Change in Glenohumeral Rotation and Scapular Position After a Division I Collegiate Baseball Season

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen John Thomas ◽  
Charles B. Swanik ◽  
Kathleen Swanik ◽  
John D. Kelly

Context:Pathologies such as anterior instability and impingement are common in baseball and have been linked to decreases in internal-rotation (IR) motion and concurrent increases in external-rotation (ER) motion. In addition, alterations to scapular upward rotation have been identified in this population.Objective:To measure glenohumeral (GH) IR and ER rotation, total range of motion (ROM), and scapular upward rotation throughout the course of a Division I collegiate baseball season.Design:Pretest to posttest study.Setting:Controlled laboratory setting.Participants:Thirty-one collegiate baseball players with no current shoulder or elbow injury completed this study.Intervention:Participants were measured for all dependent variables at preseason and postseason.Main Outcome Measures:GH IR and ER were measured supine with the scapula stabilized. Total GH ROM was calculated as the sum of IR and ER measures. Scapular upward rotation was tested at rest, 60°, 90°, and 120° of GH abduction in the scapular plane.Results:Overall, the dominant arm had significantly less GH IR and significantly more ER than the nondominant arm. The total motion on the dominant arm was significantly less than on the nondominant arm. No significant differences were observed from preseason to postseason for IR, ER, or total motion. Dominant-arm scapular upward rotation significantly decreased at 60°, 90°, and 120° of abduction from preseason to postseason.Conclusion:Collegiate baseball players presented with significant GH-motion differences (decreases in IR and increases in ER) in their dominant arm compared with their nondominant arm. There was also significantly less total motion on the dominant arm. After 12 wk of competitive Division I collegiate baseball, there were significant decreases in upward rotation over the season.

2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Thomas ◽  
Kathleen A. Swanik ◽  
Charles “Buz” Swanik ◽  
Kellie C. Huxel ◽  
John D. Kelly

Context:Pathologies such as anterior instability and impingement are common in baseball and have been linked to decreases in internal rotation (IR) and concurrent increases in external rotation (ER). In addition, alterations to scapular position have been identified in this population, but the chronology of these adaptations is uncertain.Objectives:To determine whether there is a change in range of motion and scapular position after a single baseball season.Design:Prospective cohort.Setting:High school.Participants:19 high school baseball players (age 16.6 ± 0.8 y, mass 78.6 ± 12.0 kg, height 180.3 ± 6.2 cm).Interventions:Subjects were measured for all dependent variables at preseason and postseason.Main Outcome Measures:Participants were measured for glenohumeral (GH) IR and ER with the scapula stabilized. Total GH range of motion was calculated as the sum of IR and ER. Scapular upward rotation was measured at 0°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of GH abduction in the scapular plane, and scapular protraction, at 0°, hands on hips, and 90° of GH abduction.Results:Overall, the dominant arm had significantly less GH IR (11.4°, P = .005) and significantly more ER (4.7°, P = .001) than the nondominant arm. Total motion in the dominant arm was significantly less than in the nondominant arm (6.7°, P = .001). Scapular upward rotation in the dominant arm significantly increased at 0° (2.4°, P = .002) and significantly decreased at 90° (3.2°, P = .001) and 120° (3.2°, P < .001) of abduction from preseason to postseason. Scapular protraction in the nondominant arm significantly decreased at 45° (0.32 cm, P = .017) and 90° (0.33 cm, P = .006) from preseason to postseason.Conclusion:These data suggest that scapular adaptations may be acquired over a relatively short period (12 wk) in a competitive baseball season. Competitive high school baseball players also presented with significant GH motion differences between their dominant and nondominant arms. Total motion was also significantly less in the dominant arm than in the nondominant arm.


2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 216-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen John Thomas ◽  
Charles Buz Swanik ◽  
Thomas W. Kaminski ◽  
Jill S. Higginson ◽  
Kathleen A. Swanik ◽  
...  

Context:Subacromial impingement is a common injury in baseball players and has been linked to a reduction in the subacromial space. In addition, it has been suggested that decreases in scapular upward rotation will lead to decreases in the subacromial space and ultimately impingement syndrome.Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between acromiohumeral distance and scapular upward rotation in healthy college baseball players.Design:Posttest-only study design.Setting:Controlled laboratory setting.Participants:24 healthy college baseball players.Intervention:Participants were measured for all dependent variables at preseason.Main Outcome Measures:Acromiohumeral distance at rest and 90° of abduction was measured with a diagnostic ultrasound unit. Scapular upward rotation at rest and 90° of abduction was measured with a digital inclinometer.Results:Dominant-arm acromiohumeral distance at rest and 90° of abduction (P = .694, P = .840) was not significantly different than in the nondominant arm. In addition, there was not a significant correlation between acromiohumeral distance and scapular upward rotation at rest and 90° of abduction for either the dominant or the nondominant arm.Conclusions:These results indicate that the acromiohumeral distance is not adapting in the dominant arm in healthy throwing athletes. In addition, a relationship was not identified between acromiohumeral distance and scapular upward rotation, which was previously suggested. These results may suggest that changes that are typically seen in an injured population may be occurring due to the injury and are not preexisting. In addition, scapular upward rotation may not be the only contributing factor to acromiohumeral distance.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (07) ◽  
pp. 447-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madeline A. Czeck ◽  
Christiana J. Raymond-Pope ◽  
Tyler A. Bosch ◽  
Christopher W. Bach ◽  
Jonathan M. Oliver ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study’s purpose was to evaluate total, regional, and throwing versus non-throwing arm body composition measurements between various positions of NCAA Division I male baseball players using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Two hundred and one collegiate baseball athletes were measured using DXA. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), total and regional fat mass (FM), lean mass (LM), and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured. Athletes were separated into: pitchers (n=92), catchers (n=25), outfielders (n=43), and infielders (n=41). ANOVA and Tukey’s honest significant difference assessed total and regional differences between positions. Infielders had significantly (p<0.05) lower total LM than pitchers and outfielders. Additionally, outfielders had significantly lower total FM compared to pitchers and catchers. No significant differences between positions were observed for total BMD and VAT. Pitchers’ and infielders’ throwing arm demonstrated significantly greater total mass, FM, LM, and BMD compared to the non-throwing arm. Further, outfielders’ throwing arm total mass, LM, and BMD were significantly higher vs. the non-throwing arm. Significant differences were observed in total and regional body composition measurements across position, in addition to differences in throwing arm vs. non-throwing arm composition. These measurement values are important to coaches and trainers as normative positional DXA data for collegiate baseball players.


2013 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Thomas ◽  
Charles B. Swanik ◽  
Jill S. Higginson ◽  
Thomas W. Kaminski ◽  
Kathleen A. Swanik ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 232596712110450
Author(s):  
Mikhail Alexeev ◽  
Steven M. Kane ◽  
Gary M. Lourie

Background: Variations in batting technique may put baseball players at increased risk of hook of the hamate fractures. A better comprehension of the mechanism of such fractures is needed. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of the study was to compare 2 different grip types to quantify the pressures exerted on the hook of the hamate during batting. It was hypothesized that when compared with the conventional batting style, players holding the knob of the bat in the palm of the hand (termed the “palmar hamate grip”) would have higher pressures exerted on the hook of the hamate. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Athletes were recruited for participation on a volunteer basis from the rosters of 2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball teams and were divided into 2 groups based on their usual grip type. A force sensor system was applied to the nondominant hand of each participating player, with the central portion of the sensing mechanism placed on the batting glove directly over the hook of the hamate. All players used the same batting glove, which transmitted data from the sensor to a laptop computer. Measurements were collected on consecutive hits at a standardized distance using a ball machine at 70 mph. Results: Nine collegiate baseball players underwent testing (5 players exclusively used the conventional grip, 3 players exclusively used the palmar hamate grip, and 1 player naturally alternated between the 2 grip types). The palmar hamate grip demonstrated a 366% increase in pressure exerted on the sensor overlying the hook of the hamate when compared with the conventional batting grip (536.42 kPa [95% confidence interval, 419.39-653.44 kPa] vs 115.84 kPa [95% confidence interval, 96.97-135.10 kPa]). The player who used both grips demonstrated significantly higher maximum pressure when using the palmar hamate versus conventional grip (482.90 vs 142.40 kPa; t = 6.95; P < .0001). Conclusion: Use of the palmar hamate grip may increase the risk of hook of the hamate fracture in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball players. Clinical Relevance: Educating players on the risks associated with the palmar hamate grip may prevent injury and minimize time out of competition.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0031
Author(s):  
Marcus A. Rothermich ◽  
Stan A. Conte ◽  
Glenn S. Fleisig ◽  
E. Lyle Cain ◽  
Jeffrey R. Dugas

Objectives: Recent studies in the literature have highlighted the progressive increase in the incidence of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries to the elbow in baseball players of all levels. However, knowledge of the incidence and other epidemiological factors regarding UCL injuries, specifically in college baseball players, is currently lacking. In 2016, we launched a prospective, multi-year study to evaluate the incidence of UCL injuries requiring surgery in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I baseball programs. Methods: We invited 157 Division I collegiate baseball programs after the 2017 season, and 155 agreed to participate in the study. After the 2018 season, all 297 programs were invited and 294 participated. At the conclusion of the 2017 and 2018 collegiate baseball seasons, the athletic trainer for each program entered anonymous, detailed information on injured players through an electronic survey into a secured database. Results: We obtained a 100% completion rate in the first two years of this ongoing study (155/155 respondents in the first year, 294/294 in the second year). Of the 5,364 collegiate baseball players tracked in Year 1 (2016-2017), 134 underwent surgery for an injured UCL, resulting in a team surgery rate of 0.86 per program. In Year 2 (2017-2018), there were 230 surgeries reported from 10,019 players tracked, resulting in a team surgery rate of 0.78 per program. A majority of schools experienced at least one surgery during both years (56.8% in Year 1, 50.7% in Year 2). Pitchers experience a vast majority of the surgical injuries (85.8% in Year 1, 84.3% in Year 2). Underclassmen made up 65.7% of surgeries in Year 1, which fell slightly to 56.1% in Year 2. Nearly half of the surgeries occurred during an ongoing baseball season in Year 1 (48.5%), but this fell in Year 2 to 41.3%. In both years, a non-significant majority of players were from warm-weather states (65.4% in Year 1, 52.9% in Year 2). Revision surgical rates remained nearly constant with 3.0% revision surgeries in Year 1 compared with 2.6% revisions in Year 2. Interestingly, the percentage of UCL repairs with internal brace augmentation rose from 9.5% in Year 1 to 19.9% of all procedures in Year 2. Conclusion: The incidence of UCL surgeries in NCAA Division I collegiate baseball players represents substantial morbidity to this young athletic population. This multi-year prospective study has been established to assess the incidence of surgical UCL injuries in collegiate baseball. Also, importantly, with multiple years of data we will identify trends in the demographics of players undergoing surgery and in surgical details over time. Awareness of these factors should be considered in injury prevention programs in the future.


2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew K. Seeley ◽  
Iain Hunter ◽  
Thomas Bateman ◽  
Adam Roggia ◽  
Brad J. Larson ◽  
...  

Context:A novel spring-loaded-crutch design may provide patients additional forward velocity, relative to traditional axillary crutches; however, this idea has not yet been evaluated.Objective:To quantify elastic potential energy stored by spring-loaded crutches during crutch–ground contact and determine whether this energy increases forward velocity for patients during crutch ambulation. Because elastic potential energy is likely stored by the spring-loaded crutch during ambulation, the authors hypothesized that subjects would exhibit greater peak instantaneous forward velocity during crutch–ground contact and increased preferred ambulation speed during spring-loaded-crutch ambulation, relative to traditional-crutch ambulation.Design:Within-subject.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory.Participants:10 healthy men and 10 healthy women.Interventions:The independent variable was crutch type: Subjects used spring-loaded and traditional axillary crutches to ambulate at standardized and preferred speeds.Main Outcome Measures:The primary dependent variables were peak instantaneous forward velocity and preferred ambulation speed; these variables were quantified using high-speed videography and an optoelectronic timing device, respectively. Between-crutches differences for the dependent variables were evaluated using paired t tests (α = .05). Elastic potential energy stored by the spring-loaded crutches during crutch–ground contact was also quantified via videography.Results:Peak forward velocity during crutch–ground contact was 5% greater (P < .001) for spring-loaded-crutch ambulation than for traditional-crutch ambulation. Preferred ambulation speed, however, did not significantly differ (P = .538) between crutch types. The spring-loaded crutches stored an average of 2.50 ± 1.96 J of elastic potential energy during crutch–ground contact.Conclusions:The spring-loaded crutches appear to have provided subjects with additional peak instantaneous forward velocity. This increased velocity, however, was relatively small and did not increase preferred ambulation speed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 32-35
Author(s):  
Kevin Laudner ◽  
Robert Lynall ◽  
Jeffrey Williams ◽  
Regan Wong ◽  
Takashi Onuki ◽  
...  

Context:Numerous studies have documented reduced glenohumeral joint range of motion (ROM) of the dominant extremity among baseball players, which may be caused by throwing-related factors that also affect the radioulnar joint.Objective:To measure pronation and supination ROM in competitive baseball pitchers and position players.Participants:Asymptomatic professional and collegiate baseball pitchers (N = 59) and position players (N = 43).Outcome Measures:Bilateral radioulnar pronation and supination ROM.Results:Pitchers demonstrated significantly less pronation and total ROM in the throwing arm than the nondominant arm. The position players demonstrated significantly less total ROM in the throwing arm than the nondominant arm.Conclusions:The reported normative values may provide useful standards for interpretation of radioulnar ROM measured in both asymptomatic and symptomatic baseball players.


2010 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yin-Chou Lin ◽  
Angela Thompson ◽  
Jung-Tang Kung ◽  
Liang-Wei Chieh ◽  
Shih-Wei Chou ◽  
...  

Context:Elbow injuries are widely reported among baseball players. The elbow is susceptible to injury when elbow-flexor and -extensor forces are imbalanced during pitching or throwing. Assessment of muscle-strength ratios may prove useful for diagnosing elbow injury.Objective:The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between the elbow-flexor and -extensor functional isokinetic ratios and elbow injury in baseball players.Design:Retrospective study.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory.Participants:College baseball players with (n = 9) and without (n = 12) self-reported elbow pain or loss of strength were recruited.Intervention and Main Outcome Measures:Trials were conducted using a dynamometer to assess dominant-arm flexor and extensor concentric and eccentric strength at angular velocities of 60° and 240°/s. Functional isokinetic ratios were calculated and compared between groups.Results:Regression analysis revealed that a ratio of biceps concentric to triceps concentric strength greater than 0.76 (the median value) significantly predicted elbow injury (P = .01, odds ratio of injury = 24). No other ratios or variables (including position played) were predictive of injury status.Conclusions:These findings suggest that the ratio of biceps concentric to triceps concentric functional strength strongly predicts elbow-injury status in baseball players. Assessment of this ratio may prove useful in a practical setting for training purposes and both injury diagnosis and rehabilitation.


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