scholarly journals The Relationship Between Humeral Torsion and Arm Injury in Baseball Players: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Joshua K. Helmkamp ◽  
Garrett S. Bullock ◽  
Allison Rao ◽  
Ellen Shanley ◽  
Charles Thigpen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Competition Level ◽  
Humeral Torsion ◽  
The Relationship

Context: Humeral torsion (HT) has been linked to various injuries and benefits. However, the exact interplay between HT, shoulder range of motion (ROM), competition level differences, and injury risk is unclear. Objective: To determine the relationship between HT, ROM, and injury risk in baseball players. Secondarily, to determine HT based on competition level. Data Sources: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until November 4, 2018. Study Selection: Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) HT measurements and (2) arm injury or shoulder ROM. Study Design: Systematic review. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Data Extraction: Two reviewers recorded patient demographics, competition level, HT, shoulder ROM, and injury data. Results: A total of 32 studies were included. There was no difference between baseball players with shoulder and elbow injuries and noninjured players (side-to-side HT difference: mean difference [MD], 1.75 [95% CI, –1.83 to 2.18]; dominant arm: MD, 0.17 [95% CI, –1.83 to 2.18]). Meta-regression determined that for every 1° increase in shoulder internal rotation (IR), there was a subsequent increase of 0.65° in HT (95% CI, 0.28 to 1.02). HT did not explain external rotation (ER ROM: 0.19 [95% CI, –0.24 to 0.61]) or horizontal adduction (HA ROM: 0.18 [95% CI, –0.46 to 0.82]). There were no differences between HT at the high school, college, or professional levels. Conclusion: No relationship was found between HT and injury risk. However, HT explained 65% of IR ROM but did not explain ER ROM or HA ROM. There were no differences in HT pertaining to competition level. The majority of IR may be nonmodifiable. Treatment to restore and maintain clinical IR may be important, especially in players with naturally greater torsion. HT adaptation may occur prior to high school, which can assist in decisions regarding adolescent baseball participation.

scholarly journals Shoulder Range of Motion and Baseball Arm Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1190-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett S. Bullock ◽  
Mallory S. Faherty ◽  
Leila Ledbetter ◽  
Charles A. Thigpen ◽  
Timothy C. Sell
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Methodologic Quality ◽  
Arm Injuries

Objective Arm injuries in baseball players are a common problem. The identification of modifiable risk factors, including range of motion (ROM), is essential for injury prevention. The purpose of this review was to assess the methodologic quality and level of evidence in the literature and to investigate the relationship between shoulder ROM and the risk of arm injuries in baseball players. Data Sources Relevant studies in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and SPORTDiscus published from inception to August 1, 2017. Study Selection Only studies that encompassed healthy baseball cohorts who were assessed for shoulder ROM and prospectively evaluated for injuries throughout a baseball season or seasons were included. Data Extraction Six articles met the search criteria. Only 3 studies were included in the meta-analysis due to disparate participant groups. Data Synthesis The modified Downs and Black scale (0–15 points) was used to analyze methodologic quality. Study quality ranged from 11 to 14. Four studies received high-quality (≥12) and 2 studies received moderate-quality (≥10) scores. The overall pooled analysis demonstrated that absolute and internal-rotation deficits (–5.93 [95% confidence interval {CI} = –9.43, –2.43], P < .001 and 4.28 [0.71, 7.86], P = .02, respectively) and absolute total ROM (TROM; –6.19 [95% CI = –10.28, –2.10]; P = .003) were predictors of injury, and these data exhibited homogeneity (absolute IR P value = .77, I2 = 0%; IR deficit P value = .41, I2 = 0%; absolute TROM P value = .78, I2 = 0%). No significance was observed for absolute external rotation (–2.86 [95% CI = –6.56, 0.83], P = .13), which had data with high heterogeneity (P = .003; I2 = 83%). A deficit in horizontal adduction was a predictor of injury (–8.32 [95% CI = –12.08, –4.56]; P < .001); these data were homogeneous but yielded a moderate heterogenic effect (P = .16; I2 = 50%). Conclusions High-quality evidence demonstrated that deficits in throwing-arm TROM and IR were associated with upper extremity injury in baseball players. Heterogeneity across studies for horizontal adduction suggested that this may be a modifiable risk factor for injury, but it requires further research.

Effect of Forearm Position on Glenohumeral External Rotation Measurements in Baseball Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110329
Author(s):  
W. Ben Kibler ◽  
Aaron Sciascia ◽  
John Stuart Mattison Pike ◽  
Michael Howell ◽  
Kevin E. Wilk
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Minor League Baseball ◽  
Minor League ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Motion Measurements ◽  
Throwing Motion

Background: Alterations in glenohumeral internal rotation (GIR), glenohumeral external rotation (GER), and the total arc of motion (TAM) have been linked with increased injury risk in the shoulder and elbow. These motions have been routinely measured with the forearm in neutral rotation (GIRN, GERN, TAMN). GER capacity appears to be especially important. The throwing motion, however, requires forearm pronation as GER occurs to achieve optimal cocking (GERP). No previous studies have evaluated GERP to determine GER capacity or pronated TAM (TAMP) values. Hypothesis: There would be significant differences between GERN and TAMN and between GERP and TAMP. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Sixty asymptomatic male Minor League Baseball players (32 pitchers, 28 position players) participated in the study and were tested on the first day of spring training. Passive range of motion measurements were recorded using a long-arm bubble goniometer for GIRN, GERN, and GERP on both arms. TAM was calculated separately as the sum of internal and external rotational measurements under neutral and pronated conditions. Results: Within pitchers and position players, all measurements were statistically reduced for the throwing arm ( P ≤ 0.03) except for GERN of the pitchers. GERP measures were significantly less than GERN for both arms of each group ( P < 0.01): pitchers throwing arm +11.8°/nonthrowing arm +4.8°, position players throwing arm = +8.6°/nonthrowing arm +4.0°. Conclusion: The forearm position of pronation, which appears to be mediated by tightness of the biceps, decreases GER capacity and TAM. GER and TAM should be calculated in neutral and pronated positions, considering that 80% of the players have a demonstrated difference between 8° and 12°. Clinical Relevance: Measurement of GERP more accurately reflects the GER required in throwing, allows better quantification of the motion capacity necessary to withstand the loads in throwing, and may suggest interventions for at risk athletes.

Chronic Workload, Subjective Arm Health, and Throwing Injury in High School Baseball Players: 3-Year Retrospective Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110551
Author(s):  
Sameer Mehta ◽  
Sisi Tang ◽  
Chamith Rajapakse ◽  
Scott Juzwak ◽  
Brittany Dowling
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
School Level ◽  
High School Level ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
Retrospective Data Analysis ◽  
Injury Occurrence ◽  
Throwing Injury

Background: Baseball workloads are monitored by pitch counts, appearances, innings per appearance, ball velocity, and distance, whereas current workload standards neglect throws made during nongame situations. The association between total workloads, subjective measures, and injury in baseball is poorly understood. The question remains whether baseball athletes are at higher risk of injury by throwing more often or if they generate injury resilience when appropriately transitioned into the higher demands of throwing. Hypothesis: Increased chronic load, along with subjective arm health measures, are related to decreased injury risk. Study Design: Clinical research. Level of evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 49 male baseball players (age 17.9 ± 0.4 years, height 181.8 ± 6.8 cm, body mass 80.6 ± 9.1 kg) competing at the varsity high school level were included in this 3-year retrospective data analysis from 2016 to 2019. Players wore the motusTHROW sleeve and sensor during all throwing activities. Results: A total of 898,492 throws and 9455 athletic exposures were captured with the motusTHROW sensors. There were 24 injuries recorded throughout the 3-year analysis, with 11 throwing-related and 13 non–throwing related injuries. Results of the 1-way analysis of variance found chronic load was significantly related to throwing-injury occurrence ( P < 0.01). Six of the throwing-related injuries occurred when athletes had a chronic load greater than 11.3, marking 75th percentile across all observations. There was a relationship between arm health and throwing arm–related injury occurrence ( P < 0.01). Higher chronic load was associated with increased throwing-related injuries even when adjusted for arm health ( P = 0.01). Specifically, injuries were more likely to occur in pitchers (either as a combination player or pitcher only) with a chronic load greater than 9.2. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant relationship between chronic load, subjective arm health, and throwing-related injury in varsity high school baseball players. Contrary to our hypothesis, increased chronic load was associated with increased injury risk. However, subjective arm health measures remain a relevant factor in assessing injury risk. Normative data for this population also provide key information around positional demands along with overall demands of the sport during the competitive season and off-season.

scholarly journals Differences in Passive Shoulder Range of Motion Between Baseball Players With Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Matched Healthy Controls

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712110007
Author(s):  
J. Craig Garrison ◽  
Joseph P. Hannon ◽  
John E. Conway
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ◽  
Shoulder Range

Background: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is becoming more recognized as a diagnosis in the throwing athlete. Currently, there is limited information on the clinical presentation and development of nTOS in baseball players. Purpose: To compare passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) and anatomic humeral retrotorsion (HRT) of baseball players diagnosed with nTOS with a group of healthy, matched controls. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 53 adolescent baseball players diagnosed with nTOS (age, 17.2 ± 2.3 years; height, 180.9 ± 10.1 cm; weight, 80.0 ± 13.3 kg) were compared with 53 healthy baseball players (age, 17.2 ± 2.4 years; height, 183.9 ± 9.0 cm; weight, 83.8 ± 11.5 kg). Participants were measured for shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) ROM and HRT. All measurements were taken bilaterally, and the differences (throwing to nonthrowing arm) were used to calculate mean values for glenohumeral internal rotation difference, glenohumeral external rotation difference (GERD), total rotational motion difference (TRMdiff), and anatomic humeral retrotorsion difference. Group comparisons were made between the nTOS and control players using multivariate analysis of variance, and descriptive comparisons were made with independent t tests. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in age, height, weight, or years of experience. Players in the nTOS group had significantly less throwing arm ER compared with controls (103.4° ± 10.4° vs 109.6° ± 7.5°, respectively; P = .001) and GERD (3.0° ± 9.2° vs 8.8° ± 9.2°, respectively; P = .002). TRMdiff was significantly greater in nTOS (–11.1° ± 11.1°) than in controls (–3.7° ± 9.4°) ( P < .001). Conclusion: In the current study, adolescent baseball players diagnosed with nTOS were evaluated with shoulder ROM differences when compared with a matched healthy cohort. A loss of throwing arm ER appeared to be the main factor behind shoulder ROM changes in the nTOS group.

Changes in Throwing Arm Mechanics at Increased Throwing Distances During Structured Long-Toss

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (12) ◽  
pp. 3002-3006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Michael P. McNally ◽  
Walter A. Laughlin ◽  
James A. Onate
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Inertial Sensor ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Return To Play ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation ◽  
Throw Distance

Background: Elbow injuries among adolescent baseball players have been outpacing those of college and professional players. In attempts to prevent injuries and maximize return-to-play potential following injury, attention has been focused on “return to throw” programs, which include long-toss throws. Because the few studies that were conducted on long-toss throwing focused primarily on college-aged athletes, it is not known what type of load is incurred at the elbow during interval throwing progression among high school baseball players. Purpose: To quantify the change in arm slot, arm speed, shoulder external rotation, and elbow varus torque across increasing throwing distances within a given athlete. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Ninety-five high school baseball players performed a long-toss protocol while wearing an inertial sensor and sleeve. Each participant was tested for 5 throws at distances of 9 m, 18 m, 27 m, 37 m, and 46 m. Linear mixed-effects models and likelihood ratio tests were used to estimate the within-participant relationship between throw distance and arm slot, arm speed, shoulder external rotation, and elbow varus torque. Results: Arm slot ( P < .01), arm speed ( P < .01), shoulder external rotation ( P < .01), and elbow varus torque ( P < .01) were significantly associated with long-toss throw distance. As the throw distance increased, there was an increase in arm speed and shoulder external rotation and a decrease in arm slot for each distance. However, elbow varus torque increased with each distance up to 37 m and then remained the same at 46 m. Conclusion: The use of longer distances for conditioning and rehabilitation may be beneficial in increasing shoulder range of motion and arm speed; however, precaution needs to be taken, as throwing longer distances are accompanied by an increase in arm rotation, arm speed, and elbow torque, with a decrease in arm slot. Clinical Relevance: Return-to-throw programs have been utilized by sports medicine clinicians and coaches to help guide a player during rehabilitation. These programs involve throwing at increased efforts through increased distances with no immediate feedback on elbow stress. This investigation describes arm biomechanical changes during submaximum interval throwing and demonstrates a tool that can be utilized to measure arm stress in real time for clinicians and athletes progressing through an interval throwing program.

scholarly journals The relationship between physical fitness attributes and sports injury in female, team ball sport players: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica B. Farley ◽  
Lily M. Barrett ◽  
Justin W. L. Keogh ◽  
Carl T. Woods ◽  
Nikki Milne
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Body Composition ◽  
Physical Fitness ◽  
Sports Injury ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Data Synthesis ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Understanding the relationships between physical fitness characteristics and sports injury may assist with the development of injury minimisation programs. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the association between physical fitness attributes and sports injury in female, team ball sport players. Methods Four scientific databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus) and reference lists of relevant research were searched for eligible studies up to September 2, 2019. Full-text articles examining the relationship between physical fitness and sports injury in female, team ball sport players were included. A modified Downs and Black checklist was used to assess methodological quality. Data synthesis determined summary conclusions based on the number of significant relationships divided by the total relationships investigated and reported as a percentage. Level of certainty was identified for summary conclusions based on level of evidence. Sub-analyses regarding competition level, age, and single injury types were also conducted. Results A total of 44 studies were included. Data synthesis revealed no associations (low to moderate certainty) between body composition (1/9; 11%), flexibility (18–20%), and balance (2/8; 25%) and ‘any injury’ classification. No associations (mostly of moderate certainty) were found between flexibility (0–27%), muscular strength (0–27%), and body composition (14–33%) and various body region injury classifications, whereas mixed summary conclusions were shown for balance (0-48%). Many associations between physical fitness and sports injury were deemed ‘unknown’ or with an insufficient level of certainty. Sub-analyses revealed no association between strength and noncontact ACL injuries (0/5; 0%) or ankle sprains (0/12; 0%), and between flexibility and ankle sprains (1/5; 20%); however, insufficient certainty of these results exists. Clear associations were concluded between balance and lower body injuries in female, non-elite (10/16; 63%) and junior (9/12; 75%) team ball sport players, with moderate and insufficient certainty of these results, respectively. Conclusion Limited evidence is available to demonstrate relationships between physical fitness and sports injury in female, team ball sport players. High-quality evidence investigating the multifactorial nature of sports injury, including the interactions physical fitness qualities have with other injury determinants, is needed to better understand the role of physical fitness in minimising sports injuries in female, team ball sport players. Trial Registration CRD42017077374 (PROSPERO on September 14, 2017).

scholarly journals Hip Range of Motion and Strength and Energy Flow During Windmill Softball Pitching

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen D. Oliver ◽  
Kyle Wasserberger ◽  
Anne de Swart ◽  
Kenzie Friesen ◽  
Jessica Downs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Energy Flow ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Net Energy ◽  
Acceleration Phase ◽  
Hip Range Of Motion ◽  
Flow Through ◽  
The Relationship

Context Inadequate hip range of motion (ROM) and isometric strength (ISO) may interfere with energy flow through the kinetic chain and result in increased injury susceptibility. Objective To examine the relationship of hip ROM and ISO with energy flow through the trunk and pitching-arm segments during the windmill softball pitch in youth athletes. A subsequent purpose was to examine the relationship between energy flow and pitch speed. Design Descriptive laboratory study. Setting University research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants A sample of 29 youth softball pitchers (age = 11.2 ± 1.3 years, height = 155.0 ± 10.4 cm, mass = 53.2 ± 12.6 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s) Bilateral hip internal-rotation and external-rotation (ER) ROM and ISO were measured. Net energy outflow and peak rates of energy outflow from the distal ends of the trunk, humerus, and forearm were calculated for the acceleration phase of the windmill softball pitch, and pitch speed was measured. Results Regression analysis revealed an effect of drive-hip ER ISO on the net energy flow out of the distal ends of the trunk (P = .045) and humerus (P = .002). Specifically, increased drive-hip ER ISO was associated with increased net energy outflow from the trunk to the humerus and from the humerus to the forearm. No significant effects of hip ROM or other hip ISO measures were observed. Additionally, pitchers who achieved higher peak rates of distal outflow tended to achieve higher pitch speeds. Conclusions An association was present between drive-hip ER ISO and the net energy flow out of the distal ends of the trunk and humerus during the acceleration phase of the windmill softball pitch, emphasizing the importance of hip and lower body strength in executing the whole-body windmill pitch. Overall, energy-flow analysis is an interesting new way to analyze pitching mechanics and will aid in furthering our understanding of performance and injury risk in windmill softball pitching.

scholarly journals Daily Players’ Satisfaction with Pitching Performance Could Predict Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High-school Baseball Pitchers: A Prospective Time-to-event Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
Tsuyoshi Sasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Event Study ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Time To Event ◽  
Elbow Injury ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Characteristics Analysis ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract The relationship between baseball pitchers’ satisfaction with their own performance and the incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries is unclear. We analyzed the relationship between daily satisfaction scores before injury and incidence of shoulder/elbow injury in high-school baseball pitchers in this prospective, time-to-event study. We collected baseline data on baseball experience, height, weight, elbow and shoulder range of motion, and shoulder muscle strength. The 108 enrolled participants aged 15-17 years were divided into satisfied (88) and unsatisfied (22) groups based on the Receiver operating characteristics analysis results that revealed the cutoff value to be 4 points. The incidence of injury was 10.2% and 50.0% in the satisfied and unsatisfied groups, respectively. We observed that high-school baseball pitchers with a low satisfaction significantly increased the risk of shoulder and elbow injuries: these players had a 7.3-times greater risk of injuries and a 1.9-times earlier occurrence of injuries than pitchers who are satisfied with their performance. High-school baseball pitchers who had low satisfaction with their pitching performance had higher risk of shoulder and elbow injuries and lower time to injury than satisfied pitchers. Daily evaluation of players’ self-satisfaction could predict shoulder and elbow injuries in high-school baseball pitchers.

scholarly journals The Impact of Workload on the Evolution of Hip Internal and External Rotation in Professional Baseball Players Over the Course of the Season

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711775210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L. Camp ◽  
John M. Zajac ◽  
Dave Pearson ◽  
Dean Wang ◽  
Alec S. Sinatro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
External Rotation ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hip Range Of Motion ◽  
Hip Motion ◽  
Hip Internal Rotation ◽  
Loss Of Motion ◽  
The Impact

Background: Although restricted hip range of motion (ROM) is associated with an increased risk for injuries in baseball players, the evolution of hip ROM over the season remains undefined. Hypothesis: Hip ROM profiles would be symmetric between hips and positions (pitchers vs position players) but would decrease from preseason to postseason. Additionally, it was hypothesized that this decrease in motion would correlate with workload. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Bilateral hip ROM was assessed in 96 professional baseball players (54 pitchers, 42 position players) preseason and postseason. ROM comparisons were made between lead and trailing hips, pitchers and position players, and preseason and postseason measures. The change from preseason to postseason was correlated with player demographics and measures of workload for pitchers and position players. Results: Preseason hip ROM was symmetric between hips; however, pitchers demonstrated increased preseason lead hip internal rotation (IR) ( P = .018) and bilateral hip total ROM (TROM) ( P < .020) compared with position players. From preseason to postseason, position players lost 7° of external rotation (ER) ( P ≤ .005 ). In pitchers, the loss of IR correlated with increased pitches ( P = .016) and innings ( P = .037), while the loss of ER ( P = .005 ) and TROM ( P = .014) correlated with increasing mean fastball velocity. Workload for position players did not correlate with motion loss. Conclusion: Symmetric hip ROM profiles should be anticipated in baseball players; however, pitchers may have increased preseason IR and TROM and postseason ER and TROM relative to position players. Although loss of motion correlated with workload in pitchers, this was not the case for position players. Hip motion should be monitored over the course of the season. This is particularly true for pitchers who lose IR as workload increases, which may place them at a greater risk for injuries.

Upper Extremity and Hip Range of Motion Changes Throughout a Season in Professional Baseball Players

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 481-487
Author(s):  
Justin M. Chan ◽  
John Zajac ◽  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
David W. Altchek ◽  
Christopher Camp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Significant Risk Factor ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Shoulder Flexion

Background: Loss of upper and lower extremity range of motion (ROM) is a significant risk factor for injuries in professional baseball players. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to determine changes in ROM in professional baseball players over the course of a single season and their careers. We hypothesized that pitchers and position players would lose ROM, specifically total shoulder motion (total ROM [TROM]) and hip internal rotation (IR), over the course of a season and their careers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Upper and lower extremity ROM measurements were recorded during pre-, mid-, and postseason on all professional baseball players for a single organization between 2011 and 2018. ROM measurements were compared for pitchers and position players over the course of the season and their careers. Also, ROM measurements over the pre-, mid-, and postseason were compared between pitchers and position players. Results: A total of 166 professional baseball players (98 pitchers, 68 position players) were included. Pitcher hip external rotation (ER; P < .001), IR ( P = .010), and TROM ( P < .001) for lead and trail legs decreased over the course of the season. Pitcher shoulder ER ( P = .005), TROM ( P = .042), and horizontal adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder flexion ( P = .046), hip ER ( P < .001, lead leg; P < .001, trail leg), and hip TROM ( P = .001; P = .002) decreased over the course of the season. Position player shoulder ER ( P = .031) and humeral adduction ( P < .001) significantly increased over the course of the season. Over the course of pitchers’ careers, there was decreased shoulder IR ( P = .014), increased shoulder horizontal adduction ( P < .001), and hip IR ( P = .042) and hip TROM ( P = .027) for the lead leg. Position players experienced loss of hip TROM ( P = .010, lead leg; P = .018, trail leg) over the course of their careers. Pitchers started with and maintained more shoulder ER and gained more shoulder TROM over a season as compared with position players. Conclusion: Pitchers and position players saw overall decreases in hip ROM but increases in shoulder ROM over the course of the season and career.

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