Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Muscle Imbalances: Testing and Training Functional Eccentric Hamstring Strength in Athletic Populations
Published on: May 1, 2018
Correlation Between Muscle Strength, Swing Speed, Batting Statistics, and Body Composition Parameters in High School
Kenta Suzuki1, Yasuaki Mizoguchi1,2, Fumihiko Kimura1
1Department of Rehabilitation, Kimura Orthopedic Clinic, Saitama, Japan.
Abstract:
Suzuki, K, Mizoguchi, Y, Kimura, F, Fujisaki, K, Yokoyama, D, Hall, T, and Akasaka, K. Correlation between muscle strength, swing speed, batting statistics, and body composition parameters in high school baseball players: a retrospective observational study. J Strength Cond Res 39(2): e135-e141, 2025-Body composition has emerged as a pivotal factor influencing baseball player performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between muscle strength, swing speed, batting statistics, and body composition in high school baseball players. This retrospective study evaluated 29 high school baseball players included critical parameters related to body composition (body fat percentage, lean body mass [LBM], fat mass index [FMI], and fat-free mass index [FFMI]), muscle strength (bench press, squat, deadlift), batting statistics (batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging), and swing speed. These metrics were gathered using a body composition analyzer (Omron HBF-701; Omron Healthcare Co., Kyoto, Japan). After the correlation analysis with body composition, a subsequent multivariate analysis was conducted. Multivariate regression analysis identified LBM ( p < 0.05, p < 0.01) as a significant predictor for bench press and swing speed, FFMI for squat ( p < 0.01), and FMI for deadlift ( p < 0.05). No significant association was found between body composition and batting statistics. Lean body mass has been identified as an important contributing factor to swing speed, suggesting the need for body composition management among high school baseball players and coaches to enhance performance and functionality. However, no association was found between batting statistics and body composition. Therefore, it is suggested that high school baseball players prioritize the development of technical skills over swing speed and muscle strength to improve batting statistics.
Related Concept Videos
Coefficient of Correlation
If you suspect a linear relationship between x and y, then r can measure how strong the linear relationship is.
What the VALUE of r tells us:
The value of r is always between –1 and +1: –1 ≤ r ≤ 1.
The size of the correlation r indicates the...
Exercise and Muscle Performance
Endurance exercises
Endurance exercises involve running, swimming, or cycling, which require repetitive movements with low force output. When a person engages in endurance exercise, a few noticeable changes occur in their skeletal muscles. For instance, the number of capillaries...

