Effects of Gluteal Muscles Strengthening and Hip Flexor Stretching on Balance ad Agility Among Cricket Bowlers

Abstract

Background: The Fast Bowling In Cricket Consists Of Four Distinct Phases- Run Up, Pre-Delivery Stride, Delivery Stride And Follow Through. The Run Up Is A Phase Where The Bowler Walks Towards The Marker And Starts To Run Towards The Wicket. When The Player Takes A Leap Following The Run Marks The Beginning Of The Next Phase. In- Order To Achieve A Maximal Force Production In Running The Hip Flexors Has To Contract More In Order To Position The Limb Ahead Of The Body.  The Objective Of The Study Is To Find Out The Effects Of Hip Flexor Stretching And Gluteal Muscle Strengthening On Balance And Agility Among Cricket Bowlers.

Materials And Methods: 40 Cricket Bowlers Were Chosen Based On The Inclusion And Exclusion Criteria And They Are Divided Into Two Groups. Control Group Is Provided With Usual Game Practice And Experimental Group Is Provided With Stretching And Strengthening Exercises. All The Players Were Pre Assessed With Agility And Balance Performances Using T Agility Test And Y Balance Test.

Results: Statistical Analysis Was Done, Which Shows No Significant Differences In Post- Test Comparison Of Experimental And Control Groups For Both The Balance And Agility Performance.  

Conclusion: Thus, The Study Concludes That Hip Flexor Stretching And Gluteal Strengthening Exercises Does Not Improve The Dynamic Balance And Agility Performances In Cricket Players.