最大自主等长收缩激活后增强效应无法提高上肢爆发力

为了探讨最大自主等长收缩(MVICs)激活后增强效应对上肢力量表现的效益以及不同最大自主等长收缩时间诱发激活后增强效应(PAP)后对卧推(BPT)表现的影响,本研究选取了24名男性运动员参与此重复量数交叉设计实验,通过3组3 s卧推MVICs处理(3 MVICs)、3组5 s卧推MVICs处理(5 MVICs)与控制处理(CON),记录推掷高度与杠铃腾空时间,并分析推掷高度以及力量与功率的峰值。本研究发现,不论是3 MVICs、5 MVICs或是CON,后测各时间点卧推高度皆显著低于前测平均值(p0.05),功率峰值于第4分钟、第8分钟与后测平均值,皆显著低于前测平均值(p0.05);后测各时间点力量峰值与前测平均值均无显著差异(p0.05)。本研究表明,即使给予较长的组间恢复时间,3 MVICs与5 MVICs产生肌肉疲劳的程度高于诱发PAP的程度,因此无法提升训练良好运动员的上肢爆发力。     

小球藻摄入干预对抗阻运动诱发的肌肉损伤的影响

为探究小球藻摄入干预对抗阻运动诱发的肌肉损伤的影响,本研究招募32名排球运动员为受试者,进行随机对照双盲实验设计,分别随机分为安慰剂组(n=16)与小球藻组(n=16),每位受试者以4.5 g/d的剂量连续服食小球藻或安慰剂35 d,进行单次抗阻运动以诱发肌肉损伤,损伤模式以85%最大肌力为负荷进行大腿蹬卧推、大腿曲屈、卧推3个动作各进行4组,每组动作重复8次。在摄入小球藻或安慰剂前,运动后24 h,运动后48 h分别测量血清肌酸激酶和乳酸脱氢酶活性,以量表评估肌肉疼痛程度,并在运动后第3天、第4天、第5天测量最大肌力表现。研究发现,抗阻运动造成血液肌酸激酶活性与肌肉酸痛感增加,肌肉力量降低;小球藻组运动后第24 h和第48 h血液肌酸激酶活性与肌肉酸痛感显著低于安慰剂组;小球藻组运动后3～4 d大腿推蹬力量显著高于安慰剂组,运动后4～5 d大腿曲屈与卧推力量显著高于安慰剂组。研究表明,小球藻摄入干预可以改善抗阻运动诱发的肌肉损伤,避免运动后的肌肉疲劳,同时降低恢复期的肌肉损伤。     

核心训练搭配阻力训练可显著提升女子网球运动员技能表现

为了探讨6周核心训练搭配阻力训练对女子网球运动员在网球技能表现的影响,本研究招募24名高水平女子网球运动员为受试者,随机分为8名核心训练组(core exercise, C)、8名核心训练搭配阻力训练组(core exercise with resistance xercise, CR)与8名控制组(control, CON)。3组皆进行常规的网球训练,但C及CR组包含额外的核心与阻力训练,频率为每周3次,每次训练约90 min。各组于6周训练前、后皆进行ITN(international tennis number)测验。本研究数据显示,CR组底线击球深度、底线击球准确性、截击深度、发球准确性及移动能力的后测结果皆显著优于前测(p0.05);另外,CR组ITN级数与总得分的提升幅度均优于C组与CON组(C组进步10.2%,CR组进步32.3%,CON组进步7.0%)(p0.05)。本研究表明,女子网球运动员在6周核心训练搭配阻力训练的训练模式下,能显著提升网球技能表现。     

幼年大鼠诱发排卵条件下卵巢前列腺素(PGs)的含量变化及其生理作用

本实验用幼年大鼠经PMSG/hCG诱发排卵,研究了印巢PGE_2、PGF_(2α) 、6-酮-PGF_(1α) 及TXB_2在排卵过程中的变化。实验表明卵巢PGE_2、PGF_(2α) 及6-酮-PGF_(1α) 在排卵前达到峰值,在排卵后,均趋下降。TXB_2未出现明显变化。受试动物经消炎痛处理后,不仅使排卵受到严重抑制,而对上述三种PGs在排卵前的上升也表现了显著的抑制。提示在卵泡破裂过程中PGs的重要调节作用,PGE_2、PGF_(2α)均可能参与排卵,其中尤以PGE_2的作用最为显著。     

侧脑室内注射血管紧张素-（1-7）对大鼠肺动脉压和体动脉压的影响

目的:探讨血管紧张素-(1-7)对大鼠肺动脉压和体动脉压的影响机制。方法:以PAP和BAP为指标,在氨基甲酸乙酯麻醉、三碘季胺酚制动、呼吸机控制呼吸的SD大鼠上观察血管紧张素-(1-7)对大鼠PAP和BAP的影响,连续观察60minPAP和BAP曲线变化,并与对照组和生理盐水组比较。结果:给药后大鼠PAP和BAP明显升高,其中在5、10、15、30、45min与对照组和生理盐水组比较差异显著(P<0.01)。结论:血管紧张素-(1-7)具有中枢性升高肺动脉压和体动脉压的作用,侧脑室预先注射血管紧张素(1-7)特异性阻断剂A-779可部分阻断血管紧张素(1-7)的升压效应。     

不同水平蝶泳运动员动作形态分析

本研究以时间概念为主轴,借由连续性相对相位与手部动作百分比分析方式,观察不同水平蝶泳运动员在不同速度时其手脚协调动作型态的变化。本研究选取国家一级男性运动员(A组)及国家二级男性游泳运动员(B组)各8名,以两台高速数字摄影机同步撷取记录蝶泳一次周期的动作,再通过Kwon 3D动作分析系统进行各参数的分析运算,并以肩与膝关节的角度、角速度计算连续性相对相位。结果显示,从宏观的角度来看,在A、B组运动员,3种不同速度中皆具有蝶泳基本协调型态,即手部与腿部动作在不同速度下均有复频(1:2)的关系。研究发现,肩与膝关节相对相位数值在抓水阶段是从反相(约-180°)转变成同相(约50°)、抱水阶段则维持同相(约±50°),最后在推水阶段又转换为反相(约180°),反应在动作上就是在抓、抱、推阶段手臂运动方向为往后方推水,因此肩关节角度持续变小;而腿部则在抓与推阶段向下踢腿,因此膝关节角度变大致使相对相位出现两次反相数值。另外通过动作时序百分比可观察到国家一级蝶泳运动员在调配速度策略上有缩短抓水阶段百分比以提升速度的趋势。本研究结果说明,通过连续性相对相位数值可观察基本蝶泳型态,而手部动作时序百分比可说明速度快慢会影响蝶泳运动员各阶段时间组合的比例。因此建议教练与运动员在蝶泳训练及比赛中应针对不同距离而有不同训练方式。     

中华蜜蜂囊状幼虫病病毒单克隆抗体的制备与鉴定

为了制备中华蜜蜂囊状幼虫病病毒(CSBV)单克隆抗体,本实验利用纯化的中华蜜蜂囊状幼虫病毒(CSBV)免疫Balb/c小鼠,经过3次免疫后,小鼠断尾采血测其血清效价,选择效价高于1∶80 000的小鼠,在细胞融合前3~4d再加强免疫一次。取免疫小鼠脾细胞与SP2/0骨髓瘤细胞进行细胞融合,用间接ELISA筛选阳性细胞株并进行3次亚克隆后注射入Balb/c小鼠(Mus musculus)腹腔制备单抗腹水。共获得9株稳定分泌抗CSBV的单克隆抗体,命名为10A1、5B10、5A5、5H2、11D7、9A5、1D3、3C10、10C4,效价都在1∶16 000以上,经间接ELISA实验检测表明,具有较好的特异性。在此基础上,将9株腹水单抗分别与CSBV互作后,接种于2~3日龄中华蜜蜂幼虫,观察幼虫死亡率,研究单克隆抗体中和CSBV病毒能力,结果表明筛选到三株单克隆抗体(10A1、5A5、9A5)对CSBV有中和作用,为CSBV的防治研究奠定了基础。     

北京2种阔叶树不同高度枝干的呼吸速率及其对温度的敏感性

该研究采用红外气体分析法(IRGA)于2013年3-12月原位测定了北京市东升八家郊野公园中2个主要阔叶树种(槐(Sophora japonica)、旱柳(Salix matsudana)) 3个高度上的枝干呼吸(R_w)日进程, 旨在量化R_w的种间差异, 探索种内R_w及其温度敏感系数(Q₁₀)的时间动态和垂直分布格局。研究结果显示: (1) R_w在不同树种之间差异明显, 相同月份(4月份除外)槐R_w是旱柳的1.12 (7月)-1.79倍(5月)。两树种枝干表面CO₂通量速率均表现出明显的单峰型季节变化, 峰值分别出现在7月((5.13 ± 0.24) μmol·m^-2·s^-1)和8月((3.85 ± 0.17) μmol·m^-2·s^-1)。同一树种在生长月份内的平均呼吸水平显著高于非生长季, 但其Q₁₀值季节变化趋势与之相反。(2) R_W随测量高度的增加而升高, 并在3个高度上表现出不同的日变化规律: 其中, 树干基部及胸高位置为单峰格局, 而一级分枝处的呼吸速率在一天内存在两个峰值, 中间出现短暂的“午休”现象。温度是造成一天内呼吸变化的主要原因。此外, 顶部R_w及其对温度的敏感程度明显高于基部。温度本身和Q₁₀值差异可在一定程度上解释R_W的垂直梯度变化。(3)在生长月份, 单位体积木质组织的日累积呼吸速率(mmol·m^-3·d^-1)与受测部位直径倒数(D^-1)呈极显著正相关关系。单位面积(μmol·m^-2·s^-1)可准确表达两树种在生长期间的R_W水平, 能合理有效地比较不同个体的呼吸差异及同一个体的时空变异。这些结果表明, 采用局部通量法上推至树木整体呼吸时, 应全面考虑R_w的时、空变异规律, 并选择恰当的表达单位, 以减小估测误差。     

人类疱疹病毒7型感染脐血单个核细胞产生TNF-α

用生物活性法,检测人类疱疹病毒7型Glasgow株和南京地方株YY5及HHV-6 GS株感染单个核细胞培养上清中肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的水平.结果发现,HHV-7也能较强地诱生TNF-α,但达到峰值时间(3～4 d)迟于HHV-6 GS株(2 d);在感染24 h上清中,GS株产生TNF-α量明显多于YY5株、Glasgow株产生量(P＜0.05),三者与未感染单个核细胞比较都存在显著差异(P＜0.05),但Glasgow株和YY5株之间无差异(P＞0.05).结果表明,HHV-6、HHV-7都能通过刺激单个核细胞产生TNF-α而发挥免疫调节功能.     

NaHSO3-Na2SO3混合液对大麦幼苗生长和细胞分裂的影响

 研究SO2在生物体内的衍生物——亚硫酸氢钠和亚硫酸钠混合液（1：3, mol·L-1）(以下简称亚硫酸氢钠)对大麦(Hordeum vulgare)幼苗生长发育和根尖细胞分裂的效应。幼苗生长发育依赖于亚硫酸氢钠的浓度和接触时间,在一定浓度范围内,大麦幼苗的高度和根系发育与处理时间之间具有正的线性相关;幼苗高度、根长、根系体积和干重与处理浓度之间具有负的线性相关。高浓度亚硫酸氢钠短时间处理或低浓度长时间处理,能导致根尖细胞有丝分裂指数下降,并使根尖中具有微核的细胞明显增多,部分细胞核发生固缩。在0.1～5.     

Effect of different types of conditioning contraction on upper body postactivation potentiation

Muscle contractions preceding an activity can result in increased force generation (postactivation potentiation [PAP]). Although the type of muscular contractions could affect subsequent strength and power performance, little information exists on their effects. The purpose of this study was to examine PAP effects produced by isometric (ISO), concentric (CON), eccentric (ECC), or concentric-eccentric (DYN) conditioning contractions on upper body force and power performance. Ten male, competitive rugby players (mean ± SD: age 20.4 ± 0.8 years, height 177.0 ± 8.1 cm, body mass 90.2 ± 13.8 kg) performed a ballistic bench press throw (BBPT) followed by a 10-minute rest and one of the conditioning contractions. After a 12-minute rest, the subjects performed another BBPT (post-BBPT). The conditioning contractions, applied on separate days and in counterbalanced randomized order, were a 7-second isometric barbell bench press for ISO and 1 set of 3 bench press repetitions at 3 repetition maximum for CON, ECC, and DYN (each repetition lasting 2 seconds for CON and ECC, overall execution time <7 seconds for DYN). Peak power (Ppeak), peak force (Fpeak), maximum distance (Dmax) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured using a linear position transducer. Electromyography (EMG) of the pectoralis major and triceps brachii was also recorded. The ISO produced significantly higher Ppeak (587 ± 116 and 605 ± 126 W for pre- and post-BBPT, respectively; p < 0.05). No significant differences in Ppeak were revealed for CON, ECC, and DYN (p > 0.05), and no significant differences existed in Fpeak, Dmax, and RFD for ISO, CON, ECC, and DYN (p > 0.05). Finally, EMG was not significantly different between pre- and post-BBPT for any of the conditioning contractions (p > 0.05). Isometric contractions appear to be the only conditioning contractions increasing upper body power output after long resting periods.     

Influence of strength training background on postactivation potentiation response

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the subjects' level of maximal dynamic strength and training background on postactivation potentiation (PAP). A group of 23 subjects, composed of power track-and-field athletes (PT = 8), bodybuilders (BB = 7), and physically active subjects (PA = 8), participated in the study. Maximal dynamic strength (1 repetition maximum test) was assessed in the leg press exercise for subjects' characterization. Their countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) performance was assessed before and after 2 different conditioning activity (CA) protocols (1 or 3 maximum voluntary isometric contractions [MVICs] of 5-second duration in the leg press exercise) or after control (no CA), performed on separate days. No significant differences among groups were found for CMJ height or take-off velocity after any of the CA protocols (p ≤ 0.05). However, individual analysis showed that some subjects increased performance in response to the CA, despite their previous training history. We concluded that subjects' level of maximal dynamic strength and training background have no influence on PAP manifestation. Our data suggest that coaches should individually identify the athletes that are PAP responders before introducing MVICs as part of their warm-up routines.     

Postactivation potentiation: effect of various recovery intervals on bench press power performance

Postactivation potentiation (PAP) is a strategy used to improve performance in power activities. The aim of this study was to determine if power during bench press exercise was increased when preceded by 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in the same exercise and to determine which time interval could optimize PAP response. For this, 11 healthy male subjects (age, 25 ± 4 years; height, 178 ± 6 cm; body mass, 74 ± 8 kg; bench press 1RM, 76 ± 19 kg) underwent 6 sessions. Two control sessions were conducted to determine both bench press 1RM and power (6 repetitions at 50% 1RM). The 4 experimental sessions were composed of a 1RM exercise followed by power sets with different recovery intervals (1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes), performed on different days, and determined randomly. Power values were measured via Peak Power equipment (Cefise, Nova Odessa, S?o Paulo, Brazil). The conditions were compared using an analysis of variance with repeated measures, followed by a Tukey test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. There was a significant increase in PAP in concentric contractions after 7 minutes of recovery compared with the control and 1-minute recovery conditions (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that 7 minutes of recovery has generated an increase in PAP in bench press and that such a strategy could be applied as an interesting alternative to enhance the performance in tasks aimed at increasing upper-body power performance.     

Training leading to repetition failure enhances bench press strength gains in elite junior athletes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the importance of training leading to repetition failure in the performance of 2 different tests: 6 repetition maximum (6RM) bench press strength and 40-kg bench throw power in elite junior athletes. Subjects were 26 elite junior male basketball players (n = 12; age = 18.6 +/- 0.3 years; height = 202.0 +/- 11.6 cm; mass = 97.0 +/- 12.9 kg; mean +/- SD) and soccer players (n = 14; age = 17.4 +/- 0.5 years; height = 179.0 +/- 7.0 cm; mass = 75.0 +/- 7.1 kg) with a history of greater than 6 months' strength training. Subjects were initially tested twice for 6RM bench press mass and 40-kg Smith machine bench throw power output (in watts) to establish retest reliability. Subjects then undertook bench press training with 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, using equal volume programs (24 repetitions x 80-105% 6RM in 13 minutes 20 seconds). Subjects were assigned to one of two experimental groups designed either to elicit repetition failure with 4 sets of 6 repetitions every 260 seconds (RF(4 x 6)) or allow all repetitions to be completed with 8 sets of 3 repetitions every 113 seconds (NF(8 x 3)). The RF(4 x 6) treatment elicited substantial increases in strength (7.3 +/- 2.4 kg, +9.5%, p < 0.001) and power (40.8 +/- 24.1 W, +10.6%, p < 0.001), while the NF(8 x 3) group elicited 3.6 +/- 3.0 kg (+5.0%, p < 0.005) and 25 +/- 19.0 W increases (+6.8%, p < 0.001). The improvements in the RF(4 x 6) group were greater than those in the repetition rest group for both strength (p < 0.005) and power (p < 0.05). Bench press training that leads to repetition failure induces greater strength gains than nonfailure training in the bench press exercise for elite junior team sport athletes.     

Increased number of forced repetitions does not enhance strength development with resistance training

Some research suggests that strength improvements are greater when resistance training continues to the point at which the individual cannot perform additional repetitions (i.e., repetition failure). Performing additional forced repetitions after the point of repetition failure and thus further increasing the set volume is a common resistance training practice. However, whether short-term use of this practice increases the magnitude of strength development with resistance training is unknown and was investigated here. Twelve basketball and 10 volleyball players trained 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks, completing either 4 x 6, 8 x 3, or 12 x 3 (sets x repetitions) of bench press per training session. Compared with the 8 x 3 group, the 4 x 6 protocol involved a longer work interval and the 12 x 3 protocol involved higher training volume, so each group was purposefully designed to elicit a different number of forced repetitions per training session. Subjects were tested on 3- and 6-repetition maximum (RM) bench press (81.5 +/- 9.8 and 75.9 +/- 9.0 kg, respectively, mean +/- SD), and 40-kg Smith Machine bench press throw power (589 +/- 100 W). The 4 x 6 and 12 x 3 groups had more forced repetitions per session (p < 0.01) than did the 8 x 3 group (4.1 +/- 2.6, 3.1 +/- 3.5, and 1.2 +/- 1.8 repetitions, respectively), whereas the 12 x 3 group performed approximately 40% greater work and had 30% greater concentric time. As expected, all groups improved 3RM (4.5 kg, 95% confidence limits, 3.1- 6.0), 6RM (4.7 kg, 3.1-6.3), bench press throw peak power (57 W, 22-92), and mean power (23 W, 4-42) (all p < or = 0.02). There were no significant differences in strength or power gains between groups. In conclusion, when repetition failure was reached, neither additional forced repetitions nor additional set volume further improved the magnitude of strength gains. This finding questions the efficacy of adding additional volume by use of forced repetitions in young athletes with moderate strength training experience.     

The influence of basic body and hand anthropometry on the results of different throwing tests in young handball and basketball players

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between basic body and specific hand anthropometric parameters with some specific and non-specific throw test results in young male handball and basketball players. The subjects included 34 handball and 38 basketball players of the 10-11 years old age group, 39 handball and 22 basketball players of the 12-13 years old age group and 39 handball players of the 14-15 years old age group. Body height and body mass, arms' span, height with outstretched hands and sitting height were the basic anthropometric parameters to be measured. For hand anthropometry, 15 specific hand parameters were measured using the method presented by Visnapuu & Jürim?e (2007). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that medicine ball throw results in the youngest age group are highly dependent on the body height (handball players) and body mass (basketball players). In the middle age group, the most important parameter from the hand anthropometry is TL (handball) or height with outstretched hands (basketball). In the oldest group of handball players, the medicine ball throw results were dependent on the P2 from hand anthropometry and sitting height. Quite different anthropometric parameters appeared to influence the handball or basketball throw results. In the youngest age group, most important were body height (handball) or LFL (basketball). In the middle age group, the most important was height with outstretched hands and in the oldest handball players LFL and sitting height. Handball or basketball pass on speed depended on the combination of body mass and FS5 and body height with height with outstretched hands (even 61.40%, R2 x 100) in the oldest age group. The results of passing the handball or basketball on precision were dependent on body height and P3 or P1 among basketball players in the youngest group. In the middle age group the combination of FS3 and body mass and LFL and height with outstretched hands were the most influential. Anthropometric parameters influence on the passing of the ball on speed or precision is lower in handball players compared with basketball players. Our conclusion is that the basic anthropometric parameters are slightly more important than hand anthropometry that influenced different throw tests results in young handball and basketball players.     

The acute effects of prior dynamic resistance exercise using different loads on subsequent upper-body explosive performance in resistance-trained men

The purpose of this study was to determine if explosive upper-body performance could be improved when it was preceded by conditioning contraction protocols that incorporate resistance exercise. Providing that performance was enhanced, it was also the intention to determine the optimal conditioning contraction load for enhancing performance. Eight recreationally trained men completed 4 experimental sessions. Each session consisted of a warm-up, 3 bench press throws (pre), a conditioning protocol, and 3 bench press throws (post). The different conditioning protocols consisted of 5 bench press repetitions using 100, 75, or 50% of 5 repetition maximum (5RM) strength. The fourth protocol, in which no repetitions were completed, acted as a control. Participants performed each conditioning protocol on a different day, and the order in which the protocols were performed was randomized. Average power, assessed during the bench press throws, was determined for the starting segment and the end segment (point of bar release) for each throw. Comparisons in average power, for each segment of the bench press 1RM, were made between the pre- and postconditioning protocol bench press throws. None of the conditioning protocols had an effect on bench press throw performance in either of the 2 segments of the movement. The results suggest there is no performance advantage when explosive upper-body movement is preceded by resistance exercise of varying loads. Alternatively, the performance of a set of resistance exercise did not compromise explosive upper-body performance. Considering this, training methods that combine both resistance exercise and plyometric-like exercise may offer a practical and time-efficient training system.     

Effects of combination oral contraceptives on strength development in women athletes

This study was designed to investigate the effects of combination oral contraceptive agents (OCAs) on strength and torque production in collegiate women softball and water polo athletes who participated in a 12-week strength development program. A double-blind research design was used to mask subjects to the main outcome of interest. Thirty-one women collegiate softball and water polo players were divided into experimental (OCA users, n = 13), and control (non-OCA users, n = 18) groups. All subjects participated in the same supervised 12-week preseason strength development program. One-repetition maximum bench press (1RMBP), 10-repetition maximum leg extension (10RMLE), isokinetic peak torque bench press (IKBP), and isokinetic peak torque leg extension (IKLE) data were collected at weeks 0 (pre-test), 4, 8, and 12 (post-test). Significant increases in strength and torque production over time were identified regardless of group for 1RMBP, 10RMLE, and IKLE. No significant differences in IKBP torque production occurred during the 12-week strength training program. No significant differences in 1RMBP, 10RMLE, IKBP, or IKLE occurred between the OCA users and the non-OCA users groups. It was concluded that, within the limitations of the study, the use of combination OCAs did not provide sufficient androgenic effect to increase strength gains beyond the stimulus of the training protocol.     

Effects of 12-week medicine ball training on muscle strength and power in young female handball players

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of medicine ball training on the strength and power in young female handball athletes. Twenty-one young female handball players (age, 16.9 ± 1.2 years) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Experimental group (n = 11) participated in a 12-week medicine ball training program incorporated into the regular training session, whereas controls (n = 10) participated only in the regular training. Performance in the medicine ball throws in standing and sitting positions, 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench and shoulder press, and power test at 2 different loads (30 and 50% of 1RM) on bench and shoulder press were assessed at pre- and posttraining testing. The athletes participating in the medicine ball training program made significantly greater gains in all medicine ball throw tests compared with the controls (p < 0.01). Also, the experimental group made significantly greater gains in bench and shoulder press power than control group (p < 0.05). Both training groups (E) and (C) significantly (p < 0.05) increased 1RM bench and shoulder strength, with no differences observed between the groups. Additionally, medicine ball throw tests showed stronger correlation with power tests, than with 1RM tests. These data suggest that 12-week medicine ball training, when incorporated into a regular training session, can provide greater sport-specific training improvements in the upper body for young female handball players.     

Effect of twelve weeks of medicine ball training on high school baseball players

This study examined the effect of 12 weeks of medicine ball training on high school baseball players. Forty-nine baseball players (age 15.4 +/- 1.2 years) were randomly assigned using a stratified sampling technique to 1 of 2 groups. Group 1 (n = 24) and group 2 (n = 25) performed the same full-body resistance exercises according to a stepwise periodized model and took 100 bat swings a day, 3 days per week, with their normal game bat for 12 weeks. Group 2 performed additional rotational and full-body medicine ball exercises 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-testing consisted of a 3 repetition maximum (RM) dominant and nondominant torso rotational strength and sequential hip-torso-arm rotational strength (medicine ball hitter's throw). A 3RM parallel squat and bench press were measured at 0 and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of training. Although both groups made statistically significant increases (p < or = 0.05) in dominant (10.5 vs. 17.1%) and nondominant (10.2 vs. 18.3%) torso rotational strength and the medicine ball hitter's throw (3.0 vs. 10.6%), group 2 showed significantly greater increases in all 3 variables than group 1. Furthermore, both groups made significant increases in predicted 1RM parallel squat and bench press after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of training; however, there were no differences between groups. These data indicate that performing a 12-week medicine ball training program in addition to a stepwise periodized resistance training program with bat swings provided greater sport-specific training improvements in torso rotational and sequential hip-torso-arm rotational strength for high school baseball players.