Minimal changes in indirect markers of muscle damage after an acute bout of indoor pre-season fast bowling

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of pre-season indoor fast bowling on indirect markers of muscle damage. Ten elite male, fast bowlers (22±1 yrs) participated in the study. Each participant bowled 48 balls off a full run up during a practice session. The bowling load was eight overs with six balls bowled/over. The overs were separated by a three-minute standing rest period. Creatine kinase (CK) activity, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) muscle pain ratings, hip, knee and ankle joint range of motion and maximal quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength were measured 24 hours before, one hour and 24 hours after bowling and analysed using a one way ANOVA. Significance was set at p≤0.05. Maximal isometric strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings for both legs was unchanged. CK activity was significantly elevated at one hour and 24 hours. Pain rating for quadriceps (trailing leg) and gastrocnemius (leading leg) were elevated at one hour and at 24 hours. Ankle range of motion was significantly reduced at 24 hours for the trailing and leading legs. The indoor pre-season fast bowling had no effect on maximal isometric strength and a minimal effect on other indirect markers.

Keywords: Cricket; Eccentric; Creatine kinase; Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS); Injury.

South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 2012, 34(2): 105-114