Physical fitness factors affecting swing velocity in collegiate male baseball players using multiple regression analysis

Abstract

For baseball players, bat swing velocity (SV) is one of the important factors. In previous studies, the medicine ball back throw (MBBT), medicine ball side throw (MBST), fat fee mass and grip strength have each been reported as index associated with SV. However, the best factors that influence SV are not clear. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between SV, height, body mass, fat free mass index (FFMI), MBBT, MBST and hand grip strength in collegiate male baseball players using multiple regression analysis. Measurements were performed on 63 collegiate male baseball players on two separate days; height, body mass, FFMI, SV and grip strength were measured on day 1, and MBBT and MBST were measured on day 2. The results of this study showed significant correlations with SV in all index (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis was performed using the index for which significant correlations were found, height (p = 0.035), FFMI (p = 0.036) and MBBT (p = 0.005) were strongly associated with SV, suggesting that they are useful morphometrics and field tests, as well as important factors for increasing SV. The multiple regression equation to predict SV (Y) was Y = -9.133+0.396 × Height-0.077 × Body mass + 1.904 × FFMI + 0.014 × MBBT + 0.002 × MBST -0.067 × Grip strength, giving a coefficient of determination of 0.493.