scholarly journals The Effect of Straight-Line Long-Toss Versus Ultra-Long-Toss Throwing on Passive Glenohumeral Range of Motion Recovery After Pitching

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812098001
Author(s):  
T. David Luo ◽  
Aaron D. Sciascia ◽  
Austin V. Stone ◽  
Chukwuweike U. Gwam ◽  
Christopher A. Grimes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Right Hand ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

Background: Repetitive throwing in baseball pitchers can lead to pathologic changes in shoulder anatomy, range of motion (notably glenohumeral internal rotation deficit), and subsequent injury; however, the ideal strengthening, recovery, and maintenance protocol of the throwing shoulder in baseball remains unclear. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are straight-line long-toss (SLT) throwing and ultra-long-toss (ULT) throwing, although neither is preferentially supported by empirical data. Hypothesis: ULT will be more effective in returning baseline internal rotation as compared with SLT in collegiate pitchers after a pitching session. Study Design: Cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 24 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball pitchers with mean age 20.0 ± 1.1 years were randomized to either the ULT group (n = 13; 9 right-hand dominant, 4 left-hand dominant) or SLT group (n = 11; 10 right-hand dominant, 1 left-hand dominant). Measurements (dominant and nondominant, 90° abducted external rotation [ER], internal rotation [IR], and total range of motion [TROM]) were taken at 5 time points across 3 days: before and immediately after a standardized bullpen session on day 1; before and immediately after a randomized standardized ULT or SLT session on day 2; and before practice on Day 3. Results: ULT demonstrated significantly greater final ER compared with baseline (+10°; P = 0.05), but did not demonstrate significant IR changes. Similarly, SLT demonstrated significantly greater post-SLT ER (+12°; P = 0.02) and TROM (+12°; P = 0.01) compared with baseline, but no significant IR changes. Final ER measurements were similar between ULT (135° ± 14°) and SLT (138° ± 10°) ( P = 0.59). There was also no statistically significant difference in final IR between ULT (51° ± 14°) and SLT (56° ± 8°) ( P = 0.27). Conclusion: The routine use of postperformance, ULT throwing to recover from range of motion alterations, specifically IR loss, after a pitching session is not superior to standard, SLT throwing. Based on these findings, the choice of postpitching recovery throwing could be player specific based on experience and comfort. Clinical Relevance: The most effective throwing regimens for enhancing performance and reducing residual impairment are unclear, and ideal recovery and maintenance protocols are frequently debated with little supporting data. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are SLT and ULT throwing. These are employed to help maintain range of motion and limit IR loss in pitchers. The routine use of ULT throwing for recovery and to limit range of motion alterations after a pitching session is not superior to SLT throwing.

scholarly journals An MRI-Based Patient-Specific Computational Framework for the Calculation of Range of Motion of Total Hip Replacements

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2852
Author(s):  
Maeruan Kebbach ◽  
Christian Schulze ◽  
Christian Meyenburg ◽  
Daniel Kluess ◽  
Mevluet Sungu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Computational Framework ◽  
Total Hip ◽  
Total Hip Replacements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Hip Replacements

The calculation of range of motion (ROM) is a key factor during preoperative planning of total hip replacements (THR), to reduce the risk of impingement and dislocation of the artificial hip joint. To support the preoperative assessment of THR, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based computational framework was generated; this enabled the estimation of patient-specific ROM and type of impingement (bone-to-bone, implant-to-bone, and implant-to-implant) postoperatively, using a three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) to visualize typical clinical joint movements. Hence, patient-specific CAD models from 19 patients were generated from MRI scans and a conventional total hip system (Bicontact® hip stem and Plasmacup® SC acetabular cup with a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing) was implanted virtually. As a verification of the framework, the ROM was compared between preoperatively planned and the postoperatively reconstructed situations; this was derived based on postoperative radiographs (n = 6 patients) during different clinically relevant movements. The data analysis revealed there was no significant difference between preoperatively planned and postoperatively reconstructed ROM (∆ROM) of maximum flexion (∆ROM = 0°, p = 0.854) and internal rotation (∆ROM = 1.8°, p = 0.917). Contrarily, minor differences were observed for the ROM during maximum external rotation (∆ROM = 9°, p = 0.046). Impingement, of all three types, was in good agreement with the preoperatively planned and postoperatively reconstructed scenarios during all movements. The calculated ROM reached physiological levels during flexion and internal rotation movement; however, it exceeded physiological levels during external rotation. Patients, where implant-to-implant impingement was detected, reached higher ROMs than patients with bone-to-bone impingement. The proposed framework provides the capability to predict postoperative ROM of THRs.

Measurement of Glenohumeral Internal Rotation in Asymptomatic Tennis Players and Swimmers

2009 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1017-1023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Rangel Torres ◽  
João Luiz Ellera Gomes
Keyword(s):  
Internal Rotation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Overhead Sports ◽  
The Difference

Background Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, often diagnosed in players of overhead sports, has been associated with the development of secondary shoulder lesions. Hypothesis Asymptomatic players of different overhead sports will exhibit variable degrees of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Fifty-four asymptomatic male volunteers (108 shoulders) divided into 3 groups (tennis players, swimmers, control group) underwent measurements of glenohumeral internal and external rotation using clinical examination with scapular stabilization. Measurements of dominant and nondominant shoulders were compared within and between groups. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) was defined as the difference in internal rotation between the nondominant and dominant shoulders. Results In tennis players, mean GIRD was 23.9° ± 8.4° (P < .001); in swimmers, 12° ± 6.8° (P < .001); and in the control group, 4.9° ± 7.4° (P = .035). Dominant shoulders showed significant difference between all groups, and the difference in internal rotation of the dominant shoulder between the group of tennis players in comparison with the control group (27.6°, P < .001) was greater than the difference in internal rotation of the dominant shoulder found in the group of swimmers compared with the control group (17.9°, P < .001). Between tennis players and swimmers, the difference in internal rotation of the dominant shoulder was 9.7° (P = .002). Conclusion Dominant limbs showed less glenohumeral internal rotation than the nondominant limbs in all groups, with the deficit in the group of tennis players about twice the deficit found for swimmers. Mean difference between limbs in the control group was less than 5°, which is within normal parameters according to most studies. There were statistically significant differences between all groups when dominant shoulders were compared with each other, differences that were not compensated by external rotation gain. Tennis players had the least range of motion, followed by swimmers.

Descriptive Profile of Hip Rotation Range of Motion in Elite Tennis Players and Professional Baseball Pitchers

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1371-1376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd S. Ellenbecker ◽  
Gail A. Ellenbecker ◽  
E. Paul Roetert ◽  
Rogerio Teixeira Silva ◽  
Greg Keuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Hip Joint ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Hip Rotation ◽  
Bilateral Difference

Background Repetitive loading to the hip joint in athletes has been reported as a factor in the development of degenerative joint disease and intra-articular injury. Little information is available on the bilateral symmetry of hip rotational measures in unilaterally dominant upper extremity athletes. Hypothesis Side-to-side differences in hip joint range of motion may be present because of asymmetrical loading in the lower extremities of elite tennis players and professional baseball pitchers. Study Design Cohort (cross-sectional) study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 1. Methods Descriptive measures of hip internal and external rotation active range of motion were taken in the prone position of 64 male and 83 female elite tennis players and 101 male professional baseball pitchers using digital photos and computerized angle calculation software. Bilateral differences in active range of motion between the dominant and nondominant hip were compared using paired t tests and Bonferroni correction for hip internal, external, and total rotation range of motion. A Pearson correlation test was used to test the relationship between years of competition and hip rotation active range of motion. Results No significant bilateral difference (P > .005) was measured for mean hip internal or external rotation for the elite tennis players or the professional baseball pitchers. An analysis of the number of subjects in each group with a bilateral difference in hip rotation greater than 10° identified 17% of the professional baseball pitchers with internal rotation differences and 42% with external rotation differences. Differences in the elite male tennis players occurred in only 15% of the players for internal rotation and 9% in external rotation. Female subjects had differences in 8% and 12% of the players for internal and external rotation, respectively. Statistical differences were found between the mean total arc of hip range of internal and external rotation in the elite tennis players with the dominant side being greater by a clinically insignificant mean value of 2.5°. Significantly less (P < .005) dominant hip internal rotation and less dominant and nondominant hip total rotation range of motion were found in the professional baseball pitchers compared with the elite male tennis players. Conclusion This study established typical range of motion patterns and identified bilaterally symmetric hip active range of motion rotation values in elite tennis players and professional baseball pitchers. Asymmetric hip joint rotational active range of motion encountered during clinical examination and screening may indicate abnormalities and would indicate the application of flexibility training, rehabilitation, and further evaluation.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting the Outcomes of Arthroscopic Capsular Release for Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 232596711986762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed M. Rizvi ◽  
Ahmed J. Harisha ◽  
Patrick H. Lam ◽  
George A.C. Murrell
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Adhesive Capsulitis ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Frozen Shoulder ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Capsular Release ◽  
Arthroscopic Capsular Release

Background: Arthroscopic capsular release has been shown to provide excellent short- and long-term outcomes in patients with idiopathic frozen shoulder. Some surgeons delay surgery in the belief that operating in the early stages of adhesive capsulitis results in a poorer prognosis. However, it is unclear which factors, particularly the stage of the disorder, affect the surgical outcome of this procedure. Hypothesis: Patients who undergo capsular release during the early symptomatic stage of idiopathic adhesive capsulitis would have less improvement in range of motion compared with those who undergo surgery at a later stage. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 189 shoulders with idiopathic adhesive capsulitis that underwent arthroscopic capsular release were evaluated. All patients completed a L’Insalata questionnaire and had their range of motion and strength tested prior to surgery and at 1, 6, and 12 weeks and 6 months post–capsular release. Post hoc, patients were grouped by whether they had symptoms lasting <10 months (shorter symptoms group; n = 131) or ≥10 months (longer symptoms group; n = 38). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine which preoperative factors were independently associated with a favorable outcome. Results: Patients in the shorter symptoms group were more restricted prior to surgery than were those in the longer symptoms group (mean ± SEM: external rotation, 17° ± 2° vs 27° ± 4° [ P = .04]; abduction, 78° ± 3° vs 92° ± 6° [ P = .04]; internal rotation, S3 ± 1 vs S1 ± 1 [ P = .03]). The shorter symptoms group had greater postoperative improvement in internal rotation (from S3 ± 1 preoperatively to T12 ± 1 vertebral levels) compared with the longer symptoms cohort (from S1 ± 1 to L2 ± 1) ( P = .02). Conclusion: Patients with a frozen shoulder and a duration of symptoms <10 months made greater improvements in internal rotation and had similar final results for flexion, abduction, and external rotation following arthroscopic capsular release when compared with patients who had a longer duration of symptoms, so there is no reason to delay surgery.

Correlation of Range of Motion and Glenohumeral Translation in Professional Baseball Pitchers

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 1392-1399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Borsa ◽  
Kevin E. Wilk ◽  
Jon A. Jacobson ◽  
Jason S. Scibek ◽  
Geoffrey C. Dover ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Mobility Patterns ◽  
Anterior Translation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Posterior Translation ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Force Displacement

Background Altered mobility patterns in the throwing shoulders of professional baseball pitchers have been reported. Most published reports examining glenohumeral laxity have not used an objective testing device. Objective Quantify and compare glenohumeral translation and rotational range of motion between the throwing and non-throwing shoulders in professional baseball pitchers. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Force-displacement and range of motion measures were performed bilaterally on 43 asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure glenohumeral translations under stressed and unstressed conditions. Results No significant difference in translation was found between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders. For both shoulders, posterior translation (5.38 ± 2.7 mm) was significantly greater (P < .001) than was anterior translation (2.81 ± 1.6 mm). External rotation in the throwing shoulder was significantly greater than that in the nonthrowing shoulder (P < .001), whereas internal rotation in the throwing shoulder was significantly less than that in the nonthrowing shoulder (P < .001). The total arc of rotation for the throwing shoulder was not significantly different than that for the nonthrowing shoulder, and correlation coefficients were poor between rotational and translational range of motion in the throwing shoulder, ranging from r = 0.232 to 0.209 between variables. Conclusion No significant difference in glenohumeral translation exists between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders in asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers, posterior translation is significantly greater than anterior translation in the throwing shoulders of professional baseball pitchers, and glenohumeral translation is not related to rotational range of motion in the throwing shoulders of professional baseball pitchers. Clinical Relevance Altered mobility patterns in asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers may be due to factors other than capsular adaptive changes.

scholarly journals Glenohumeral Rotational Motion and Strength and Baseball Pitching Biomechanics

2012 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy J. Hurd ◽  
Kenton R. Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Rotational Motion ◽  
Positive Relationship ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Arm Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Clinical Measures ◽  
Insight Into

Context: Addressing loss of shoulder range of motion and rotator cuff weakness in injury-prevention programs might be an effective strategy for preventing throwing arm injuries in baseball pitchers. However, the influence of these clinical measures on pitching biomechanics is unclear. Objective: To evaluate the relationships among clinical measures of shoulder rotational motion and strength and 3-dimensional pitching biomechanics and to evaluate the presence of coupling between the shoulder and the elbow during pitching to provide insight into the influence of clinical shoulder characteristics on elbow biomechanics. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 27 uninjured male high school baseball pitchers (age  =  16 ± 1.1 years, height  =  183 ± 7 cm, mass  =  83 ± 12 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s): Clinical measures included shoulder internal- and external-rotation range of motion and peak isometric internal- and external-rotator strength. Three-dimensional upper extremity biomechanics were assessed as participants threw from an indoor pitching mound to a target at regulation distance. Linear regressions were used to assess the influence of clinical measures on the peak shoulder internal and external rotation moments and the peak elbow-adduction moment. Results: We found a positive relationship between clinically measured internal-rotator strength and shoulder external-rotation moment (R2  =  0.181, P  =  .04) during pitching. We also noted an inverse relationship between clinically measured external-rotation motion and the elbow-adduction moment (R2  =  0.160, P  =  .04) and shoulder internal-rotation moment (R2  =  0.250, P  =  .008) during pitching. We found a positive relationship between peak shoulder internal-rotation moment and the peak elbow-adduction moment (R2  =  0.815, P &lt; .001) during pitching. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the effects of shoulder strength and motion on pitching biomechanics and how these clinical measures might contribute to throwing arm injuries in the baseball pitcher. A relationship also was identified between peak shoulder and elbow moments in the throwing arm during pitching, providing biomechanical support for addressing clinical shoulder characteristics as a potential strategy for preventing elbow injury.

scholarly journals Shoulder and Elbow Range of Motion Can Be Maintained in Major League Baseball Pitchers Over the Course of the Season, Regardless of Pitching Workload

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711882506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael H. McGraw ◽  
Michael Vrla ◽  
Dean Wang ◽  
Christopher L. Camp ◽  
John M. Zajac ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Case Control Study ◽  
Major League Baseball ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Forward Flexion ◽  
Major League ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Control Study

Background: Studies examining the evolution of shoulder and elbow range of motion (ROM) in baseball pitchers over a single season have yielded inconsistent results. Purpose: To evaluate shoulder and elbow ROM in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers over a single season and to assess for correlations between these changes and measures of a pitcher’s workload. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Bilateral shoulder ROM (internal rotation [IR], external rotation [ER], and total range of motion [TROM]) was assessed in 92 MLB pitchers pre- and postseason. Shoulder forward flexion (FF) was measured in 64 pitchers, horizontal adduction (HA) was measured in 87 pitchers, and elbow ROM was measured in 86 pitchers. Data collected included demographics (age, height, weight, and body mass index) and measures of workload for pitchers (pitches thrown, innings pitched, and mean fastball velocity). Pitchers were not specifically excluded if they had an injury during the season but had recovered and were actively pitching at the time of postseason measurements. The change in motion from pre- to postseason was measured and the associations with player demographics and workload were calculated by use of the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: On average, pitchers demonstrated an increase in dominant shoulder ER from 118.8° to 125.4° ( P < .001) and TROM from 173.1° to 181.7° ( P < .001). HA was increased by an average of 15.7° ( P < .001). The average shoulder IR ( P = .189), FF ( P = .432), and elbow ROM (flexion, P = .549; extension, P = .185) remained similar over the span of the season. Average glenohumeral IR deficit did not increase. Pitcher demographics and measures of throwing workload (total pitches thrown, innings pitched, mean fastball velocity) were not significantly correlated with changes in shoulder or elbow ROM. Conclusion: Significant increases in dominant shoulder ER, TROM, and HA were identified in MLB pitchers over the course of a single baseball season. These ROM changes were not correlated with measures of pitching workload.

Retroversion of the Humerus in the Throwing Shoulder of College Baseball Pitchers

2002 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daryl C. Osbahr ◽  
David L. Cannon ◽  
Kevin P. Speer
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Study Design ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Anatomic Study ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male College ◽  
Overhead Throwing ◽  
College Baseball ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

Background Increased external rotation and decreased internal rotation have been noted to occur progressively in the throwing shoulder of baseball pitchers. Hypothesis Proximal remodeling of the humerus contributes to the rotational asymmetry between shoulders in pitchers. Study Design Descriptive anatomic study. Methods Both shoulders of 19 male college baseball pitchers were evaluated and retroversion of the humerus calculated by using the technique of Söderlund et al. Measurements were taken of passive glenohumeral external rotation at 0° and 90° of abduction and internal rotation at 90° of abduction under a 3.5-kg load. Subjects completed a questionnaire on the amount and duration of overhead throwing performed during the ages 8 through 16 years. Results All of the subjects had greater external rotation at 0° and 90° of abduction, decreased internal rotation at 90° of abduction, and greater retroversion of the humerus in their dominant compared with nondominant shoulders. A significant difference was found between dominant and nondominant external rotation at 0° and 90° of abduction, internal rotation at 90° of abduction, and retroversion of the humerus. In the dominant arm, there was a significant correlation between retroversion of the humerus and external rotation at 0° and 90° of abduction. There was also a significant correlation between the side-to-side difference in retroversion of the humerus compared with the side-to-side difference in external rotation at 90° of abduction. Conclusions Rotational changes in the throwing shoulder are due to bony as well as soft tissue adaptations.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the inter and intraobserver reproducibility of the GRASP method: a goniometric method to measure the isolated glenohumeral range of motion in the shoulder joint

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Angel Ruiz Ibán ◽  
Susana Alonso Güemes ◽  
Raquel Ruiz Díaz ◽  
Cristina Victoria Asenjo Gismero ◽  
Alejandro Lorente Gomez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Glenohumeral Joint ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Interobserver Reproducibility ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the intra and interobserver reproducibility of a new goniometric method for evaluating the isolated passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint in an outpatient setting. Methods This is a prospective observational study on healthy subjects. The Glenohumeral ROM Assessment with Scapular Pinch (GRASP) method is a new method for assessing the isolated range of motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint (GH) by a single examiner with a clinical goniometer. It measures the isolated glenohumeral passive abduction (GH-AB), passive external rotation (GH-ER) and internal rotation (GH-IR) with the arm at 45º of abduction. These three GH ROM parameters were measured in both shoulders of 30 healthy volunteers (15 males/15 females, mean age:41.6[SD = 10.3] years). The full shoulder passive abduction, passive external rotation and internal rotation 45º of abduction were measured by the same examiners with a goniometer for comparison. One examiner made two evaluations and a second examiner made a third one. The primary outcome was the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the measurements assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot. Results The intra-observer ICC for isolated glenohumeral ROM were: 0.84 ± 0.07 for GH-ABD, 0.63 ± 0.09 for GH-ER, and 0.61 ± 0.14 for GH-IR. The inter-observer ICC for isolated glenohumeral ROM were: 0.86 ± 0.06 for GH-ABD, 0.68 ± 0.12 for GH-ER, and 0.62 ± 0.14 for GH-IR. These results were similar to those obtained for full shoulder ROM assessment with a goniometer. Conclusion The GRASP method is reproducible for quick assessment of isolated glenohumeral ROM. Level of evidence III

Shoulder Range of Motion Deficits in Youth Throwers Presenting With Elbow Pain

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110363
Author(s):  
Michael Rosen ◽  
Karim Meijer ◽  
Scott Tucker ◽  
C. Luke Wilcox ◽  
Hillary A. Plummer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Pain Group ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elbow Pain ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion

Background: Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and total arc of motion difference (TAMD) have been associated with elbow injuries in throwing athletes. Hypothesis: Youth pitchers with elbow pain will have greater GIRD and TAMD compared with youth pitchers without elbow pain. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Glenohumeral range of motion of 25 consecutive throwing athletes presenting with elbow pain and that of a matched control group of 18 asymptomatic throwing athletes were compared. Bilateral glenohumeral internal rotation, external rotation, and horizontal adduction at 90° were measured and GIRD and TAMD were then calculated. An analysis of variance was performed to compare range of motion between throwers with and without elbow pain. Results: The average GIRD of the elbow pain group was 32.7° compared with 14.5° in the control group ( P < 0.05). The average TAMD in the elbow pain group was 28.3° compared with 6.7° in the control group ( P < 0.05). GIRD and TAMD were present in 88% (22 of 25) and 96% (24 of 25) of the elbow pain group versus 33.3% (6 of 18) and 55.6% (10 of 18) of the control group, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with asymptomatic youth pitchers, those presenting with elbow pain have a statistically significant GIRD and TAMD. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that a GIRD and TAMD may predispose youth pitchers to present with symptomatic elbow pain.

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