Date of Award

8-2026

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Health Science

Committee Chair(s)

Brennan Thompson

Committee

Brennan Thompson

Committee

Talin Louder

Committee

Al Duncan

Abstract

This study’s purpose was to explore the correlations between peak velocity in a rotational throw with a medicine ball, peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) in an isometric mid-thigh pull, time to failure in a plank test, and peak velocity in a sword thrust task, which was also tested for reliability. Twenty-seven recreationally trained male participants between the ages of 18-35 completed the study. The sword thrust task was significantly correlated with the medicine ball throw (p = 0.012, r = 0.475, r² = 0.226, 95% CI [0.724, 0.116]) and PF (p = 0.045, r = 0.388, r² = 0.150, 95% CI [0.67, 0.01]), but not to RFD (p = 0.711 and 0.478), or the plank test (p = 0.759). Prior experience with rotational sports was significantly correlated with the rotational medicine ball throw peak velocity (p = 0.005, r = 0.526, r² = 0.277, 95% CI [ 0.182, 0.755]) and with the sword thrust task (p = 0.018, r = 0.435, r² = 0.205, 95% CI [0.711, 0.088]). The results indicated high reliability, with an ICC (3,1) of 0.911. The standard error of measurement (SEM) was 1.677 m/s, and the minimal difference (MD) was 4.647 m/s. These relationships may be the result of common physiological requirements for both the medicine ball and sword thrust tasks. The associations found in this study alongside historical evidence point toward the possibility that the ancient Greeks were aware of the trend that better discus throwers were also better warriors.

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