91 vs. 145.14±5.27°, p=0.015). The contribution rate of the gastrocnemius (26.9±6.5 vs. 16.6±5.9%, p=0.036) and biceps femoris (33.8±4.5 vs. 24.2±8.2%, p=0.021) of the supporting leg and the biceps femoris (22.4±7.3 vs. 18.7±2.5%, p=0.041) of the kicking leg were higher in the excellent group than the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: Football goalkeepers in punt kicking should shorten the time from tossing the ball to the supporting foot touchdown, increase the height of kick point, increase the range of motion of the hip joint sagittal plane. Moreover, muscle strength training should be emphasized on the leg flexors and the extensor hip muscles.

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