Acute Effects of Nicotine on Physiological Responses and Sport Performance in Healthy Baseball Players

There is interest in whether nicotine could enhance attention in sporting performance, but evidence on the acute effect of nicotine on physical response and sports performance in baseball players remains scant. This was an observational study to examine whether nicotine gum chewed before exercise could provide acute effects on physiological responses and sport performance. Accordingly, heart rate variability (HRV), saliva cotinine concentration and α-amylase activity, cognitive function, muscle strength, and baseball-hitting performance were measured. Thirteen healthy male non-smoker baseball players were recruited. Conducting two sequences with 7-day intervals, they chewed nicotine gum (nicotine group) or flavor-matched placebo gum (placebo group) for 30 min. HRV and saliva analyses were conducted before gum consumption (S1), after gum consumption (S2), and after test completion (S3). Cognitive, muscle strength, and baseball-hitting performance tests were performed after nicotine or placebo gum chewing. The outcomes of all assessed variables were compared within and between the groups. Significant changes in HRV, α-amylase, testosterone, and cortisol were observed in the nicotine group at S2 and S3 (p < 0.05). Compared with the placebo group, the nicotine group exhibited enhanced motor reaction times, grooved pegboard test (GPT) results on cognitive function, and baseball-hitting performance, and small effect sizes were noted (d = 0.47, 0.46 and 0.41, respectively). Nicotine could induce changes in endocrine and sympathetic nerve activity and enhance cognitive function and baseball-hitting performance. However, no increase in muscle strength was observed after nicotine intake.

Differences in Shoulder Internal Rotation Strength Between Baseball Players With Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction and Healthy Controls

Background: Studies have indicated decreased shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength in the throwing limb of baseball players after ulnar collateral ligament injury. There is limited evidence on the recovery of shoulder rotation strength after primary ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR). Hypothesis: At the time of return to throwing, baseball players who underwent UCLR would demonstrate decreased IR and ER shoulder strength in the throwing arm as compared with healthy baseball players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Male competitive high school and collegiate baseball athletes participated in this study. Athletes who underwent UCLR were compared with healthy controls who were matched by age, height, weight, and position. Bilateral isometric shoulder ER and IR strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer for all participants at the time of initial evaluation (UCLR group) and throughout the course of a season (healthy group). Independent t tests were run to calculate mean differences in ER and IR shoulder strength between the groups, with significance set at P < .05. Results: A total of 86 baseball athletes participated in this study (43 UCLR group, 43 healthy group). At the time of return to throwing (mean ± SD, 194 ± 30 days postoperatively), the 2 groups demonstrated no significant differences in nonthrowing arm ER or IR strength ( P = .143 and .994, respectively). No significant difference was found between groups for throwing arm ER strength ( P = .921); however, the UCLR group demonstrated significantly less throwing arm IR strength than the healthy group (144.2 ± 27.8 vs 157.6 ± 27.1 N; P = .023). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that throwing arm rotator cuff strength may not fully recover before the initiation of a return-to-throwing program after UCLR. These data provide a potential framework for clinicians to assist in the management and exercise prescription of the baseball athlete after UCLR and before medical release and the initiation of a return-to-throwing program.

Cryoneurolysis for Digital Neuralgia in Professional Baseball Players: A Case Series

ObjectiveWe describe a non-surgical approach to refractory digital neuralgia using cryoneurolysis in a series of 3 professional baseball players.BackgroundThumb injuries are common in baseball players and can sometimes be challenging to effectively manage. Depending on the injury, current treatments include anti-inflammatories, immobilization, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and/or surgery. A subset of patients, however, fail nonoperative management yet do not have a clear indication for surgery. Cryoneurolysis or cyroanalgesia is an FDA-approved form of neuromodulation, which has been used safely and effectively on a variety of peripheral nerves. The mechanism of action involves percutaneous introduction of a small probe under local anesthetic to nerve tissue using ultrasound guidance. The probe is then cooled to −88°C using nitrous oxide, which results in secondary Wallerian degeneration. Axonal and myelin regeneration occurs completely in 3–6 months.Design/MethodsVisualization of the superficial radial sensory and ulnar digital nerve were obtained under ultrasound. The skin was prepared in sterile fashion. A 22-gauge 1-½ inch needle was then advanced with ultrasound guidance, and local anesthetic was applied. Both treatment sites were marked with skin marker. Cryoneurolysis was employed using a 5 mm tip. 60-second treatment cycles were performed at each site. Each of the cycles resulted in a 5 × 7 mm lesion visible as hypoechoic signal.ResultsAll 3 players endorsed significant and prolonged relief and were able to return to an elite level of play.ConclusionsThis manuscript is subject to all of the limitations of a case series, and larger rigorous studies are needed to illuminate causal inferences. Novel, complex technologies may also be more susceptible to placebo effect. Nonetheless, we are able to report marked efficacy and safety from cryoneurolysis of the ulnar digital nerve and the superficial radial sensory nerve in a small group of elite baseball players with refractory digital neuralgia.

Effect of lumbar lordosis angle in adolescent baseball players on the development of lumbar spondylolysis v1

Background: Lumbar spondylolysis is a stress fracture of the lumbar vertebral arch that occurs frequently in adolescents. Lumbar spondylolysis has a high prevalence in athletes, especially baseball players. When lumbar spondylolysis occurs, restriction of sports activities is inevitable until the bony union is achieved. Therefore, prevention of the onset of lumbar spondylolysis is necessary, and it is necessary to elucidate the risk factors that influence the onset of the disease. An increase in lumbar lordosis angle may influence the development of lumbar spondylolysis because the lumbar lordosis angle increases the compressive stress in the vertebral arch. However, there are no reports on the effect of lumbar lordosis angle and the development of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent baseball players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lumbar lordosis angle on the development of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent baseball players. METHODS: Eligible patients were those who visited the orthopedic clinic from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021. The selection criteria were male baseball players aged 11-18 years who visited the clinic, and the exclusion criteria were those whose superior endplate of L1 and superior endplate of S1 could not be identified in the MRI images. The existence of development of lumbar spondylolysis, lumbar lordosis angle, age, and pitching experience of the above patients will be assessed based on electronic medical records and imaging findings. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis, with the objective variable being the existence of lumbar spondylolysis and the explanatory variables being the lumbar lordosis angle, age, and previous pitching experience.Discussion: This study examines the effect of the lumbar lordosis angle on the development of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent baseball players. An increase in lumbar lordosis angle may influence the development of lumbar spondylolysis and may be a risk factor for the development of lumbar spondylolysis.

Perfectionism, Mood States, and Choking in Asian University Baseball Players under Pressure during a Game

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships among mood states, perfectionism, and choking, and to identify a mediating effect of perfectionism on the relationship between mood states and choking experienced by Asian university baseball players in extremely stressful situations during a game. Data collected from a total of 209 male university baseball players were analyzed using SPSS 21 and AMOS 21 statistical software. The mean age of study subjects was 20.25 years. Results are as follows. First, mood states had a positive influence on perfectionism. Second, mood states had no significant influence on choking. Third, perfectionism had a positive influence on choking. Lastly, perfectionism had a complete mediating effect on the relationship between mood states and choking. The study findings will provide basic data to relieve athletes’ psychological burdens, and prevent manifestations of extreme perfectionism and choking, which can ultimately help athletes maintain high self-control of their mood states and perfectionism for better performance.

Swing Type and Batting Grip Affect Peak Pressures on the Hook of Hamate in Collegiate Baseball Players

Background: Bat swing and grip type may contribute to hook of hamate fractures in baseball players. Purpose: To compare the effects of swing type and batting grip on the pressure and rate of pressure development over the hook of hamate in collegiate baseball players. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This was an experimental quasi-randomized study of bat grip and swing differences in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players (N = 14; age, 19.6 ± 1.1 years [mean ± SD]). All participants performed swings under 6 combinations: 3 grip types (all fingers on the bat shaft [AO], one finger off the bat shaft [OF], and choked up [CU]) and 2 swing types (full swing and check swing). Peak pressure and rate of pressure generation over the area of the hamate were assessed using a pressure sensor fitted to the palm of the bare hand over the area of the hamate. Wrist angular velocities and excursions of radial ulnar deviation were obtained using 3-dimensional motion analysis. Results: The OF–check swing combination produced the highest peak pressure over the hamate (3.72 ± 2.64 kg/cm2) versus the AO–full swing (1.36 ± 0.73 kg/cm2), OF–full swing (1.68 ± 1.17 kg/cm2), and CU–full swing (1.18 ± 0.96 kg/cm2; P < .05 for all). There was a significant effect of condition on rate of pressure development across the 6 conditions ( P = .023). Maximal wrist angular velocities were 44% lower in all check swing conditions than corresponding full swing conditions ( P < .0001). The time to achieve the maximal wrist angular velocity was longest with the AO–full swing and shortest with the CU–check swing (100.1% vs 7.9% of swing cycle; P = .014). Conclusion: The OF–check swing condition produced the highest total pressure reading on the hook of hamate. Check swing conditions also had the steepest rate of pressure development as compared with the full swing conditions. Clinical Relevance: Batters who frequently check their swings and use an OF or AO grip may benefit from bat modifications or grip adjustment to reduce stresses over the hamate. Athletic trainers and team physicians should be aware of these factors to counsel players in the context of previous or ongoing hand injury.