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This study examined the effects of deceleration-focused exercises on shoulder range of motion and throwing velocity in both softball and baseball players. Volunteers included 28 Division III William Paterson University baseball and softball athletes (18 females and 10 males), who were evenly distributed across two groups both undertaking 14 sessions of either resistance band or handheld medicine ball exercises (band vs. ball group). A pre-test and post-test measured participants' best active internal/external shoulder rotation and best throwing velocity at a target 40 ft away. A two-tailed, independent t-test showed no significant differences in velocity, internal rotation or external rotation (p < 0.01) between the band and ball groups. However, the average change in velocity in the ball group was double that of the band group (1.50 ± 2.06 m/s versus 0.73 ± 2.24 m/s). For change in both internal and external rotation the band group (2.86 ± 5.27° and 3.29 ± 3.87°, respectively) was greater than the ball mean (1.93° ± 3.32° and 1.29 ± 6.52°, respectively). These findings suggest that overhead athletes aiming to increase throwing velocity can benefit from performing deceleration training with weighted balls whereas resistance bands appear to improve shoulder rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This project addresses the need to identify feasible, effective weight-management programs that can be implemented within communities. The controversial role of dairy products in weight-management programs is also explored. Methods: The "Calcium Weighs-In" weight-loss program placed equal emphasis on diet and physical activity and was delivered within a community intervention to promote dairy consumption in Calcium, New York. One hundred ninety-nine adults in Calcium, NY, participated in the weight-loss program. Weight loss, increase in dairy intake, increase in steps, decrease in blood pressure, decrease in waist circumference, and decrease in body mass index (BMI) were examined. Results: The mean weight loss for 116 subjects who completed the program was 6.0 ± 4.2 kg (mean ± SD, P < .0001) with a percent weight change of 6.4% ± 4.2% (P < .0001). An increase of 3582 ± 4070 steps (P < .0001), as well as an increase of 0.8 ± 1.2 dairy servings (P < .0001) was seen. Higher average dairy consumption was associated with greater weight loss and a greater decrease in waist circumference. Conclusion: The results show that effective weight-management programs can be implemented within communities. The results are also consistent with recommendations to include low-fat dairy products and a physical activity component in weight-management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]