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

Author(s):  
Gretchen D. Oliver ◽  
Kyle Wasserberger ◽  
Anne de Swart ◽  
Kenzie Friesen ◽  
Jessica Downs ◽  
...  

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.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen D. Oliver ◽  
Kyle Wasserberger ◽  
Anne de Swart ◽  
Kenzie Friesen ◽  
Jessica Downs ◽  
...  

Abstract 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. Participants:A sample of 29 youth softball pitchers (11.2±1.3 yrs.; 155.0±10.4 cm; 53.2±12.6 kg). Main Outcome Measure(s):Bilateral hip internal rotation (IR) 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 a significant effect of drive hip ER ISO on the net energy flow out of the distal ends of the trunk (p=0.045) and humerus (p=0.002). 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 also achieve higher pitch speeds. Conclusions:There is an association 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 the execution of the whole-body windmill pitch. Overall, energy flow analysis is an interesting new way to analyze pitching mechanics and will aid in further understanding of performance and injury risk in windmill softball pitching.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Elena M. D’Argenio ◽  
Timothy G. Eckard ◽  
Barnett S. Frank ◽  
William E. Prentice ◽  
Darin A. Padua

Context: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a common and devastating injury in women’s soccer. Several risk factors for ACL injury have been identified, but have not yet been examined as potentially dynamic risk factors, which may change throughout a collegiate soccer season. Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Nine common clinical screening assessments for ACL injury risk, consisting of range of motion, movement quality, and power, were assessed in 29 Division I collegiate women’s soccer players. Preseason and midseason values were compared for significant differences. Change scores for each risk factor were also correlated with cumulative training loads during the first 10 weeks of a competitive soccer season. Results: Hip external rotation range of motion and power had statistically significant and meaningful differences at midseason compared with preseason, indicating they are dynamic risk factors. There were no significant associations between the observed risk factor changes and cumulative training load. Conclusions: Hip external rotation range of motion and power are dynamic risk factors for ACL injury in women’s collegiate soccer athletes. Serial screening of these risk factors may elucidate stronger associations with injury risk and improve prognostic accuracy of screening tools.


Author(s):  
Samyla Maria Araújo Ponte ◽  
Leydnaya Maria Souza ◽  
Bruno Cunha da Costa ◽  
Guilherme Pertinni de Morais Gouveia

Background: The hip is a structure of the human body in which occurs the junction of bone, articular, muscular and ligament structures. It is in the coxofemoral joint and has the function of supporting the whole-body weight, being one of the main joints responsible for ambulation. Objectives: To analyze the comparison of neural mobilization and rhythmic stabilization techniques in range of motion (ROM) and hip pain. Methods: The sample was composed by 20 patients, with mean age of 54±6 years, were divided into two groups of 10 patients: the patients who received the neural mobilization technique (G1) and the patients who received the rhythmic stabilization technique (G2). Results: The mean age of each group was 56±6 years (G1) and 52±6 years (G2). Among the evaluated, 12 (60%) were female, 14 (70%) were married, predominating the profession of housewife (35%). The great majority of the participants (95%) presented pain to the active movement, mainly to the movements of hip flexion and abduction. Regarding passive mobilization, 70% referred pains, predominating to the movements of hip external rotation and abduction. Conclusion: It was concluded that the neural mobilization and rhythmic stabilization techniques had satisfactory results in relation to ROM and pain in the hip region, but rhythmic stabilization had a greater gain of ROM and decrease of pain.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (6) ◽  
pp. 560-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer A. Hogg ◽  
Randy J. Schmitz ◽  
Anh-Dung Nguyen ◽  
Sandra J. Shultz

Context:  Greater passive hip range of motion (ROM) has been associated with greater dynamic knee valgus and thus the potential for increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Normative data for passive hip ROM by sex are lacking. Objective:  To establish and compare passive hip ROM values by sex and sport and to quantify side-to-side differences in internal-rotation ROM (ROMIR), external-rotation ROM (ROMER), and total ROM (ROMTOT). Design:  Cross-sectional study. Setting:  Station-based, preparticipation screening. Patients or Other Participants:  A total of 339 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes, consisting of 168 women (age = 19.2 ± 1.2 years, height = 169.0 ± 7.2 cm, mass = 65.3 ± 10.2 kg) and 171 men (age = 19.4 ± 1.3 years, height = 200.0 ± 8.6 cm, mass = 78.4 ± 12.0 kg) in 6 sports screened over 3 years: soccer (58 women, 67 men), tennis (20 women, 22 men), basketball (28 women, 22 men), softball or baseball (38 women, 31 men), cross-country (18 women, 19 men), and golf (6 women, 10 men). Main Outcome Measure(s):  Passive hip ROM was measured with the athlete lying prone with the hip abducted to 20° to 30° and knee flexed to 90°. The leg was passively internally and externally rotated until the point of sacral movement. Three measures were averaged for each direction and leg and used for analysis. We compared ROMIR, ROMER, ROMTOT (ROMTOT = ROMIR + ROMER), and relative ROM (ROMREL = ROMIR − ROMER) between sexes and among sports using separate 2 × 6 repeated-measures analyses of variance. Results:  Women had greater ROMIR (38.1° ± 8.2° versus 28.6° ± 8.4°; F1,327 = 91.74, P < .001), ROMTOT (72.1° ± 10.6° versus 64.4° ± 10.1°; F1,327 = 33.47, P < .001), and ROMREL (1.5° ± 16.0° versus −7.6° ± 16.5°; F1,327 = 37.05, P < .001) than men but similar ROMER (34.0° ± 12.2° versus 35.8° ± 11.5°; F1,327 = 1.65, P = .20) to men. Cross-country athletes exhibited greater ROMIR (37.0° ± 9.3° versus 30.9° ± 9.4° to 33.3° ± 9.5°; P = .001) and ROMREL (5.9° ± 18.3° versus −9.6° ± 16.9° to −2.7° ± 17.3°; P = .001) and less ROMER (25.7° ± 7.5° versus 35.0° ± 13.0° to 40.2° ± 12.0°; P < .001) than basketball, soccer, softball or baseball, and tennis athletes. They also displayed less ROMTOT (62.7° ± 8.1° versus 70.0° ± 9.1° to 72.9° ± 11.9°; P < .001) than basketball, softball or baseball, and tennis athletes. Conclusions:  Women had greater ROMIR than men, resulting in greater ROMTOT and ROMREL. Researchers should examine the extent to which this greater bias toward ROMIR may explain women's greater tendency for dynamic knee valgus. With the exception of cross-country, ROM values were similar across sports. The clinical implications of these aberrant cross-country values require further study.


2020 ◽  
pp. 112070002091037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shinya Hayashi ◽  
Shingo Hashimoto ◽  
Tomoyuki Matsumoto ◽  
Koji Takayama ◽  
Nao Shibanuma ◽  
...  

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acetabular 3-dimensional (3D) alignment reorientation and clinical range of motion (ROM) after periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Methods: 50 patients (58 hips) with hip dysplasia participated in the study and underwent curved PAO. The pre- and postoperative 3D centre-edge (CE) angles and femoral anteversion were measured and compared with clinical outcomes, including postoperative ROM. Results: The correlation between pre- and postoperative acetabular coverage and postoperative ROM was evaluated. Postoperative abduction and internal rotation ROM were significantly associated with postoperative lateral CE angles (abduction; p < 0.001, internal rotation; p = 0.028); flexion and internal rotation ROM was significantly associated with postoperative anterior CE angles (flexion; p < 0.001, internal rotation; p = 0.028). Femoral anteversion was negatively correlated with postoperative abduction ( p = 0.017) and external rotation ( p = 0.047) ROM. Conclusion: Postoperative anterior acetabular coverage may affect internal rotation ROM more than the lateral coverage. Therefore, the direction of acetabular reorientation should be carefully determined according to 3D alignment during PAO.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-138
Author(s):  
Joshua K. Helmkamp ◽  
Garrett S. Bullock ◽  
Allison Rao ◽  
Ellen Shanley ◽  
Charles Thigpen ◽  
...  

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.


Author(s):  
Jessica Downs ◽  
Kyle Wasserberger ◽  
Gretchen D. Oliver

AbstractThough chronic overhand throwing is known to result in range of motion and strength adaptations, there is limited research regarding interventions for maintenance of these characteristics. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to explore the use of a pre-throwing protocol focusing on lumbopelvic-hip complex musculature in high school baseball players and examine its effects on shoulder and hip range of motion and isometric strength over the course of a season. Four exercises were added to the intervention team’s warm-up routine. The control and intervention teams’ passive bilateral hip and shoulder range of motion and isometric strength were assessed pre/post-season. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences in delta scores between the teams for multiple shoulder and hip range of motion and isometric strength variables. Key results were the intervention team lost significantly more stride hip external rotation but gained more isometric strength than the control team. The intervention team was also able to better maintain shoulder range of motion than the control team. Practitioners should use the results of this study and consider incorporating exercises that target lumbopelvic-hip complex musculature into their current training program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7_suppl6) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0040
Author(s):  
Caleb Gulledge ◽  
Toufic Jildeh ◽  
Joseph Tramer ◽  
Fabien Meta ◽  
Kevin Taylor ◽  
...  

Objectives: Overuse injuries in overhead athletes are becoming more prevalent, with an unclear relationship between shoulder biomechanics and medial elbow symptoms and injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of shoulder range of motion to torque across the medial elbow in college pitchers using a validated MOTUS sensor baseball sleeve. Methods: Pitchers were recruited from three local university baseball teams. Exclusion criteria included injury or restricted activity due to pain. They were evaluated in the preseason, within two weeks before their first game of the season. Pitchers completed workload questionnaires and patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) pain interference (PI), physical function (PF), and upper extremity (UE) surveys. Shoulder range of motion and upper extremity lengths were measured bilaterally. After adequate warm-up, pitchers were fitted with a MOTUS sensor baseball sleeve (Motus Global, Massapequa, NY) and instructed to throw 5 fastballs in a standardized manner off the mound at game-speed effort. The sensor placed at the medial elbow reported elbow torque, arm speed, arm slot, and shoulder rotation for each pitch, while a radar gun measured peak ball velocity. The primary outcome was to evaluate the relationship between shoulder range of motion and increased stress across the medial elbow. Additional outcomes evaluated pitcher characteristics, demographics, and outcome scores. Outcomes were assessed via a multivariable model, which controlled for possible covariates. Results: Twenty-eight pitchers were included in the preseason analysis with an average (SD) age of 20.1 (1.3) years and playing experience of 15.3 (1.8) years, 2.5 (1.2) of those years at collegiate level. The dominant shoulder demonstrated decreased internal rotation (54.5+/-10.6 vs 65.8+/-9.1) and increased external rotation (ER, 94.1+/-10.4 vs 88.4+/-9.2) relative to the non-dominant side (p < 0.001), while total rotational range of motion (TRROM) was significantly decreased in the dominant arm (148.6+/-12.4 vs 154.1+/-10.6, p < 0.001). The average glenohumeral internal rotation deficiency (GIRD) was 11.3 (9.87) and average external rotation gain (ERG) was 5.71 (8.8). External rotation was found to be a predictor of arm stress, with an increase in 0.35 Nm of elbow torque for every degree increase in ER (beta = 0.35+/-0.06, p = 0.003); there was moderate correlation between ER and arm stress (r = .45, P<.001). Pitchers demonstrated significantly greater arm stress with the following shoulder ROM measurements: GIRD < 20 as compared to greater than 20 degrees (46.6 +/- 0.5 versus 43.5 +/- 1.1, P=.011), ERG greater than 5 as compared to < 5 degrees (47.4 +/- 0.7 versus 45.1 +/- 0.6, P=.014), and loss of total rotational ROM less than 5 as compared to > 5 degrees (46.6 +/- 0.5 versus 43.6 +/- 1.1, P=.013). Multivariate analysis demonstrated significant predictors of PROMIS PF and UE scores were arm stress, ERG, and GIRD (p<0.05), while increased PROMIS PI scores were predicted by increased ERG and GIRD (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found medial elbow stress, arm speed, arm slot, and shoulder rotation as measured by the MOTUS baseball sensor sleeve were influenced by rotational adaptations of the pitching shoulder in collegiate throwing athletes prior to their season. Likewise, arm stress and shoulder rotational adaptations were reflected as predictors of PROMIS PF, UE, and PI scores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Noritaka Hamano ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
Tsuyoshi Sasaki ◽  
...  

AbstractSome studies have reported that upper limb tightness is a risk factor for shoulder/elbow pain in high school baseball pitchers; but there has been insufficient research on the relationship between lower limb tightness and shoulder and elbow pain in pitchers. This study aimed to clarify the correlation among pre-season hip range of motion (ROM) and shoulder and elbow disorders in high school baseball pitchers. We surveyed 125 high school pitchers. Hip ROM was measured in the supine and prone positions. After the season, based on their answers to the self-recorded questionnaire, a “shoulder or elbow injury” was defined as any condition resulting in the pitcher being considered disabled for ≥ 8 days. An independent t-test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Eleven disabled pitchers (9%) were identified during the season. In the injured group, the ROM of the plant side hip with 90° flexed external rotation was smaller than that in the non-injured group. Preseason limited ROM in the plant side hip with 90° flexed external rotation was a risk factor for the occurrence of shoulder/elbow pain in the season.


2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Zia ul Mustafa Rehman

Background There is a close biomechanical relationship that exists between the sacroiliac and hip joints. It is essential to have optimum hip range of motion originating from the pelvis in both the kicking and support limbs as both limbs play a role in achieving a high speed kicking velocity. Due to the strenuous activity of soccer players, both hip ranges of motion may be decreased, thus predisposing the player to injuries. This may also affect the kicking velocity. The effects of sacroiliac joint manipulation on hip range of motion and kicking velocity were investigated. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ipsilateral sacroiliac joint manipulation versus contralateral sacroiliac joint manipulation on bilateral hip range of motion and kicking velocity. Methods There were three groups of twenty soccer players. The ipsilateral sacroiliac joint manipulation group, the contralateral sacroiliac joint manipulation group, and the sham laser intervention group. The case history, physical, regional, lumbar and hip exams were done in the Chiropractic Day Clinic. The hip ranges of motion were measured pre- and post- Chiropractic manipulation in all three groups on both limbs in the Fred Crookes Sports Centre (Durban University of Technology). Hip ranges of motion were measured by the Saunders (The Saunders Group, Chaska, MN) digital inclinometer. The kicking velocity of all players were measured pre- and post- manipulation by a speed sport radar gun (Bushnell Speedster Speed Gun; Bushnell Inc, Lenexa, KS). This was a purposive, investigational study trial where the data was reduced and analysed with the help of a statistician, using the statistical software SPSS version 20.0.The statistical aspect of the research encompassed the following: descriptive statistics used Fischer values, Eta tests, frequency, cross-tabulation tables and various types of graphs (bar charts, scatter graphs etc.); Inferential statistics used Pearson’s and/or Spearman’s correlations at a significance level of 0.05; testing of hypotheses used chi-square tests for nominal data and ordinal data at a level of significance of 0.05. Results The ipsilateral group showed statistically significant results for the right hip in flexion, extension, internal rotation and external rotation, as well as for extension, internal rotation and external rotation in the left hip. The contralateral group showed statistically significant results for the right hip in extension, internal rotation and external rotation, as well as for extension and internal rotation in the left hip. There was a statistically significant improvement in the kicking velocity of the ipsilateral and contralateral group after treatment. There was a strong association between the perception changes to the actual kicking velocity in the soccer players. There was a correlation between the change in hip range of motion and change in kicking velocity, however statistically it was not significant. Conclusion The manipulation of ipsilateral or contralateral sacroiliac joint has an effect on the right and left hip range of motion


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