scholarly journals Whole-body and segmental muscle volume are associated with ball velocity in high school baseball pitchers

2013 ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yosuke Yamada ◽  
Yamashita ◽  
Yamamoto ◽  
Matsui ◽  
Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Muscle Volume ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

scholarly journals An analysis of pre-season risk factors for low back injury in high-school baseball pitchers: a prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurumi Nakase ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Back Injury ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Low Back Injury ◽  
Significant Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

AbstractPitching motion requires whole-body coordination; therefore, poor control of the lower extremities, pelvis and trunk may cause shoulder and elbow injuries. However, few studies have described the relationship between the shoulder joint function and low back injury in high-school baseball pitchers. A total of 128 healthy high school pitchers underwent pre-season medical checkups, where their shoulder range of motion and shoulder strength were measured. The participants completed a self-recorded daily questionnaire regarding the presence of low back pain. Pitchers were divided into injured and non-injured groups. Low back injury was observed in 13 participants (13.4%). In the injured group, horizontal adduction on the dominant shoulder was significantly less than in the non-injured group. A logistic regression analysis showed that horizontal adduction on the dominant side was a significant independent risk factor for low back injury during the season. It is important to recognize that restriction of the shoulder function not only causes shoulder and elbow injuries but can also risk low back injury.

scholarly journals Effects of Mound Versus Flat-Ground Pitching and Distance on Arm Mechanics and Elbow Torque in High School Pitchers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712096924
Author(s):  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Kathryn D. McElheny ◽  
Christopher L. Camp ◽  
Daphne I. Ling ◽  
Joshua S. Dines
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Mixed Effects Models ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Surrogate Measure ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Flat Ground

Background: Although the monitoring of a pitcher’s throwing arm workload has become a hot topic in both research and the pitching world, the impact of mound height and distance still remains unclear. Purpose: To compare the kinetics and kinematics between pitches from a mound and flat ground at 2 different distances. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 21 healthy high school varsity baseball pitchers (age, 16.2 ± 1.3 years; weight, 73.6 ± 11.0 kg; height, 181.3 ± 6.4 cm) participated in this study. Players were fitted with a motusBASEBALL sensor and sleeve. Each pitcher was instructed to pitch 5 fastballs under 4 conditions: mound at 60.5 ft (regulation distance), flat ground at 60.5 ft, mound at 50.5 ft, and flat ground at 50.5 ft. Linear mixed-effects models were used to account for both intra- and interplayer variability. A multivariable model was used to evaluate the association of mound pitching, flat-ground pitching, and their distances (50.5 ft and 60.5 ft), and their interaction to arm speed, arm slot, arm rotation, elbow varus torque, and ball velocity. Results: There were no statistically significant effects of mound, flat-ground, or distance variation on arm speed or shoulder rotation. Arm slot was significantly higher (+3.0°; P = .02) on pitches from the mound at 60.5 ft compared with 50.5 ft. Elbow varus torque was lower (–1.5 N·m; P = .02) on mound pitches at 60.5 ft compared with 50.5 ft. Pitches thrown from the mound displayed significantly faster ball velocity compared with flat-ground pitches at both distances ( P < .01 for both), with pitches at 60.5 ft having higher velocity (+0.7 m/s; P < .01). Conclusion: Contrary to long-standing notions, the study results suggest that pitching from the mound does not significantly increase stress on the elbow compared with flat-ground pitching. Lower elbow varus torque and faster ball velocity at the regulation distance compared with the reduced distance indicate that elbow stress and ball velocity may not correlate perfectly, and radar guns may not be an appropriate surrogate measure of elbow varus torque. Clinical Relevance: A better understanding of the kinetic and kinematic implications of various throwing programs will allow for the designing of programs that are driven by objective data with aims directed toward injury prevention and rehabilitation in baseball pitchers.

scholarly journals Association of Pitch Timing and Throwing Arm Kinetics in High School and Professional Pitchers

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 3386-3394
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Manzi ◽  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Zhaorui Wang ◽  
Kyle N. Kunze ◽  
Jennifer Estrada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Pitching Motion ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Distraction Force

Background: Understanding the relationship between the temporal phases of the baseball pitch and subsequent joint loading may improve our understanding of optimal pitching mechanics and contribute to injury prevention in baseball pitchers. Purpose: To investigate the temporal phases of the pitching motion and their associations with ball velocity and throwing arm kinetics in high school (HS) and professional (PRO) baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: PRO (n = 317) and HS (n = 54) baseball pitchers were evaluated throwing 8 to 12 fastball pitches using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). Four distinct phases of the pitching motion were evaluated based on timing of angular velocities: (1) Foot-Pelvis, (2) Pelvis-Torso, (3) Torso-Elbow, and (4) Elbow-Ball. Peak elbow varus torque, shoulder internal rotation torque, and shoulder distraction force were also calculated and compared between playing levels using 2-sample t tests. Linear mixed-effect models with compound symmetry covariance structures were used to correlate pitch velocity and throwing arm kinetics with the distinct temporal phases of the pitching motion. Results: PRO pitchers had greater weight and height, and faster ball velocities than HS pitchers ( P < .001). There was no difference in total pitch time between groups ( P = .670). PRO pitchers spent less time in the Foot-Pelvis ( P = .010) and more time in the Pelvis-Torso ( P < .001) phase comparatively. Shorter time spent in the earlier phases of the pitching motion was significantly associated with greater ball velocity for both PRO and HS pitchers (Foot-Pelvis: B = −6.4 and B = −11.06, respectively; Pelvis-Torso: B = −6.4 and B = −11.4, respectively), while also associated with increased shoulder proximal force (Pelvis-Torso: B = −76.4 and B = −77.5, respectively). Decreased time in the Elbow-Ball phase correlated with greater shoulder proximal force for both cohorts (B = −1150 and B = −645, respectively) with no significant correlation found for ball velocity. Conclusion: Significant differences in temporal phases exist between PRO and HS pitchers. For all pitchers, increased time spent in the final phase of the pitching motion has the potential to decrease shoulder distraction force with no significant loss in ball velocity. Clinical Relevance: Identifying risk factors for increased shoulder and elbow kinetics, acting as a surrogate for loading at the respective joints, has potential implications in injury prevention.

The Relationship Between Dynamic Balance Ability and Shoulder Pain in High School Baseball Pitchers

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110196
Author(s):  
Kurumi Nakase ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Shoulder Pain ◽  
Dynamic Balance ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Balance Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Dynamic balance is essential for pitching motion because pitching kinematics requires whole body coordination. The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Y balance test (YBT) evaluate dynamic balance quantitatively. There are some reports that investigated the relationship between SEBT/YBT and pain in upper and lower extremities, but there is no study among high school baseball pitchers. Hypothesis: Dynamic balance deficiency is associated with shoulder pain among high school baseball pitchers. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: A total of 259 male high school pitchers who participated in the preseason medical checkups were included in the study. YBT was used to measure their dynamic balance. The participants completed a questionnaire which asked if they were currently experiencing shoulder pain. Results: Twenty-two pitchers had shoulder pain during the preseason medical checkups. In the YBT, the posterolateral balance while standing with the axis leg as well as the posteromedial and posterolateral balance while standing with the step leg were significantly lower in the pain group than in the nonpain group ( P = 0.05, 0.04, and 0.001, respectively). A logistic regression analysis showed that posterolateral balance when standing with the step leg was an independent risk factor for current shoulder pain ( P = 0.04, odds ratio 0.942, 95% CI 0.892-0.996). Conclusion: The dynamic balance of high school baseball pitchers with shoulder pain was lower than that of participants without shoulder pain. In particular, posterolateral direction with the step leg standing was significantly related to shoulder pain. Clinical Relevance: Among high school baseball pitchers, decreased dynamic balance was related to current shoulder pain. YBT maybe recommended in preseason medical checkups for high school baseball pitchers.

Relationship Between Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Medial Elbow Torque in High School Baseball Pitchers

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 2821-2826 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Grace Smith ◽  
Alexander J. Swantek ◽  
Caleb M. Gulledge ◽  
Vincent A. Lizzio ◽  
Angel Bermudez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Maximum Effort ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Relative Differences

Background: Alterations in throwing mechanics have been identified as a risk factor for overuse injuries in baseball players. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) has been found to adversely affect throwing mechanics, but the effect of GIRD on medial elbow torque is unclear. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between GIRD and medial elbow torque in high school–aged baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: High school baseball pitchers (14-18 years old) were recruited for participation in this study. Players’ height, weight, body mass index, and arm measurements were recorded as well as shoulder and elbow range of motion measurements. GIRD was calculated from the difference between dominant and nondominant shoulder internal rotation. Participants then pitched 5 fastballs at maximum effort while wearing a wireless sensor that recorded elbow torque, arm slot, arm speed, shoulder rotation, and ball velocity. Principal component analysis was performed to determine which variables were associated with elbow torque or ball velocity. Results: Twenty-three high school pitchers participated in this study; 35% (n = 8) of participants exhibited GIRD of at least 20°. The mean GIRD was 15.3°± 11.2° and was not a predictor of medial elbow torque ( P = .205) or ball velocity ( P = .333). Ball velocity, age, and height were predictors of medial elbow torque ( P = .012, P = .003, and P = .024, respectively). Conclusion: In high school baseball pitchers, GIRD was not associated with medial elbow torque during the pitching motion. Instead, ball velocity, player age, and player height carried greater significance. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that high school pitchers with GIRD do not have an inherently greater risk for increased medial elbow torque during the throwing motion. It is recommended that pitchers instead assess their ball velocity to evaluate for relative differences in medial elbow torque.

scholarly journals An Analysis of Pre-Season Risk Factors for Low Back Injury in High-School Baseball Pitchers: A Prospective Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurumi Nakase ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
High School ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Back Injury ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Low Back Injury ◽  
Significant Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

Abstract A pitching motion requires whole-body coordination; therefore, poor control of the lower extremities, pelvis and trunk may cause shoulder and elbow injuries. However, few studies have described the relationship between the shoulder joint function and low back injury in high-school baseball pitchers. In this study, 97 high-school baseball pitchers who underwent pre-season medical checkups were enrolled and their shoulder range of motion and strength were measured. The participants completed a self-recorded questionnaire regarding the presence of low back pain and were divided into injured and non-injured groups. The statistical analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors for low back injury. Low back injury was observed in 13 participants (13.4%). In the injured group, horizontal adduction on the dominant shoulder was significantly less frequent than in the non-injured group. A logistic regression analysis showed that horizontal adduction on the dominant side was a significant independent risk factor for low back injury during the season. It is important to recognize that restriction of the shoulder function not only causes shoulder and elbow injuries but can also risk low back injury.

scholarly journals Four-year trend in shoulder and elbow injuries in competitive level high school baseball pitchers: A repeated cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Sasaki ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

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.

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