Affiliations: Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Mallory A. Sell, Sports Medicine and Nutrition Department, Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh, 3830 South Water Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA. Tel.: +1 412 246 0460; Fax: +1 412 246 0461; E-mail:mas429@pitt.edu
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Core strengthening is a significant component of
training programs utilized to optimize athletic performance, reduce injury,
and facilitate return from injury. Reliable and valid clinical measures of
core strength are necessary to determine the effectiveness of these
programs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to determine the reliability and
validity of three medicine ball toss tests (MBTs). METHODS: A total of 20 healthy, physically active individuals
participated. Session one included isokinetic strength testing (trunk
flexion/extension, and right/left rotation) and MBTs (forward, backward, and
right/left rotation); session two included only the MBTs. Average peak
torque during strength testing and the average distance of three MBTs in
each direction were analyzed. Intraclass correlations were calculated to
determine the reliability of the MBTs between sessions, while validity
between MBTs and strength was assessed though Pearson correlations. RESULTS: Significant ICCs were observed between forward, backward,
and right/left rotation MBTs (ICC = 0.835; ICC = 0.835; ICC = 0.870; ICC =
0.909; p< 0.001, respectively). No significant correlations were observed
between the MBTs and corresponding measures of strength. CONCLUSION: Results illustrate that MBTs have excellent reliability
but are not related to isokinetic strength as measured by average peak
torque. This lack of relationship may be due to differences in muscles
examined, contraction type, and/or motion performed.
