Decreased Shoulder and Elbow Joint Loads During the Changeup Compared With the Fastball and Curveball in NCAA Division I Collegiate Softball Pitchers

Background: Baseball leagues have implemented pitch count and pitch type restrictions based on biomechanical concepts associated with pitch type. Softball has not yet adopted these practices, although softball pitchers continue to pitch at a high volume and learn multiple pitches at a young age. Purpose: To examine shoulder and elbow kinetics between the fastball, curveball, and changeup, as well as to provide descriptive upper extremity pain data in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) softball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Study participants consisted of 27 female NCAA Division I softball pitchers (age, 20.2 ± 1.9 years; height, 175.7 ± 5.7 cm; weight, 83.6 ± 12.7 kg). The participants pitched 3 balls of each pitch type, and kinetic data were recorded. A one-way within-participants repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in kinetics and pitch speed between pitch types. Results: Results revealed a statistically significant main effect for pitch type (Wilks λ = .087; F = 36.523; P < .001). Post hoc testing showed that the changeup produced less anterior elbow force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .012). In addition, the changeup produced less shoulder distraction force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in pitch speed between all 3 pitch types ( P = .006). The curveball revealed no statistically significant kinetic differences compared with the fastball. Conclusion: The fastball and curveball placed similar stress on the upper extremity in collegiate softball pitchers. However, in comparison with the changeup, the fastball and curveball placed increased stress on the upper extremity. More research is needed to fully explain the differences seen between pitch type and injury risk. Clinical Relevance: Sports medicine professionals, coaches, and athletes should use the current study results to note these differences in shoulder distraction and elbow anterior forces between softball pitch types. The study results can be used as a reference and basis for future research investigating kinetic differences across varying pitch types.

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Changes in Maximal Strength and Home Run Performance in NCAA Division I Baseball Players Across 3 Competitive Seasons: A Descriptive Study

Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology ◽

10.3390/jfmk6010004 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 4

Author(s):

W. Guy Hornsby ◽

Abigail L. Tice ◽

Jason D. Stone ◽

Justin J. Merrigan ◽

Joshua Hagen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Descriptive Study ◽

Peak Force ◽

Division I ◽

Maximal Strength ◽

Baseball Players ◽

Repeated Measures Analysis ◽

Division 1

The purpose of this longitudinal, descriptive study was to observe changes in maximal strength measured via isometric clean grip mid-thigh pull and home runs (total and home runs per game) across three years of training and three competitive seasons for four National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 baseball players. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, revealing significant univariate effects of time for peak force (PF) (p = 0.003) and peak force allometrically scaled (PFa) (p = 0.002). Increases in PF were noted from season 1 to season 2 (p = 0.031) and season 3 (p = 0.004), but season 2 was not significantly different than season 3 (p = 0.232). Additionally, increases in PFa were noted from season 1 to season 2 (p = 0.010) and season 3 (p < 0.001), but season 2 was not significantly different than season 3 (p = 0.052). Home runs per game rose from the 2009 (0.32) to 2010 season (1.35) and dropped during the 2011 season (1.07). A unique aspect of the study involves 2010 being the season in which ball-bat coefficient of restitution (BBCOR) bats were introduced to the NCAA competition.

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National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletic Trainers' Concussion-Management Practice Patterns

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-49.3.25 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 49 (5) ◽

pp. 665-673 ◽

Cited By ~ 53

Author(s):

Kassandra C. Kelly ◽

Erin M. Jordan ◽

A. Barry Joyner ◽

G. Trey Burdette ◽

Thomas A. Buckley

Keyword(s):

Clinical Examination ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Management Practice ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Division I ◽

Concussion Management ◽

Consensus Statements

Context: A cornerstone of the recent consensus statements on concussion is a multifaceted concussion-assessment program at baseline and postinjury and when tracking recovery. Earlier studies of athletic trainers' (ATs') practice patterns found limited use of multifaceted protocols; however, these authors typically grouped diverse athletic training settings together. Objective: To (1) describe the concussion-management practice patterns of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I ATs, (2) compare these practice patterns to earlier studies, and (3) objectively characterize the clinical examination. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 610 ATs from NCAA Division I institutions, for a response rate of 34.4%. Main Outcome Measure(s): The survey had 3 subsections: demographic questions related to the participant's experiences, concussion-assessment practice patterns, and concussion-recovery and return-to-participation practice patterns. Specific practice-pattern questions addressed balance, cognitive and mental status, neuropsychological testing, and self-reported symptoms. Finally, specific components of the clinical examination were examined. Results: We identified high rates of multifaceted assessments (ie, assessments using at least 3 techniques) during testing at baseline (71.2%), acute concussion assessment (79.2%), and return to participation (66.9%). The specific techniques used are provided along with their adherence with evidence-based practice findings. Respondents endorsed a diverse array of clinical examination techniques that often overlapped objective concussion-assessment protocols or were likely used to rule out associated potential conditions. Respondents were cognizant of the Third International Consensus Statement, the National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement, and the revised NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook recommendations. Conclusions: Athletic trainers in NCAA Division I demonstrated widespread use of multifaceted concussion-assessment techniques and appeared compliant with recent consensus statements and the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook.

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Association of Upper Extremity Pain With Softball Pitching Kinematics and Kinetics

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967119865171 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (8) ◽

pp. 232596711986517 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Gretchen D. Oliver ◽

Kenzie Friesen ◽

Jeff W. Barfield ◽

Kevin Giordano ◽

Adam Anz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Stride Length ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Tracking System ◽

Center Of Mass ◽

The United States ◽

Division I ◽

Trunk Rotation ◽

Kinetic Chain

Background: There is a paucity of research regarding the relationship between fastpitch softball pitching mechanics and reported pain. Thus, understanding the pitching mechanics of athletes pitching with upper extremity pain and those pain free is paramount. Purpose: To examine lower extremity pitching mechanics, upper extremity kinetics, and upper extremity pain in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female softball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 37 NCAA Division I female softball pitchers (mean age, 19.84 ± 1.28 years; mean height, 173.67 ± 7.77 cm; mean weight, 78.98 ± 12.40 kg) from across the United States were recruited to participate. Participants were divided into 2 groups: upper extremity pain (n = 13; mean age, 19.69 ± 1.18 years; mean height, 172.60 ± 11.49 cm; mean weight, 86.75 ± 13.02 kg) and pain free (n = 24; mean age, 19.91 ± 1.35 years; mean height, 174.26 ± 4.96 cm; mean weight, 74.78 ± 9.97 kg). An electromagnetic tracking system was used to obtain kinematic and kinetic data during the riseball softball pitch. Results: At foot contact ( F 3,33 = 7.01, P = .001), backward elimination regression revealed that stride length, trunk rotation, and center of mass (COM) significantly explained about 33% of variance with softball pitchers experiencing upper extremity pain (adjusted R 2 = 0.33). Conclusion: At foot contact, the kinematic variables of increased trunk rotation toward the pitching arm side, increased stride length, and a posteriorly shifted COM were associated with upper extremity pain in collegiate softball pitchers. Variables early in the pitching motion that do not set a working and constructive proximal kinetic chain foundation for the rest of the pitch to follow could be associated with breakdowns more distal in the kinetic chain, possibly increasing the susceptibility to upper extremity pain. Clinical Relevance: The identification of pitching mechanics associated with pain allows clinicians to develop exercises to avoid such mechanics. Avoiding mechanics associated with pain may help reduce the prevalence of pain in windmill softball pitchers as well as help coaches incorporate quantitative biomechanics into their instruction.

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Collegiate Athletic Trainers' Experiences With External Pressures Faced During Decision Making

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-165-19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (4) ◽

pp. 409-415

Author(s):

Alicia M. Pike Lacy ◽

Stephanie Mazerolle Singe ◽

Thomas G. Bowman

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

External Pressure ◽

Division I ◽

Return To Play ◽

Major Theme ◽

Patient Centered ◽

Medical Decisions

Context Conflict is prevalent between sports medicine professionals and coaching staffs regarding return-to-play decisions for athletes after injury in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I setting. The firsthand experiences of athletic trainers (ATs) regarding such conflict have not been fully investigated. Objective To better understand the outside pressures ATs face when making medical decisions regarding patient care and return to play after injury in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) setting. Design Qualitative study. Setting Semistructured one-on-one telephone interviews. Patients or Other Participants Nine ATs (4 men, 5 women; age = 31 ± 8 years [range = 24–48 years]; years certified = 9 ± 8). Data Collection and Analysis Interviews were audio recorded and later transcribed. Thematic analysis was completed phenomenologically. Researcher triangulation, peer review, and member checks were used to establish trustworthiness. Results Two major themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) pressure is an expected component of the Division I FBS AT role, and (2) strategies can be implemented to mitigate the negative effects of pressure. Three subthemes supported the second major theme: (1) ensuring ongoing and frequent communication with stakeholders about an injured athlete's status and anticipated timeline for return to play, (2) providing a rationale to coaches or administrations to foster an understanding of why specific medical decisions are being made, and (3) establishing positive relationships with coaches, athletes, and administrations. Conclusions External pressure regarding medical decisions was an anticipated occurrence for our sample. Such pressure was described as a natural part of the position, not negative but rather a product of the culture and environment of the Division I FBS setting. Athletic trainers who frequently face pressure from coaches and administration should use the aforementioned strategies to improve the workplace dynamic and foster an environment that focuses on patient-centered care.

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NCAA Division-I Administrators’ Perceptions of the Benefits of Sport Psychology Services and Possible Roles for a Consultant

The Sport Psychologist ◽

10.1123/tsp.26.1.16 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 16-28 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Craig Wrisberg ◽

Jenny Lind Withycombe ◽

Duncan Simpson ◽

Lauren A. Loberg ◽

Ann Reed

Keyword(s):

Sport Psychology ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Division I ◽

Future Research ◽

Full Time ◽

Provision Of Services ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

Time Basis ◽

The Impact

In the current study National Collegiate Athletic Association D-I athletic directors (n = 198) and presidents (n = 58) were asked to rate their perceptions of the benefits of various sport psychology services and their support of possible roles for a sport psychology consultant (SPC). Participants gave higher ratings for (a) services that were performance-related (e.g., dealing with pressure) than for those that were life-related (e.g., preventing burnout) and (b) a role for a SPC that involved the provision of services but not a full-time staff position or interactions with athletes at practices and competitions. Results indicated that while administrators acknowledge the potential benefits of sport psychology services, some remain reticent to employ them on a full-time basis. Future research is recommended with administrators that have employed SPCs full-time to determine their perceptions of the impact of sport psychology services on their student-athletes.

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Vitamin D Practice Patterns in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Collegiate Athletics Programs

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-21-19 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 65-70 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michelle Rockwell ◽

Matthew Hulver ◽

Ernest Eugene

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

Sports Medicine ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Practice Patterns ◽

Collegiate Athletics ◽

Division I ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Clinical Practices ◽

Vitamin D Supplements

Context Vitamin D status has been associated with performance, health, and well-being in athletic populations. The measurement of vitamin D status via 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] testing has increased in the general population, as has vitamin D supplement use. It is unclear if similar patterns exist in collegiate athletics programs. Objective To describe the clinical care related to the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency used by sports medicine providers with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I programs. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Population-based online survey. Patients or Other Participants All NCAA Division I head athletic trainers. Main Outcome Measure(s) Information related to 25(OH)D testing, vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D–related protocols and procedures, and characteristics of athletic programs and participants. Results We received 249 responses (72% response rate). Use of 25(OH)D testing was described by 68% of participants, with the most common indicators being health status/history (78%) and injury status/history (74%). One-fifth of participants stated that vitamin D testing was conducted as screening (without a specific cause or indication). Target blood vitamin D concentrations were highly variable. A range of 8 to 1660 annual vitamin D blood tests was reported at a cost of <$50 (8%), $51 to $100 (51%), $101 to $150 (20%), and >$150 (10%). Forty-two percent of programs covered the cost of vitamin D supplements. More than half of the participants indicated that vitamin D blood testing and supplements were not a good use of program funds. In comparison with Football Championship Subdivision programs, Football Bowl Subdivision programs were more likely to conduct vitamin D testing and pay for vitamin D supplements, and their providers were more likely to believe that testing and supplements were a good use of program funds. Conclusions A great deal of variability was present in vitamin D–related clinical practices among NCAA Division I athletics programs, which reflects existing contradictions and uncertainty in research, recommendations, and guidelines. Knowledge of current practice patterns is important in evaluating and establishing best practices, policies, and procedures for sports medicine and sports nutrition professionals in the collegiate setting.

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Preliminary Scale of Reference Values for Evaluating Reactive Strength Index-Modified in Male and Female NCAA Division I Athletes

Sports ◽

10.3390/sports6040133 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 133 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Christopher Sole ◽

Timothy Suchomel ◽

Michael Stone

Keyword(s):

Reference Values ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Collegiate Athletes ◽

Division I ◽

Strength Index ◽

Male And Female ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Males And Females ◽

Division I Athletes

The purpose of this analysis was to construct a preliminary scale of reference values for reactive strength index-modified (RSImod). Countermovement jump data from 151 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I collegiate athletes (male n = 76; female n = 75) were analyzed. Using percentiles, scales for both male and female samples were constructed. For further analysis, athletes were separated into four performance groups based on RSImod and comparisons of jump height (JH), and time to takeoff (TTT) were performed. RSImod values ranged from 0.208 to 0.704 and 0.135 to 0.553 in males and females, respectively. Males had greater RSImod (p < 0.001, d = 1.15) and JH (p < 0.001, d = 1.41) as compared to females. No statistically significant difference was observed for TTT between males and females (p = 0.909, d = 0.02). Only JH was found to be statistically different between all performance groups. For TTT no statistical differences were observed when comparing the top two and middle two groups for males and top two, bottom two, and middle two groups for females. Similarities in TTT between sexes and across performance groups suggests JH is a primary factor contributing to differences in RSImod. The results of this analysis provide practitioners with additional insight as well as a scale of reference values for evaluating RSImod scores in collegiate athletes.

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Upper Extremity Pain and Pitching Mechanics in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Softball

International Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1055/a-0658-1546 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (12) ◽

pp. 929-935 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Gretchen Oliver ◽

Gabrielle Gilmer ◽

Adam Anz ◽

Kenzie Friesen ◽

Abigail Brittain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Tracking System ◽

Division I ◽

Lateral Flexion ◽

Ball Release ◽

Shoulder Kinematics ◽

Distraction Force ◽

Electromagnetic Tracking System

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate pitching mechanics between female softball pitchers with upper extremity pain and those without upper extremity pain. Specifically, the trunk, shoulder and elbow kinematics and shoulder kinetics during the change-up softball pitch were examined. Fifty-five collegiate softball pitchers participated, divided into those with upper extremity pain (20.0±1.3 yrs.; 174.4±6.9 cm; 82.9±12.4 kg; 11.1±2.6 yrs. of experience; n=23) and those who were pain-free (19.9±1.4 yrs.; 173.8±6.9 cm; 81.4±12.5 kg; 10.0±2.5 yrs. of experience; n=32). Pitching mechanics were obtained via the trakSTAR™ electromagnetic tracking system (Ascension Technologies, Inc., Burlington, VT, USA). Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant differences in shoulder horizontal abduction at foot contact (p=0.014, U=153, Z=2.450) and trunk lateral flexion at ball release (p=0.012, U=150, Z=–2.515); and between shoulder distraction force at ball release (p=0.034, U=168, Z=–2.124). The pain group illustrated greater shoulder horizontal abduction at foot contact, less trunk lateral flexion towards the throwing side at ball release, and greater shoulder distraction at ball release than the pain-free group. The differences in trunk and shoulder kinematics, and shoulder kinetics between groups allows for insight into further studies examining injury pervasiveness in softball pitching.

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Effect of Achilles Tendon Repair on Performance Outcomes After Return to Play in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Athletes

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211015239 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 232596712110152

Author(s):

Rafael Sanchez ◽

Blake H. Hodgens ◽

Joseph S. Geller ◽

Samuel Huntley ◽

Jonathan Kaplan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ncaa Division I ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Performance Metrics ◽

Female Athletes ◽

Surgical Repair ◽

National Basketball Association ◽

Division I ◽

Return To Play ◽

Basketball Players ◽

Significant Drop

Background: Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures are devastating injuries that are highly prevalent among athletes. Despite our understanding of the effect of AT rupture and in particular its relationship to basketball, no study has examined the effects of AT rupture and repair on performance metrics in collegiate basketball players. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of AT rupture and subsequent surgical repair on performance metrics in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball players who return to play after injury. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: NCAA Division I basketball players who sustained an AT rupture and underwent subsequent surgical repair between 2000 and 2019 were identified by systematically evaluating individual injury reports from databases comprising NCAA career statistics and individual school statistics; 65 male and 41 female players were identified. Athletes were included if they participated in at least one-half of the games of 1 collegiate season before tearing the AT and at least 1 season after operative repair. A total of 50 male and 30 female athletes were included. Each injured athlete was matched to a healthy control by conference, position, starter status at time of injury, class year, and number of games played. Matched controls were healthy players and experienced no significant injuries during their NCAA careers. Results: After AT repair, male athletes had significantly more minutes per game, points per game, and compared with before injury. Total blocks significantly decreased after injury. Female athletes scored significantly more points per game but demonstrated a significantly lower 3-point shooting percentage after return to play. Despite undergoing AT rupture and repair, 14% of male players played in the National Basketball Association, and 20% of injured female athletes played in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Conclusion: After returning to play, men demonstrated a significant drop-off in performance only in regard to total blocks. Female athletes after AT repair demonstrated a significant improvement in points per game but had a significant drop-off in 3-point shooting percentage.

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Gaining Access to Providing Medical Care to Male Sport Teams: The Female Athletic Trainer Perspective

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-52.9.03 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 52 (10) ◽

pp. 946-954

Author(s):

Alicia Pike ◽

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Jessica L. Barrett

Keyword(s):

Medical Care ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Ncaa Division I ◽

National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽

Division I ◽

Professional Relationships ◽

Sport Team ◽

Sport Teams ◽

Job Access ◽

The University

Context: Female athletic trainers (ATs) can face barriers to employment within the profession. Although there is evidence for an increasing percentage of women in athletic training, the portion providing medical care to male sport teams within the professional sport and collegiate settings continues to be small. Objective: To investigate the experiences of female ATs when seeking employment with male sport teams within the Division I setting. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 15 NCAA Division I female ATs providing medical care to a male sport team participated in our study. Their mean age was 33 ± 9 years, and they had a mean of 11 ± 9 years of overall clinical experience. Data Collection and Analysis: All participants completed one-on-one phone interviews, which were recorded and transcribed. Analysis of the data followed thematic analysis using a phenomenologic approach. Credibility was established through credibility checks, peer review, and researcher triangulation. Results: Factors that played a role in women gaining employment with male sport teams were (1) preexisting professional relationships, (2) prior experience with a male sport, and (3) perseverance. Participants in our study were most attracted to their current positions because of (1) the environment of the collegiate setting and (2) the location of the university. Conclusions: Job access for female ATs in this study was not viewed as a challenge. Familiarity through previous connections with the university and staff and commitment to career goals helped these women obtain the positions they held. The desire to work in male sports was not a primary contributing factor to the decision-making process. Progress continues for women in athletic training, as evidenced by the reported ease of job access with male sport teams.

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