Repeated Bout Effect of Two Resistance Training Bouts on Bowling-Specific Performance in Male Cricketers

Abstract

To examine the repeated bout effect (RBE) following two identical resistance bouts and its effect on bowling-specific performance in male cricketers. Male cricket pace bowlers (N = 10), who had not undertaken resistance exercises in the past six months, were invited to complete a familiarisation and resistance maximum testing, before participating in the study protocol. The study protocol involved the collection of muscle damage markers, a battery of anaerobic (jump and sprint), and a bowling-specific performance test at baseline, followed by a resistance training bout, and a retest of physical and bowling-specific performance at 24 h (T24) and 48 h (T48) post-training. The study protocol was repeated 7–10 days thereafter. Indirect markers of muscle damage were lower (creatine kinase: 318.7 ± 164.3 U·L−1; muscle soreness: 3 ± 1), whilst drop jump was improved (~47.5 ± 8.1 cm) following the second resistance training bout when compared to the first resistance training bout (creatine kinase: 550.9 ± 242.3 U·L−1; muscle soreness: 4 ± 2; drop jump: ~43.0 ± 9.7 cm). However, sport-specific performance via bowling speed declined (Bout 1: −2.55 ± 3.43%; Bout 2: 2.67 ± 2.41%) whilst run-up time increased (2.34 ± 3.61%; Bout 2: 3.84 ± 4.06%) after each bout of resistance training. Findings suggest that while an initial resistance training bout reduced muscle damage indicators and improved drop jump performance following a second resistance training bout, this RBE trend was not observed for bowling-specific performance. It was suggested that pace bowlers with limited exposure to resistance training should minimise bowling-specific practice for 1–2 days following the initial bouts of their resistance training program.

The repeated bout effect of traditional resistance training on cycling efficiency and performance

“…Interestingly, there were no differences in DJ in the current study, neither between bouts nor across time points within bouts. These results conflict with a recent study (Harrison et al 2022 ) reporting impaired DJ performance 24 h after the initial resistance training bout consisting of similar exercises to the current study (i.e. various lower extremity resistance exercises).…”

“…The DJ protocol requires reactive strength attributes by optimising stretch–shortening cycle mechanics, when compared to CMJ and SJ (Ref). As such, the discrepancy in findings between the study by Harrison et al ( 2022 ) and the current study may be due to distinct training backgrounds of the participants. In the study by Harrison et al ( 2022 ), the participants were fast bowlers in cricket, that predominantly necessitates anaerobic power by optimising stretch–shortening cycle mechanics (Ramachandran et al 2021 ).…”

“…As such, the discrepancy in findings between the study by Harrison et al ( 2022 ) and the current study may be due to distinct training backgrounds of the participants. In the study by Harrison et al ( 2022 ), the participants were fast bowlers in cricket, that predominantly necessitates anaerobic power by optimising stretch–shortening cycle mechanics (Ramachandran et al 2021 ). Conversely, our participants were cyclists with a stronger endurance training background, that requires lower anaerobic demands.…”

“…various lower extremity resistance exercises). Furthermore, Harrison et al ( 2022 ) showed DJ improved after the second resistance training bout, supporting the RBE trend. The DJ protocol requires reactive strength attributes by optimising stretch–shortening cycle mechanics, when compared to CMJ and SJ (Ref).…”

Acute effects of exercise-induced muscle damage on sprint and change of direction performance: A systematic review and metaanalysis

“…Incorporating ‘multi-articular’ activities as both EIMD protocols and motor performance measures in EIMD research would improve the application of findings to real-world practice in sports. Multi-articular exercises commonly practiced by athletes known to cause EIMD include resistance (squats, bench press, latpull down) [ 16 - 19 ], and plyometric exercises (various jump protocols, explosvie push-ups) [ 20 - 24 ]. To date, several studies [ 18 , 20 , 22 – 25 ] have reported impairment in both sprint and COD performance for several days post-exercise with a concomitant increase in CK and DOMS.…”