The effect of neoprene athletic supports on cricket bowling and javelin throwing

This study investigated the technique of the individual, using an integrated biomechanical approach, to assess injury potential and performance. The effects of five neoprene athletic supports were investigated for the cricket bowl and javelin throw. A significant improvement in distance thrown and an increase in linear speed of body segmental movements were found for a lumbar support belt during the javelin throw. A two-handed overhead throwing activity was designed to investigate the effect of this lumbar support belt during the hyperextension - flexion movement of the torso. Significant differences in the distances thrown and segmental timing during the belt condition were found for both novice and experienced athletes. An integrated approach (three-dimensional cinematography, ground reaction forces and electromyography) was then used to analyse the effect of this lumbar support belt during the delivery phase of both sporting activities. The rate at which the torso uncoiled, (the relative peak shoulder to peak hip speed) was found to be significantly different during the belt condition for both activities. The results of these experiments suggest that the lumbar support belt enabled a more efficient transfer of speed to the upper body. A significant improvement in distance thrown during the lumbar support belt condition was found for the javelin throw