scholarly journals Shoulder Strength and Range of Motion in Healthy Collegiate Softball Players

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelsey Biaggi ◽  
Brooke Farmer ◽  
Matthew Hobson ◽  
Curtis Self ◽  
Terry L. Grindstaff

Abstract Context: Shoulder range of motion (ROM) and strength are key injury evaluation components for overhead athletes. Most normative values are derived from male baseball players with limited information specific to female softball players. Objective: To determine between-limb differences in shoulder ROM and strength in healthy collegiate softball players. Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Setting: University research laboratory and collegiate athletic training room Participants: Twenty-three healthy collegiate softball players (age=19.9 ± 1.2y; height=170.5 ± 4.3cm; mass=78.4 ± 11.3kg). Interventions: Outcome measures included shoulder ROM (internal [IR] and external rotation [ER]), isometric strength (IR, ER, flexion, abduction [135 degrees], and horizontal abduction), and a measure of dynamic strength (Upper Quarter Y Balance Test [UQYBT]). Main Outcome Measures: Paired sample t-tests were used to determine between limb differences for each outcome measure. Results: Participants had significantly more ER ROM (12° more) and significantly less IR ROM (12° less) on the dominant arm, relative to the non-dominant arm. There were no significant differences between limbs for any of the isometric strength measures or for the UQYBT reach directions. Conclusions: While female collegiate softball players demonstrated typical changes in ER and IR ROM in the dominant arm, they demonstrated relatively symmetrical performance across strength measures, which contrasts with previous studies using male baseball players.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 232596712110007
Author(s):  
J. Craig Garrison ◽  
Joseph P. Hannon ◽  
John E. Conway

Background: Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is becoming more recognized as a diagnosis in the throwing athlete. Currently, there is limited information on the clinical presentation and development of nTOS in baseball players. Purpose: To compare passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) and anatomic humeral retrotorsion (HRT) of baseball players diagnosed with nTOS with a group of healthy, matched controls. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 53 adolescent baseball players diagnosed with nTOS (age, 17.2 ± 2.3 years; height, 180.9 ± 10.1 cm; weight, 80.0 ± 13.3 kg) were compared with 53 healthy baseball players (age, 17.2 ± 2.4 years; height, 183.9 ± 9.0 cm; weight, 83.8 ± 11.5 kg). Participants were measured for shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) ROM and HRT. All measurements were taken bilaterally, and the differences (throwing to nonthrowing arm) were used to calculate mean values for glenohumeral internal rotation difference, glenohumeral external rotation difference (GERD), total rotational motion difference (TRMdiff), and anatomic humeral retrotorsion difference. Group comparisons were made between the nTOS and control players using multivariate analysis of variance, and descriptive comparisons were made with independent t tests. Results: There were no significant differences between groups in age, height, weight, or years of experience. Players in the nTOS group had significantly less throwing arm ER compared with controls (103.4° ± 10.4° vs 109.6° ± 7.5°, respectively; P = .001) and GERD (3.0° ± 9.2° vs 8.8° ± 9.2°, respectively; P = .002). TRMdiff was significantly greater in nTOS (–11.1° ± 11.1°) than in controls (–3.7° ± 9.4°) ( P < .001). Conclusion: In the current study, adolescent baseball players diagnosed with nTOS were evaluated with shoulder ROM differences when compared with a matched healthy cohort. A loss of throwing arm ER appeared to be the main factor behind shoulder ROM changes in the nTOS group.


2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1190-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Garrett S. Bullock ◽  
Mallory S. Faherty ◽  
Leila Ledbetter ◽  
Charles A. Thigpen ◽  
Timothy C. Sell

Objective Arm injuries in baseball players are a common problem. The identification of modifiable risk factors, including range of motion (ROM), is essential for injury prevention. The purpose of this review was to assess the methodologic quality and level of evidence in the literature and to investigate the relationship between shoulder ROM and the risk of arm injuries in baseball players. Data Sources Relevant studies in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and SPORTDiscus published from inception to August 1, 2017. Study Selection Only studies that encompassed healthy baseball cohorts who were assessed for shoulder ROM and prospectively evaluated for injuries throughout a baseball season or seasons were included. Data Extraction Six articles met the search criteria. Only 3 studies were included in the meta-analysis due to disparate participant groups. Data Synthesis The modified Downs and Black scale (0–15 points) was used to analyze methodologic quality. Study quality ranged from 11 to 14. Four studies received high-quality (≥12) and 2 studies received moderate-quality (≥10) scores. The overall pooled analysis demonstrated that absolute and internal-rotation deficits (–5.93 [95% confidence interval {CI} = –9.43, –2.43], P &lt; .001 and 4.28 [0.71, 7.86], P = .02, respectively) and absolute total ROM (TROM; –6.19 [95% CI = –10.28, –2.10]; P = .003) were predictors of injury, and these data exhibited homogeneity (absolute IR P value = .77, I2 = 0%; IR deficit P value = .41, I2 = 0%; absolute TROM P value = .78, I2 = 0%). No significance was observed for absolute external rotation (–2.86 [95% CI = –6.56, 0.83], P = .13), which had data with high heterogeneity (P = .003; I2 = 83%). A deficit in horizontal adduction was a predictor of injury (–8.32 [95% CI = –12.08, –4.56]; P &lt; .001); these data were homogeneous but yielded a moderate heterogenic effect (P = .16; I2 = 50%). Conclusions High-quality evidence demonstrated that deficits in throwing-arm TROM and IR were associated with upper extremity injury in baseball players. Heterogeneity across studies for horizontal adduction suggested that this may be a modifiable risk factor for injury, but it requires further research.


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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 236-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett S. Pexa ◽  
Eric D. Ryan ◽  
Elizabeth E. Hibberd ◽  
Elizabeth Teel ◽  
Terri Jo Rucinski ◽  
...  

Context: Following a baseball pitching bout, changes can occur to glenohumeral range of motion that could be linked to injury. These effects are in part due to the posterior shoulder’s eccentric muscle activity, which can disrupt muscle contractile elements and lead to changes in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), as measured by ultrasound. Objective: To assess changes in muscle CSA, and range of motion immediately before and after pitching, and days 1 to 5 following pitching. Design: Repeated measures. Setting: Satellite athletic training room. Patients: Ten elite college baseball pitchers participating in the fall season (age: 18.8 [1.2] y, height: 189.2 [7.3] cm, mass: 93.1 [15.3] kg, 8 starters, 2 long relievers). Intervention: A pitching bout of at least 25 pitches (63.82 [17.42] pitches). Main Outcome Measures: Dominant and nondominant infraspinatus CSA, as measured by ultrasound, and glenohumeral range of motion including internal rotation (IRROM), external rotation (ERROM), and total rotation range of motion (TROM) before pitching, after pitching, and days 1 to 5 following the pitching bout. Results: Dominant limb CSA significantly increased day 1 after pitching, and returned to baseline on day 2 (P < .001). Dominant and nondominant TROM did not change until day 5 (4.4°, P < .001) and day 3 (4.5°, P < .001), respectively, where they increased. Dominant IRROM was significantly decreased for 3 days (day 1: 1.9°, P < .001; day 2: 3.1°, P < .001; day 3: 0.3°, P < .001) following pitching and returned to baseline on day 4, with no such changes in the nondominant limb. Dominant external rotation significantly increased immediately post pitching (4.4°, P < .001) but returned to baseline by day 1. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate that infraspinatus CSA does not recover until 2 days following pitching, and IRROM does not recover until 4 days following pitching. Baseball pitching elicits damage to the posterior shoulder muscle architecture, resulting in changes to physical characteristics that last up to 4 days following pitching.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jim Schilling ◽  
Sujeiry Guzman ◽  
Chad Lewis ◽  
Jupil Ko

OBJECTIVES To compare the clinical outcome and effectiveness of Swedish massage and a traditional passive stretching program, on the shoulder of ROM in overhead athletes.PARTICIPANTS A total of 10 overhead throwing overhead male athletes (age= 23.5 ± 1.5yrs; height= 186.69 ± 6.35 cm; mass= 91.86 ± 12.48 kg).METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to either Swedish massage or a traditional passive static stretching program for 1 session of 5 minutes. Baseline and post-intervention shoulder ROM to end range in the flexed, external rotation, internal rotation, horizontal adduction and abduction positions. The Pearson chi-square test was applied to compare the differences of shoulder ROM of both therapeutic variables. Recorded outcome measures on the participants’ shoulder ROM (flexion with scapula fixed, horizontal adduction, horizontal abduction, internal rotational & external rotation) pre- & post-interventions.RESULTS Results indicate that participants in the Swedish massage therapeutic intervention group had significant improvements in their internal rotation post-treatment (M=5.20, SD= 1.304, p=.038) and the traditional passive stretching protocol group had significant improvements in shoulder external rotation post-treatment (M=11.20, SD=2.68, p=.016).CONCLUSION Swedish massage had better effects in four out of the five shoulder motions measured compared to passive static stretching. Educating overhead athletes on the potential beneficial effects of massage therapy and its role in maintaining shoulder range of motion.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 750-756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesar Gallo-Salazar ◽  
Juan Del Coso ◽  
David Barbado ◽  
Alejandro Lopez-Valenciano ◽  
Francisco Javier Santos-Rosa ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of playing 2 tennis matches on the same day on physical performance in young tennis players. Twelve well-trained young tennis players took part in a simulated tennis competition consisting of 2 tennis matches on the same day (morning and afternoon sessions). Before and the day after the competition, physical performance was measured using a battery of countermovement jumps; a 10 m sprint; the 5–0–5 agility test; hip, grip and shoulder maximal isometric strength; shoulder range of motion; and a serve velocity test. Postcompetition results showed reduced performance in 10 m (–3.3%, effect size (ES) = small), dominant and nondominant 5–0–5 agility test (–4.6%, ES = moderate; –4.2%, ES = moderate, respectively), bilateral (–5.2%, ES = small), and unilateral countermovement jumps (dominant leg: –7.2%, ES = small; non-dominant leg: –9.1%, ES = small). Both dominant and nondominant shoulder external rotation range of motion increased (12.2%, ES = moderate; 5.6%, ES = small), whereas internal rotation decreased (–4.2%, ES = small; –3.3%, ES = small) in the postcompetition tests, together with the dominant shoulder external rotation (–10.7%, ES = moderate) and internal rotation (–9.3%, ES = small) strength. Physical impairments occurred in neuromuscular performance variables involving lower (e.g., jumping, sprinting, and change of direction) and upper (e.g., isometric strength and range of motion) limbs the day after playing a competition with 2 consecutive matches on the same day. These alterations in neuromuscular and sport-specific performance need to be taken into consideration when planning tournament schedules for young tennis players, as well as preparing match and recovery strategies.


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.


2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 507-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth E. Hibberd ◽  
Sakiko Oyama ◽  
Justin Tatman ◽  
Joseph B. Myers

Context: Biomechanically, the motions used by baseball and softball pitchers differ greatly; however, the throwing motions of position players in both sports are strikingly similar. Although the adaptations to the dominant limb from overhead throwing have been well documented in baseball athletes, these adaptations have not been clearly identified in softball players. This information is important in order to develop and implement injury-prevention programs specific to decreasing the risk of upper extremity injury in softball athletes. Objective: To compare range-of-motion and humeral-retrotorsion characteristics of collegiate baseball and softball position players and of baseball and softball players to sex-matched controls. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Research laboratories and athletic training rooms at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Patients or Other Participants: Fifty-three collegiate baseball players, 35 collegiate softball players, 25 male controls (nonoverhead athletes), and 19 female controls (nonoverhead athletes). Intervention(s): Range of motion and humeral retrotorsion were measured using a digital inclinometer and diagnostic ultrasound. Main Outcome Measure(s): Glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit, external-rotation gain, total glenohumeral range of motion, and humeral retrotorsion. Results: Baseball players had greater glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit, total–range-of-motion, and humeral-retrotorsion difference than softball players and male controls. There were no differences between glenohumeral internal-rotation deficit, total–range-of-motion, and humeral-retrotorsion difference in softball players and female controls. Conclusions: Few differences were evident between softball players and female control participants, although range-of-motion and humeral-retrotorsion adaptations were significantly different than baseball players. The throwing motions are similar between softball and baseball, but the athletes adapt to the demands of the sport differently; thus, stretching/strengthening programs designed for baseball may not be the most effective programs for softball athletes.


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