Abstract

Rotational power is an essential quality in many athletes, such as softball players. The rotational medicine ball throw (RMBT) is a commonly used field test due to its practicality and accessibility. The lead arm velocity (LAV) test is a novel assessment created to isolate the lead arm’s contribution to the rotational movement pattern of hitting. The rotational isometric strength (RIS) test has been conducted in the laboratory with a dynamometer to assess rotational strength and power via force production metrics. This study investigated the relationships between the RMBT, LAV and RIS tests in softball players through a retrospective analysis of data from 20 female athletes from one Division I college team. Testing was completed in one session: RMBT was measured on both sides, LAV on the hitting side only, and RIS variables included peak force, peak RFD, and peak impulse. Pearson’s correlations calculated relationships between the RMBT, LAV, and RIS variables (p<.05). Large significant correlations were observed between LAV and RIS left and right peak force and impulse, and peak RFD right (r=.484-.864). LAV also correlated with the RMBT right side (r=.589). RMBT did not significantly relate with any RIS variable (r=-.050-.351). The RIS and LAV appeared to assess similar aspects of rotational power, and the LAV test could be used a practical performance test. These findings highlight that the LAV test related to numerous metrics from the RIS within a sport-specific movement for softball and baseball and could be useful for practitioners to evaluate rotational power in their athletes.

Keywords: baseball, collegiate sport, impulse, rate of force development, softball