A medicine ball (also known as an exercise ball, a med ball, or a fitness ball) is a weighted ball whose diameter is about a shoulder-width (approx. 350 mm (13.7 in)), often used for rehabilitation and strength training.[1] The medicine ball also serves an important role in the field of sports medicine to improve strength and neuromuscular coordination.[2] It is distinct from the inflated exercise ball, which is much lighter and larger (up to 910 mm (36 in) diameter).
Medicine balls are usually sold as 1–11 kg (2–25 lb) balls and are used effectively in ballistic training to increase explosive power in athletes in all sports, e.g. throwing the medicine ball or jumping whilst holding it.[3] Some medicine balls are up to 360 mm (14 in) in diameter and up to 6 kg (14 lb) weight, or in the form of weighted basketballs.
- ^ "Medicine ball". Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved 20 February 2014.
- ^ Davies, George; Riemann, Bryan L.; Manske, Robert (November 2015). "Current Concepts of Plyometric Exercise". International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 10 (6): 760–786. ISSN 2159-2896. PMC 4637913. PMID 26618058.
- ^ Hartmann, Hagen; Wirth, Klaus; Keiner, Michael; Mickel, Christoph; Sander, Andre; Szilvas, Elena (October 2015). "Short-term Periodization Models: Effects on Strength and Speed-strength Performance". Sports Medicine. 45 (10). Auckland, N.Z.: 1373–1386. doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0355-2. ISSN 1179-2035. PMID 26133514. S2CID 26442001.