scholarly journals A Preliminary Examination of Shoulder Joint Function Following Shoulder Complex Training and In-Season Play in Youth Baseball Players

Author(s):  
Kevin M. Carlson ◽  
Kayla Tweedt ◽  
Miranda Strelecki ◽  
Ian Malaby ◽  
Collin Seymour

Background: As shoulder care continues to be a concern for youth baseball players, coaches, parents, researchers and clinicians, shoulder complex care should remain a point of emphasis especially for in overhead athletes. The impact of throwing volume and shoulder care is important for us to understand. Objective: The purpose was to examine the changes in shoulder complex function during a playing season combined with shoulder complex training in young male baseball players. Methods: Eleven male baseball players (11-15 y/o) served as subjects. Pre-testing included shoulder joint internal/external rotation peak torque and average work as measured with isokinetic dynamometry (Biodex System 4Pro). Training over the 18-week project duration was Crossover Symmetry “Activation” and “Strength” protocols completed per manufacturer recommendations. Adherence was tracked via a weekly email sent to the subject’s guardian to self-report completed training. Post-testing was conducted at the conclusion of the 18th week. Paired sample t-tests compared pre-test and post-test mean differences for peak torque and average power (p<0.05). Results: All-subject average for training was 54 sessions over the 18 weeks. Estimated number of throws completed during practice and games over the 18 weeks was 8,400. For both testing speeds and for both internal and external shoulder joint rotation, peak torque increases ranged from ~50% for external rotation at 60 deg/s up to ~200% for internal rotation at 120 deg/s. Statistical differences (p<0.001) were noted between all pre-test and post-test internal and external rotation peak torque values. For both testing speeds and for both internal and external shoulder joint rotation, average power increases ranged from ~38% at 60 deg/s for external rotation up to ~200% at 120 deg/s for internal rotation. Statistical differences (p<0.005) were noted between all pre-test and post-test internal and external rotation average power values. Conclusions: Substantial increases in shoulder joint rotation peak torques and power were seen across the 18-week study duration. As this was a preliminary investigation, we have yet to discern if these increases are due to the shoulder complex training or volume of throwing that was completed.

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dong-Rour Lee ◽  
Laurentius Jongsoon Kim

Context:Many studies have explored closed kinetic chain (CKC) shoulder exercises (SEs) with a sling because they are safer and more effective than open-chain exercises, especially in early stages of treatment. However, the application of CKC SE in youth baseball players has rarely been attempted, although teenage baseball players also experience shoulder pain.Objective:To investigate the effects of CKC SE on the peak torque of shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) in youth baseball players.Design:Single-group pretest, posttest.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory.Participants:23 Little League Baseball players with subacromial impingement syndrome.Interventions:The CKC SE with a sling was CKC shoulder-flexion exercise, extension exercise, IR exercise, and ER exercise. This exercise regimen was conducted 2 or 3 times/wk for 8 wk.Main Outcome Measures:The peak torque of shoulder IR and ER was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Concentric shoulder rotation was performed, with 5 repetitions at an angular velocity of 60°/s and 15 at 180°/s.Results:The IR and ER peak torque significantly increased at each angular velocity after the exercise program. In particular, the increase in IR and ER peak torque values was statistically significant at an angular velocity of 180°/s.Conclusions:CKC SE was effective in increasing shoulder IR and ER strength, demonstrating its potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of shoulder injury. In addition, increased IR peak torque appears to improve throwing velocity in baseball players.


Author(s):  
Garrett S. Bullock ◽  
Edward C. Beck ◽  
Gary S. Collins ◽  
Stephanie R. Filbay ◽  
Kristen F. Nicholson

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11643
Author(s):  
Maximiliano A. Torres-Banduc ◽  
Daniel Jerez-Mayorga ◽  
Jason Moran ◽  
Justin W.L. Keogh ◽  
Rodrigo Ramírez-Campillo

Background As participants who engage in CrossFit training and competition perform a large volume of high intensity overhead activities, injuries to the shoulder are one of the most common in this sport. Previous research in other sports has indicated that the isokinetic force power profile of the shoulder joint (IPSJ) rotator muscles may assist in the prediction of shoulder injury. Aim Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the IPSJ in males engaged in CrossFit training at different competitive levels. Methods In a cross-sectional study design, participants (age, 24.1 ± 2.7 years) classified as ‘beginner’ (n = 6), ‘intermediate’ (n = 7) or ‘advanced’ (n = 9) provided informed consent to participate in this study. The IPSJ assessment involved rotational and diagonal movements, including internal and external shoulder rotator muscles, at both 180°.s−1 and 300°.s−1. The variables analysed were peak torque/body mass (%), mean power (W) and the external/internal peak torque/body mass ratio (%). A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the IPSJ of the three groups, with Dunn’s test used for post-hoc analysis. The alpha level was set at p < 0.05. Results The IPSJ showed greater torque and power values in those who competed at the advanced level as compared to those at a lower competitive level (i.e. intermediate, beginner). This was observed mainly for the internal rotation and internal diagonal movements at both 180°.s−1 and 300°.s−1. However, such differences between competitive levels were, in general, absent for the external rotation and external diagonal movements. Moreover, the participants from the advanced competitive level exhibited an imbalance of peak torque between the muscles responsible for the external–internal rotational and external-internal diagonal movements of the shoulder (i.e. peak torque external/internal ratio <66%), particularly in the dominant shoulder. Conclusion These findings suggest greater development of the shoulder internal rotators and a higher probability of shoulder injury in CrossFit athletes at the advanced competitive level. Based on these results, participants engaged in CrossFit training and competition may wish to increase the volume of training for the shoulder external rotator muscles to complement the large increases in shoulder internal rotator strength that occur as a part of their regular training regimes.


Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 139
Author(s):  
Hyeong-geun Yun ◽  
Jung-Hoon Lee ◽  
Im-Rak Choi

Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes an imbalance of the adjacent joints due to the malalignment of the shoulder joint, and thus affects the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rounded shoulder taping (RST) on shoulder posture and muscle strength in junior baseball players. Nineteen junior baseball players participated in the study, which used a crossover design at an interval of 1 week. The participants were randomized to receive rounded shoulder taping (RST) and sham kinesiology taping (SKT) using kinesiology tape. RSP was measured using two 12-inch combination squares, and shoulder peak torques were measured by isokinetic equipment. The results showed that RST led to significant changes in RSP (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). RST led to significant changes in the peak torques of external rotation and internal rotation of the shoulder (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). These results suggest that RST could help to correct RSP and improve peak torque of external and internal rotation of the shoulders of junior baseball players with RSP.


2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 454-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot M. Greenberg ◽  
J. Todd R. Lawrence ◽  
Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez ◽  
Philip McClure

Background: Baseball players exhibit a more posteriorly oriented humeral head in their throwing arm. This is termed humeral retrotorsion (HRT) and likely represents a response to the stress of throwing. This adaptation is thought to occur while the athlete is skeletally immature, however currently there is limited research detailing how throwing activity in younger players influences the development of HRT. In addition, it is presently unclear how this changing osseous orientation may influence shoulder motion within young athletes. Purpose: To determine the influence of throwing activity and age on the development of side-to-side asymmetry in HRT and shoulder range of motion (ROM). Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Healthy athletes (age range, 8-14 years) were categorized into 2 groups based upon sports participation; throwers (n = 85) and nonthrowers (n = 68). Bilateral measurements of HRT, shoulder external rotation (ER), internal rotation (IR), and total range of motion (TROM) at 90° were performed using diagnostic ultrasound and a digital inclinometer. Side-to-side asymmetry (dominant minus nondominant side) in HRT and in shoulder ER, IR, and TROM were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed with 2-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Throwers demonstrated a larger degree of HRT on the dominant side, resulting in greater asymmetry compared with nonthrowers (8.7° vs 4.8°). Throwers demonstrated a gain of ER (5.1°), a loss of IR (6.0°), and no change in TROM when compared with the nondominant shoulder. Pairwise comparisons identified altered HRT and shoulder ROM in all age groups, including the youngest throwers (age range, 8-10.5 years). A positive correlation existed between HRT and ER ROM that was stronger in nonthrowers ( r = 0.63) than in throwers ( r = 0.23), while a negative correlation existed with IR that was stronger in throwers ( r = −0.40) than in nonthrowers ( r = −0.27). Conclusion: Throwing activity causes adaptive changes in HRT and shoulder ROM in youth baseball players at an early age. Other factors in addition to HRT influence shoulder motion within this population.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712098679
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
Tsuyoshi Sasaki ◽  
...  

Background: Youth baseball players who experience elbow pain during the season frequently exhibit radiographic elbow abnormalities. However, it is unknown whether asymptomatic elbow abnormalities are risk factors for in-season elbow injuries. Purpose: To determine whether the preseason presence of asymptomatic medial epicondyle apophysitis is a risk factor for in-season elbow injuries in youth baseball players. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Youth baseball players (N = 210; age range, 7-12 years) with no pain or history of injury in their throwing arms underwent preseason evaluations that included shoulder and elbow range of motion measurements, shoulder muscle strength testing, and ultrasound elbow scans with a multifrequency 13-MHz linear array transducer. Over 1 year of play, the players and their parents maintained daily elbow pain diaries. Elbow injuries were defined as medial elbow symptoms that prevented ball throwing for ≥8 days. Results: The preseason ultrasound evaluation revealed medial epicondyle apophysitis in 59 players. In the year following, elbow injuries occurred in 17 (28.8%) players with preseason medial epicondyle apophysitis and 18 (11.9%) players without apophysitis. Independent predictors of elbow injuries were preseason medial epicondyle apophysitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.488; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152-5.376; P = .02) and deficits of abduction (ABD) and external rotation of the dominant shoulder (OR, 0.963; 95% CI, 0.936-0.992; P = .012). Conclusion: Asymptomatic medial epicondyle apophysitis and ABD and external rotation deficits in the dominant shoulder were risk factors for elbow injuries in 7- to 12-year-old youth baseball players. These findings may aid in the design of programs to prevent elbow injuries in this population.


2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen Oliver ◽  
Wendi Weimar

Abstract Literature has revealed the importance of quantifying resting scapular posture in overhead athletes as well as quantifying scapular kinematics during dynamic movement. Prior to this project much of the attention in throwing research had been focused on the position of the humerus without description of the positioning of the scapula. Therefore, it was the purpose of this study to present scapular kinematics during pitching in youth baseball players. Twenty-five youth baseball players (age 11.3 + 1.0 years; body height 152.4 + 9.0 cm; body mass 47.5 + 11.3 kg), with no history of injury, participated in the study. Scapular kinematics at the events of maximum humeral external rotation (MER) and maximum humeral internal rotation (MIR) during the pitching motion were assessed three-dimensionally while pitching fastballs for strikes. Results revealed that at the event of MER, the scapula was in a position of retraction, upward rotation and a posterior tilt. While at the event of MIR, the scapula was protracted, upward rotated and tilted anteriorly.


2007 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Sauers ◽  
Anna August ◽  
Alison Snyder

Context:Stretching prior to activity or as a rehabilitative intervention may promote increased throwing shoulder range of motion (ROM) in baseball pitchers.Objective:To evaluate the acute effects of Fauls modified passive stretching routine on throwing shoulder mobility in collegiate baseball players.Design:Repeated measures.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:Thirty collegiate baseball players with unimpaired shoulders.Interventions:Fauls modified passive stretching routine was performed on the throwing shoulder of each subject.Outcome Measures:Shoulder complex and passive isolated glenohumeral internal and external rotation ROM were measured with a goniometer, and posterior shoulder tightness was assessed with the Tyler’s test method using a carpenter’s square. Measurements were made bilaterally.Results:The dominant shoulder displayed significant increases in glenohumeral and shoulder complex internal and external rotation ROM and significantly decreased posterior shoulder tightness following the stretching routine.Conclusion:Application of the Fauls modified passive shoulder stretching routine results in acute gains in throwing shoulder mobility of collegiate baseball players.


2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (4) ◽  
pp. 288-293
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Połyniak ◽  
Przemysław Lisiński ◽  
Juliusz Huber ◽  
Leszek Romanowski

Introduction. The isokinetic assessment allows objective evaluation of muscle strength in patients considered for surgery in cases of rotator cuff injury. Aim. The goal of this study was to define functional disorders of shoulder joint in patients with rotator cuff injury. Material and methods. The examination was conducted in two groups, ten patients each. One group consisted of subjects with rotator cuff injury while the other was a healthy control group. Isokinetic test was performed with use of Biodex System 4 Pro Device. The following parameters were evaluated: peak torque, peak torque/body weight (peak TQ/BW), total work, average power, range of movement (ROM) and peak torque ratio of external to internal rotators (ERPT/IRPT ratio). Studies of Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scale supplemented clinical evaluation. Results. Examination indicated a significant deficit of muscle strength during external rotation and ROM limitation only on symptomatic side in shoulder impingement group. Alteration between agonistic and antagonistic muscles strength for 2400/s was found. Significant differences between involved and uninvolved shoulders during pain and disability tests were detected. There was no correlation between result of isokinetic and SPADI tests. Conclusions. Patients after injury of rotator cuff present functional disorders that occur mainly during external rotation in isokinetic evaluation.


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