COMPARITIVE STUDY OF ISOMETRIC CORE STRENGTHENING EXERCISE AND PLYOMETRIC EXERCISE TO IMPROVE CORE MUSCLE STRENGTH IN COLLEGIATE CRICKETERS

*G. Vaishnavi, V. Suryaprakash, G. Tharani, G. Yuvarani and K. Kamatchi

ABSTRACT

Objective of the study: The aim of the study is to compare the isometric core strengthening exercise and plyometric exercise to improve core muscle strength in collegiate cricketers. Background of the study: Cricket is an international game. Core strengthening required for cricket throwing, bowling, batting events in cricketers. Muscle strength refers to the amount of force a muscle can produce with a single maximal effort. The purpose of the study is comparing the effectiveness of isometric core strengthening and plyometric exercise on collegiate cricketers. Methodology: For the purpose of the present comparative work a total of 20 collegiate cricketers were randomly selected. The age of subjects were ranging from (17-25) years. Core muscle strength test was selected as a dependent variable. And 12 weeks of isometrics core strengthening and plyometric are given to group A and group B of 10 individuals in each group was considered as an independent variable. Core muscle strength was measured by core strength test. Procedure: 20 subjects were taken that is 10 in group A and 10 in group B collegiate cricketers. Cricketers with age (17-25) years. They underwent isometric core strengthening and plyometric exercise respectively for 12 weeks. Isometric core strengthening exercise like elbow to knee crunch, Pilates hundred, planic toes, bridge with leg lift and plyometric exercises like scissors jump, plyo push jump, kneeling jump squat, timed work out are given in order to improve the core muscle strength in collegiate cricketers and a comparative study is done. Results: There was a significant difference among the mean values of the core strength test of Group A and Group B (“p” >0.1).The mean of Group B is greater than Group A. Conclusion: Result of this study shows that plyometric core strengthening exercise improve the outcome measure in collegiate cricketers, when compared to isometric core strengthening exercise. Therefore, the study concluded that plyometric core strengthening is more effective than isometric core strengthening.

Keywords: Collegiate cricketers, core muscle strength, plyometrics, isometric strengthening exercise.