Deficiencies in Pitching Biomechanics in Baseball Players With a History of Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Repair

Laughlin, Walter A.; Fleisig, Glenn S.; Scillia, Anthony J.; Aune, Kyle T.; Cain, E. Lyle; Dugas, Jeffrey R.

doi:10.1177/0363546514552183

Cited by 50 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Twenty-six parameters (16 position, 5 velocity, and 5 kinetic values) were calculated for each trial, based on methods previously described. 8-10,12-18,21,22,26 Kinetic values were reported as the force or torque applied by the proximal segment onto the distal segment at the joint.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomechanical Analysis of Weighted-Ball Exercises for Baseball Pitchers

Fleisig

Diffendaffer

Aune

et al. 2016

Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach

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Background:Weighted-ball throwing programs are commonly used in training baseball pitchers to increase ball velocity. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics and kinetics among weighted-ball exercises with values from standard pitching (ie, pitching standard 5-oz baseballs from a mound).Hypothesis:Ball and arm velocities would be greater with lighter balls and joint kinetics would be greater with heavier balls.Study Design:Controlled laboratory study.Methods:Twenty-five high school and collegiate baseball pitchers experienced with weighted-ball throwing were tested with an automated motion capture system. Each participant performed 3 trials of 10 different exercises: pitching 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-oz baseballs from a mound; flat-ground crow hop throws with 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-oz baseballs; and flat-ground hold exercises with 14- and 32-oz balls. Twenty-six biomechanical parameters were computed for each trial. Data among the 10 exercises were compared with repeated measures analysis of variance and post hoc paired t tests against the standard pitching data.Results:Ball velocity increased as ball mass decreased. There were no differences in arm and trunk velocities between throwing a standard baseball and an underweight baseball (4 oz), while arm and trunk velocities steadily decreased as ball weight increased from 5 to 32 oz. Compared with values pitching from a mound, velocities of the pelvis, shoulder, and ball were increased for flat-ground throws. In general, as ball mass increased arm torques and forces decreased; the exception was elbow flexion torque, which was significantly greater for the flat-ground holds. There were significant differences in body positions when pitching on the mound, flat-ground throws, and holds.Conclusions:While ball velocity was greatest throwing underweight baseballs, results from the study did not support the rest of the hypothesis. Kinematics and kinetics were similar between underweight and standard baseballs, while overweight balls correlated with decreased arm forces, torques, and velocities. Increased ball velocity and joint velocities were produced with crow hop throws, likely because of running forward while throwing.Clinical Relevance:As pitching slightly underweight and overweight baseballs produces variations in kinematics without increased arm kinetics, these exercises seem reasonable for training pitchers. As flat-ground throwing produces increased shoulder internal rotation velocity and elbow varus torque, these exercises may be beneficial but may also be stressful and risky. Flat-ground holds with heavy balls should not be viewed as enhancing pitching biomechanics, but rather as hybrid exercises between throwing and resistance training.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biomechanical Analysis of Weighted-Ball Exercises for Baseball Pitchers

Fleisig

Diffendaffer

Aune

et al. 2016

Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach

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“…As the pitcher rotates his upper trunk to face the target, the arm lags and the shoulder achieves extreme external rotation. 8,10,13 Approximately 90 NÁm of internal rotation torque is generated about the shoulder to terminate external rotation and initiate internal rotation. 8,10,13 Shoulder internal rotation of a pitch is the fastest human movement recorded and occurs at an angular velocity in excess of 7250 deg/s.…”

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“…8,10,13 Approximately 90 NÁm of internal rotation torque is generated about the shoulder to terminate external rotation and initiate internal rotation. 8,10,13 Shoulder internal rotation of a pitch is the fastest human movement recorded and occurs at an angular velocity in excess of 7250 deg/s. 8,10 These repetitive torques and motions on the shoulder joint complex contribute to the high rate of shoulder injury in professional baseball pitchers.…”

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Deficits in Glenohumeral Passive Range of Motion Increase Risk of Shoulder Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers

et al. 2015

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“…Also, a more upright trunk observed in the throws with the non-dominant arm for the high school and professional players, there is the potential for the mechanical forces to injure the superior labrum of the shoulder. Superior labrum anterior-posterior tears can occur in baseball pitchers who throw a ball with inadequate anterior trunk lean (Laughlin et al, 2014). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Shooting motion in high school, collegiate, and professional men’s lacrosse players

Vincent

Chen

Zdziarski

et al. 2015

Sports Biomechanics

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The purposes of this research were to quantify the kinematics of the lacrosse shot, based on arm dominance and player experience level. Male players (N = 39; 14–30 years; high school [n = 24], collegiate [n = 9], professional [n = 6]), performed overhead shots using dominant and non-dominant sides. Motion was captured using a high-speed, 12-camera optical system and high-speed filming. Body segment rotational velocities and joint angles were determined at key points in the shot cycle from foot contact (0% of shot) to ball release (100% of shot). All players shot with less anterior trunk lean, less transverse shoulder rotation, and slower trunk-shoulder rotational velocities with the non-dominant side than the dominant side (all p < 0.05). Professional players produced crosse angular velocities 21% faster than high school or collegiate players (p < 0.05). Transverse shoulder rotation range of motion on both dominant and non-dominant and trunk rotation sides was highest in the professional players (p < 0.05). These kinematic features enable professional players to produce faster ball speeds than younger players (138 ± 7 km/h vs. 112 ± 15 km/h, respectively; p < 0.05). Less anterior lean or suboptimal rotation sequence could increase proximal shoulder forces that could contribute to injury as in other throwing sports.

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Deficiencies in Pitching Biomechanics in Baseball Players With a History of Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Repair

Abstract: To facilitate normal pitching mechanics, shoulder external rotation and horizontal abduction at 90° should be primary objectives in surgical repair and rehabilitation after SLAP repair. In addition, pitchers should work with their pitching coaches to ensure proper forward trunk tilt.

Cited by 50 publications

References 19 publications

Biomechanical Analysis of Weighted-Ball Exercises for Baseball Pitchers

Biomechanical Analysis of Weighted-Ball Exercises for Baseball Pitchers

Deficits in Glenohumeral Passive Range of Motion Increase Risk of Shoulder Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Shooting motion in high school, collegiate, and professional men’s lacrosse players

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