Effectiveness of the Throwers Ten Program in enhancing shoulder muscle strength and grip strength in cricket players: A pre-post experimental study

Cricket is a repeated upper limb use sport, particularly in throwing, batting, and bowling. It may cause muscle imbalance, poor shoulder control, and weakened grip strength. The shoulder joint especially among cricket players is predisposed to injury due to repetitive overhead movements and poor muscle coordination. The "Thrower’s Ten Exercise Program" is a strengthening protocol designed specifically for overhead athletes to enhance shoulder muscle strength, joint stability, and performance. It targets key muscles such as the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers through resistance bands and body-weight-based exercises. Although this program is widely used in sports like baseball and volleyball, limited research exists on its effectiveness in cricket players, particularly in enhancing both shoulder and grip strength simultaneously. This research aims to evaluate the effect of the Thrower’s Ten Exercise Program on cricket players by assessing changes in shoulder and grip strength before and after an 8-week intervention. Approximately 40 male cricket players aged 18–25 years will be approached for recruitment. Shoulder muscle strength will be evaluated using a Handheld Dynamometer (HHD), participants will perform isometric contractions of key shoulder movements, such as internal and external rotation, and peak force will be recorded in kilograms. Grip strength will be measured using a Jamar Grip Strength Dynamometer, participants will squeeze the device maximally with each hand, and the highest reading from three trials will be recorded. Pre- and post-intervention values will be compared to determine the program’s effectiveness. There are no anticipated risks or harm associated with the exercise program. All procedures will be carried out under professional supervision, and ethical standards will be followed throughout the study.