Trunk Muscularity in Throwers

Abstract

This study aimed to examine and compare the trunk muscularity of track and field throwers and non-athletes, and its predictive value to the physical performance of the athletes. Using a magnetic resonance imaging method, the skeletal muscle volume (SMV) of the trunk (SMV(trunk)) was determined in 19 strength trained athletes and 18 non-athletes. Also, the SMV of upper, middle and lower regions of the trunk was calculated in every 33% of the trunk length. For the athletes, the maximum weight (1RM) of squat, high clean, and deadlift, and shot forward throwing score were measured. The SMV(trunk) in the athletes was 10% greater than that of non-athletes, with a larger difference in the upper region of the trunk. Step-wise multiple regression analysis indicated that the SMV of the lower region was a significant contributor for predicting the 1RM values of the 3 tasks, as well as the shot forward throwing score. The current results indicate that, while the muscularity of the trunk in track and field throwers is characterized by predominant development in the upper region, the muscularity in the lower region is a determinant factor for the 1RM values of the squat, high clean, and deadlift and shot forward throwing score.

Validity of trunk extensor and flexor torque measurements using isokinetic dynamometry

“…Nonetheless, our findings explain between 49% and 72% of the variance in the relationship between CSA and peak torque, which could have been improved by considering PCSA as a more accurate structural determinant of muscle strength. However, given that the reliability of the assessment of fascicle pennation angle of trunk muscles in vivo is not established in the literature, anatomical CSA can be considered as a reasonable alternative of muscle volume evaluation (Kubo et al, 2011;Tanaka et al, 2013). Our correlations could also be affected by the numerous synergist muscles potentially contributing to trunk extensor and flexor torque output.…”

“…Furthermore, when performed in adequate conditions (i.e., with sufficient learning) (Urzica et al, 2007), training programs aiming at improving trunk muscle strength could also reduce the disability level resulting from back pain (Keller et al, 2008), which is the most common pathology in the general population and constitutes a major public health issue (Schaafsma et al, 2013). In the same way, a strong and stable trunk facilitates the transfer of the forces generated by the upper and lower limb muscles (Kubo et al, 2011), thus contributing to athletic performance in different sports (Kubo et al, 2011;Tanaka et al, 2013).…”

“…Muscle strength is thus considered to be proportional to the physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA, muscular determinant) which corresponds to the volume divided by the pennated fiber length (Lieber and Friden, 2000;Stokes and Gardner-Morse, 1999). As the assessment of fascicle pennation angle is difficult to achieve in a valid way on trunk muscles in vivo, muscle volume has mainly been inferred from anatomical cross-sectional area (Kubo et al, 2011;Tanaka et al, 2013). The second main physiological determinants of trunk muscle strength is muscle activation (neural determinant), that is mainly regulated by spatial and temporal characteristics of motor unit recruitment during a voluntary contraction (Lippold, 1952).…”

Relationship between Trunk Muscularity and Club Head Speed in Male Golfers

“…relates with the throwing performance [16]. These findings tempt us to assume that for golf players as well, having greater trunk muscle volume may be advantageous for achieving better golf performance.…”

Applicability of Single Muscle CSA for Predicting Segmental Muscle Volume in Young Men

“…Miyatani et al [ 23 ] reported the magnitude of SM mass required for preventing lifestyle-related diseases in Japanese women. Again, SMV is also a major determinant of muscle strength capability [ 8 , 35 ] and/or throwing performance [ 35 ] . Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered to be the most precise, reliable, and safe technique for determining SMV [ 22 ] .…”