Reyes, C., Browder, K., & Dolny, D. (2006). Acute effects of various weighted bat warm-up protocols on baseball bat velocity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 38(5), Supplement abstract 1617.

"The popular use of weighted bats prior to hitting a baseball is predicated on the “kinesthetic illusion” of perceived faster swing velocity with the standard bat. This concept is also supported by the strength training practice of complex training. Heavy resistance exercises alternated with lighter, more explosive exercises has provided evidence of increased power. However, the optimal order of weighted bat warm-up on subsequent baseball bat velocity has not been identified". This study determined the optimal order of various weighted bat warm-up protocols to enhance bat velocity in collegiate baseball players (N = 20). Ss were tested for upper body strength. Nine weighted bat warm-up protocols, using three weighted bats (light = 795 g; standard = 852 g; heavy = 1,534 g) were swung six times each in different orders. Standard bat velocity was measured prior to and immediately following each warm-up protocol. Control treatment testing involved a warm-up protocol only with the standard bat.

A moderate but significant relationship between strength and pre-test bat velocity (r = 0.57) was revealed. There were no significant treatment effects of warm-up protocols on bat velocity.

Implication. The orders of using weighted and standard bats did not produce any significant differences in performance. [While the means of some orders were higher than others, they did not reach statistical significance. The authors allude to the order developing the highest mean as being meaningful, however it would be incorrect to make such an assertion in light of the statistical results.]

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