Effects of Thrower's Ten exercises on upper extremity performance A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objectives: The Thrower's Ten Exercise program is an exercise program especially designed to improve the strength, power and endurance of the shoulder complex. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Thrower's Ten exercises on the upper extremity performance in healthy sedentary individuals. Methods: 36 healthy sedentary individuals completed this study conducted with a randomized controlled design. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: exercise and control. The exercise group received a training of the Thrower's Ten exercises of 50-minute sessions 3 times a week for a duration of 8 weeks. Before and after the study, the subjects were tested for dynamic balance on the upper extremity with the Upper Limp Y balance test and for explosive power with the medicine ball throw test. Moreover, the strength of the shoulder internal and external rotator muscles was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed of 60 degrees/second. The study was registered on the Clinical Trials website by the number NCT04162886. Results: A comparison between the groups showed significant differences in terms of dynamic balance and explosive power (P < .05), but not in terms of isokinetic muscle strength and body composition (P > .05). On the other hand, comparisons of the dynamic equilibrium, explosive power and isokinetic muscle strength parameters within the exercise group returned statistically different results (P < .05). Conclusions: The Thrower's Ten exercises represent an effective method to improve the balance on the upper extremity, explosive power and isokinetic strength in healthy sedentary individuals.