Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / To compare trunk flexion and lateral flexion range of motion (ROM) pre-post intervention. To compare the bowling speed of Action Cricket fast bowlers pre-post intervention. To determine the correlation between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention to change in trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM immediately post-intervention. To determine the association between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention and the subjects’ perception of change in bowling speed. Methods: Forty asymptomatic Action Cricket fast bowlers were divided into four groups of ten each. Group 1 received lumbar spine manipulation, Group 2 received thoracic spine manipulation, Group 3 received combined thoracic and lumbar spine manipulation and Group 4 received the sham laser intervention (placebo). Pre- and post-intervention trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM and bowling speed were measured using a digital inclinometer and a SpeedTracTM Speed Sport Radar. The subjects’ perception of a change in bowling speed post-intervention was also recorded. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data. Two-tailed tests were used in all cases. Results: Trunk flexion and lateral flexion increased significantly (p < 0.05) post-spinal manipulation. There was a significant increase in bowling speed post-thoracic (p = 0.042) and post-combined manipulation (p < 0.000). A significant yet weak positive correlation (p = 0.003; r = 0.451) was seen in change in bowling speed and change in thoracic flexion and lateral flexion. There was no significant difference in the percentage subjective change by intervention group (p = 0.217). Conclusions: Spinal manipulation is a valid intervention for short-term increase in bowling speed.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / To compare trunk flexion and lateral flexion range of motion (ROM) pre-post intervention. To compare the bowling speed of Action Cricket fast bowlers pre-post intervention. To determine the correlation between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention to change in trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM immediately post-intervention. To determine the association between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention and the subjects’ perception of change in bowling speed. Methods: Forty asymptomatic Action Cricket fast bowlers were divided into four groups of ten each. Group 1 received lumbar spine manipulation, Group 2 received thoracic spine manipulation, Group 3 received combined thoracic and lumbar spine manipulation and Group 4 received the sham laser intervention (placebo). Pre- and post-intervention trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM and bowling speed were measured using a digital inclinometer and a SpeedTracTM Speed Sport Radar. The subjects’ perception of a change in bowling speed post-intervention was also recorded. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data. Two-tailed tests were used in all cases. Results: Trunk flexion and lateral flexion increased significantly (p < 0.05) post-spinal manipulation. There was a significant increase in bowling speed post-thoracic (p = 0.042) and post-combined manipulation (p < 0.000). A significant yet weak positive correlation (p = 0.003; r = 0.451) was seen in change in bowling speed and change in thoracic flexion and lateral flexion. There was no significant difference in the percentage subjective change by intervention group (p = 0.217). Conclusions: Spinal manipulation is a valid intervention for short-term increase in bowling speed. / National Research Fund

Fast bowlers are especially prone to injury as they perform their bowling techniques repetitively at very high intensities. The fast bowling action in the past has been described as a highly explosive activity that produces high levels of stress and strain on the body. The aim of this study was to compile an injury profile of 46 fast bowlers aged 11 to 18, and to identify the associated risk factors for injury during an academy cricket season. A descriptive correlational research design was utilised. Subjects were selected according to age and fast bowling ability. These subjects were observed for one academy cricket season (March to November). Three testing sessions occurred during this time (T1, T2 and T3). Each subject completed two questionnaires: i) bowler history (at T1) and ii) injury history (at T1, T2, and T3). These assisted in grouping the subjects according to their responses into one of three injury classifications (uninjured = S1; injured but able to play = S2; injured and unable to play = S3). Anthropometric and postural data for the entire group of fast bowlers were also collected pre-season (T1). Physical fitness screenings were also conducted during each of the three testing sessions to establish any relationship between the fitness of each fast bowler and the occurrence of injuries. Additional factors assessed during the season were bowling techniques and bowling workload. Statistical significance was indicated by p-values less than .05 (p< .05), while practical significance was indicated by either Cohen’s d-values of 0.2 or better (d>0.2) for tests based on sample means or Cramer’s V for tests based on sample frequencies, the values of which depend on the applicable degrees of freedom. All fitness scores as well as bowling workload figures for each testing session were converted to standard T-scores and these in turn were summated to derive overall fitness and workload T-scores. ‘TT’ indicated the overall average score for the entire season. Changes in performances, bowling workload and injury status were analysed using ANOVA and ANCOVA. A regression analysis was also conducted to analyse the relationship between bowling workload and weeks incapacitated. This study found that hyperextension in the knees had the highest incidence of postural deviation injury (43 percent) followed by winged scapula (39 percent). Only 15 percent of the fast bowlers remained injury-free for the duration of the season, while 35 percent of the subjects were at some stage injured to such an extent that they were unable to play. The incidence of serious injury (S3) showed a statistical and moderate practical (V=0.23, d.f. ≥2) significant increase throughout the data collection period (4 percent at T1 to 30 percent at T3). The most common injury was to the knee (41 percent) followed by those to the lower back (37 percent). These injuries occurred mostly during test periods T2 and T3. The nature of injuries were predominantly strains and "other" which accounted for 39 percent of the injuries overall (TT) and had the highest reported incidence during the period T1 to T3. Sprains followed with an overall incidence of 14 percent. Less frequently reported injuries were tears, fractures, bruises and dislocations. The degree of severity of injuries was defined in terms of the number of weeks a player reported being incapacitated as a result of injury during the academy session. During midand end-season bowlers were on average incapacitated approximately one week out of every five due to injury. The statistics for the duration of the study translate to approximately one week incapacitated out of every seven weeks of play. When comparing the S1/S2 bowlers with the S3 group, the S1/S2 bowlers performed consistently better than the S3 bowlers in all the fitness variables tested. However no significant differences (p>.05) in either flexibility or muscle strength were observed. Of the risk factors analysed, bowling workload presented a statistically significant (p<.0005) increased risk for injury. A strong significant positive relationship (p<.0005, R²=.619) was found between weeks incapacitated and bowling workload, supporting the finding that increased bowling workloads show a linear relationship with the increase in the number of weeks incapacitated from normal play. This study concluded that inadequate fitness, high bowling workload and bowling technique all have a multi-factorial role in predisposing a bowler to increased risk for injury. These variables did not act alone, but have all contributed to recurring injuries. The bowling action alone would not have been detrimental if the workloads were not in excess of the recommended guidelines. Furthermore the workload would not have been as detrimental if the bowlers were well conditioned and uninjured. Management of minor injuries and adequate recovery time, coupled with adequate and relevant fitness preparation would better prepare fast bowlers for the demands of the game.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. x, 52 leaves, Appendices A-E, [25] leaves. / To determine whether a relationship exists between core stability and bowling speed in Action Cricket bowlers. Methods: Thirty asymptomatic indoor Action Cricket fast and fast-medium bowlers were divided into two groups of 15 each, with Group A having well-developed core stability and group B having poorly-developed core stability. The concept of matched pairs was used for age and cricket experience in order to maintain homogeneity between the groups. The core stability and bowling speed of each participant was measured using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) and speed sports radar respectively. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 2008. / Objectives: To compare trunk flexion and lateral flexion range of motion (ROM) pre-post intervention. To compare the bowling speed of Action Cricket fast bowlers pre-post intervention. To determine the correlation between change in bowling speed immediately post-intervention to change in trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM immediately post-intervention. To determine the association between change in bowling speed immediately postintervention and the subjects' perception of change in bowling speed. Methods: Forty asymptomatic Action Cricket fast bowlers were divided into four groups of ten each. Group 1 received lumbar spine manipulation, Group 2 received thoracic spine manipulation, Group 3 received combined thoracic and lumbar spine manipulation and Group 4 received the sham laser intervention (placebo). Pre- and post-intervention trunk flexion and lateral flexion ROM and bowling speed were measured using a digital inclinometer and a SpeedTrac\x99 Speed Sport Radar. The subjects' perception of a change in bowling speed post-intervention was also recorded. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data. Twotailed tests were used in all cases. Results: Trunk flexion and lateral flexion increased significantly (p < 0.05) post-spinal manipulation. There was a significant increase in bowling speed post-thoracic (p = 0.042) and postcombined manipulation (p < 0.000). A significant yet weak positive correlation (p = 0.003; r = 0.451) was seen in change in bowling speed and change in thoracic flexion and lateral flexion. There was no significant difference in the percentage subjective change by intervention group (p = 0.217). Conclusions: Spinal manipulation is a valid intervention for short-term increase in bowling speed. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)- Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2008. x, 52 leaves, Appendices A-E, [25] leaves. / To determine whether a relationship exists between core stability and bowling speed in Action Cricket bowlers. Methods: Thirty asymptomatic indoor Action Cricket fast and fast-medium bowlers were divided into two groups of 15 each, with Group A having well-developed core stability and group B having poorly-developed core stability. The concept of matched pairs was used for age and cricket experience in order to maintain homogeneity between the groups. The core stability and bowling speed of each participant was measured using a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) and speed sports radar respectively. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data.

[Truncated abstract] In cricket, the bowler propels a ball using a straight arm (permitted minimal extension) in an overhead fashion to a batsman situated approximately 20m away, who attempts to strike the ball in order to score runs for their team. Cricket bowling can be generalised by two types of bowlers; fast bowlers, who primarily use high ball speed, and spin bowlers that attempt to impart spin on the ball causing it to bounce in different directions. There has been numerous studies investigating the kinematics of fast bowling in cricket, but there is a paucity of objective literature on the spin bowling action due to the complex rotations of the upper limb necessary to develop ball velocity and rotation. One primary reason is that three dimensional (3D) analysis of upper limb movement is difficult due to the high degrees of freedom and ranges of motion of the associated joints. Furthermore, existing methods do not allow measurement of the kinematics of this highly dynamic task to be performed in an ecologically sound environment. The complexity is further compounded as the upper limb does not perform regular cyclical movements like the lower limb does with gait. Therefore, this makes it difficult to determine what

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / Purpose Cricket fast bowlers are prone to the development of Myofascial pain syndrome and in particular active myofascial trigger points in their rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint (Scott, et al. 2001). This is due to the severe stresses placed upon the muscles, bones and joints of the shoulder as a result of the high velocity throwing action (Bartlett, et al.1996). In muscles containing active myofascial trigger points a decrease in the stretch range of motion as well as the maximal contractile force is noted, these two factors may negatively affect the speed at which a fast bowler deliver the ball (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999). Dry needling is viewed as the most effective means of deactivating myofascial trigger points leading to in increase in both the contractile force and range of motion of the affected muscle, which could increase the speed at which the bowler delivers the ball (Wilks, 2003). The aim of the study was to determine the immediate effect of dry needling active myofascial trigger points of the rotator cuff on bowling speed in action cricket fast bowlers. Method The study consisted of 40 participants (randomly split into two equal groups of 20) each with shoulder pain of a myofascial origin. Group A (intervention group) received the dry needling intervention in their most tender active myofascial trigger point. While participants in Group B (control group) received no treatment. Bowling speeds were measured both before and after the intervention, to determine its effect on bowling speed. IV Data was entered into MS Exel spreadsheet and imported into SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc.,Chicago, Iiiinois, USA), which was used for data analysis. Paticipants were evaluated on bowling speed, Algometer readings and Numerical pain rating Scale (NRS) both pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked if they believed the intervention increased, decreased or had no effect on their bowling speeds. Two sample t-test was used to compare baseline values between the groups. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the rate of change of each outcome over time in the two groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis (intra-group) was used to assess the strength and magnitude of correlations of the changes in the outcomes. The McNemar – Bowker test and Weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between perceived and actual levels of change. Results A significant treatment effect was observed in the intervention group were an increase in bowling speed, algometer readings as well a decrease in Numerical pain rating scale(NRS) scores was observed. There was also a perceived increase in the speed the participants delivered the ball in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings of this study indicate that dry needling as a treatment modality would be beneficial to fast bowlers in not only increasing their speeds but also the pain experienced as a result of active myofascial trigger points.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban Institute of Technology, 2008. / Purpose Cricket fast bowlers are prone to the development of Myofascial pain syndrome and in particular active myofascial trigger points in their rotator cuff muscles of the shoulder joint (Scott, et al. 2001). This is due to the severe stresses placed upon the muscles, bones and joints of the shoulder as a result of the high velocity throwing action (Bartlett, et al.1996). In muscles containing active myofascial trigger points a decrease in the stretch range of motion as well as the maximal contractile force is noted, these two factors may negatively affect the speed at which a fast bowler deliver the ball (Travell, Simons and Simons, 1999). Dry needling is viewed as the most effective means of deactivating myofascial trigger points leading to in increase in both the contractile force and range of motion of the affected muscle, which could increase the speed at which the bowler delivers the ball (Wilks, 2003). The aim of the study was to determine the immediate effect of dry needling active myofascial trigger points of the rotator cuff on bowling speed in action cricket fast bowlers. Method The study consisted of 40 participants (randomly split into two equal groups of 20) each with shoulder pain of a myofascial origin. Group A (intervention group) received the dry needling intervention in their most tender active myofascial trigger point. While participants in Group B (control group) received no treatment. Bowling speeds were measured both before and after the intervention, to determine its effect on bowling speed. IV Data was entered into MS Exel spreadsheet and imported into SPSS version 15 (SPSS Inc.,Chicago, Iiiinois, USA), which was used for data analysis. Paticipants were evaluated on bowling speed, Algometer readings and Numerical pain rating Scale (NRS) both pre and post intervention. Participants were also asked if they believed the intervention increased, decreased or had no effect on their bowling speeds. Two sample t-test was used to compare baseline values between the groups. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the rate of change of each outcome over time in the two groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis (intra-group) was used to assess the strength and magnitude of correlations of the changes in the outcomes. The McNemar – Bowker test and Weighted Cohen’s kappa statistics were calculated to assess agreement between perceived and actual levels of change. Results A significant treatment effect was observed in the intervention group were an increase in bowling speed, algometer readings as well a decrease in Numerical pain rating scale(NRS) scores was observed. There was also a perceived increase in the speed the participants delivered the ball in the intervention group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings of this study indicate that dry needling as a treatment modality would be beneficial to fast bowlers in not only increasing their speeds but also the pain experienced as a result of active myofascial trigger points.

Background: The musculoskeletal demands placed on the lower limb musculature of fast bowlers over time have not received much attention. In particular, measures of muscle recruitment changes have, to the author’s knowledge, not been considered. Objective: The present study, therefore sought to establish any associations between an eight over, simulated fast bowling spell, and muscle activation patterns, power output, perceptual demands, and changes in performance. This will enable improvements in the development of training programmes. Methods: Players’ were required to attend two sessions in total. The purpose of the initial session was to collect specific demographic, anthropometric and physiological data and injury history information from each player. In addition, this first session allowed for habituation with the treadmill, the jump meter and all other equipment involved in experimentation. The second testing session involved electrode attachment sites being identified on player’s dominant leg. The areas were then shaved, wiped with an alcohol swab and left to dry, to ensure good connectivity. Pre- and post- measures of muscle activity and functional strength of the lower limbs were recorded in the Department of Human Kinetics and Ergonomics. The protocol took place at the Kingswood High Performance Centre, which is in close proximity to the initial testing site. The protocol involved players bowling eight overs (48 balls). During the protocol, accuracy, ball release speed and perceptual measures were recorded at the end of each over. After the protocol, players were driven back to the Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department where post-testing measures were completed. The dependable variables of interest were muscle activation, functional strength of the lower limbs, ‘local’ ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), body discomfort, accuracy, and ball release speed. Results: For all muscles it was shown that, as the speed increased so did the muscle activity in players’ lower limbs. There were no significant changes in muscle activity preversus post-protocol. There was however, a general trend of decreasing muscle activity post protocol at higher testing speeds. There were significant (p<0.05) decreases in peak power following the simulated eight over bowling spell. ‘Local’ RPE displayed a significant (P<0.05) increase with each additional over and were observed to reach the ‘heavy’ category. The players’ highest discomfort area was in the lower back, with 13 players perceiving discomfort in this region following the eight over spell. The shoulder and chest were another two areas player’s indicated discomfort with eight players selecting the dominant shoulder. Seven players complained of the dominant side pectoral muscle, leading foot and dominant latissimus dorsi muscle being uncomfortable. Interestingly, the dominant pectoral showed the highest body discomfort ratings amongst players. There were no significant changes in accuracy between overs although there were large interindividual differences in accuracy points between players. The decrease in ball release speed observed during over seven was shown to be significantly (p<0.05) lower than overs one to four. Conclusion: The power output and perceived strain results of the players, appears to indicate the presence of fatigue in players. However, the results are not conclusive, as the fatigue was not shown in muscle recruitment patterns, as well as the body discomfort ratings. There was a non-significant trend observed in the lower limb muscle activation decreasing at higher speeds. Players were able to maintain accuracy. However, the significantly lower ball release speed observed during over seven showed players performance decreasing.