Relationships Among Shoulder Rotational Strength, Range of Motion, Pitching Kinetics, and Pitch Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers

Abstract

Cross, JA, Higgins, AW, Dziuk, CC, Harris, GF, and Raasch, WG. Relationships among shoulder rotational strength, range of motion, pitching kinetics, and pitch velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 37(1): 129–135, 2023—Throwing shoulder injuries are the most common type of injury experienced by baseball pitchers. Weakness in the shoulder musculature and insufficient throwing arm range of motion are both risk factors for developing a shoulder injury. The goal of this study was to determine correlations among shoulder rotational strength, range of motion, pitching kinetics, and pitch velocity in collegiate pitchers. Thirteen uninjured male college pitchers were evaluated. Clinical measures included shoulder internal and external rotation range of motion, peak isokinetic internal and external rotator strength, and peak isometric internal and external rotator strength. Three-dimensional biomechanics were assessed as subjects threw from an indoor pitching mound to a strike zone net at regulation distance. Pearson's correlations were used to assess the associations among the clinical measures and throwing metrics. Five significant correlations were found between peak shoulder compressive force and strength, and 4 significant correlations were found between pitching velocity and strength (p < 0.05). No significant correlations were found between range of motion and pitching kinetics or velocity. Our results suggest that as shoulder rotational strength increases, the peak shoulder compressive force and pitch velocity both increase. Knowledge of relationships between strength metrics and pitching biomechanics may allow for improved strength training routines with the goal of increasing velocity without increasing injury risk.

Kinematic Parameters Predictive of Pitch Velocity in Youth to Professional Baseball Pitchers: A Qualitative Systematic Review

“…Of the 12 studies included in this review, there were 9 descriptive laboratory studies: Alderink et al, 4 Aguinaldo and Escamilla, 1 Dowling et al, 10 Keller et al, 16 Murata, 24 Oyama et al, 27 Smith et al, 35 Solomito et al, 36 and Tanaka et al 40 ; and 3 single-episode cross-sectional studies: Cross et al, 7 Orishimo et al, 26 and Sgroi et al 34 There were 930 pitchers in total, with 429 (46.1%) youth, 164 (17.6%) high school, 153 (16.5%) collegiate, and 184 (19.8%) professional athletes. The mean age was 17.2 years (range, 12.1-25.5 years).…”

“…Cross et al 7 followed 13 collegiate pitchers and noted significant correlations between pitching velocity and shoulder strength. Isokinetic shoulder external rotation and internal rotation ( r = 0.567 and 0.613, respectively), as well as concentric shoulder external rotation ( r = 0.657) at 90 deg/s were significantly correlated with increased pitch velocity.…”

“…Of the 12 studies included in this review, there were 9 descriptive laboratory studies: Alderink et al, 4 Aguinaldo and Escamilla, 1 Dowling et al, 10 Keller et al, 16 Murata, 24 Oyama et al, 27 Smith et al, 35 Solomito et al, 36 and Tanaka et al 40 ; and 3 single-episode cross-sectional studies: Cross || et al, 7 Orishimo et al, 26 and Sgroi et al 34 1. Studies categorized by anatomic location and kinematic contributors to ball velocity are described, with specific measurement descriptions for kinematic parameters of interest provided in Table 2.…”

“…(continued) Question Alderink (2021) 4 Aguinaldo (2019) 1 Cross (2023) 7 Dowling (2022) 10 Keller (2016) 16 Murata (2001) 24 Orishimo (2023) 26 Oyama (2013) 27 Sgroi (2015) 34 Smith (2019) 35 Solomito (2022) 36 Tanaka (2022) 40 6. Was the selection process likely to select subjects/ participants that were representative of the target/reference population under investigation?…”

The impact of resistance-based training programs on throwing performance and throwing-related injuries in baseball players: A systematic review

“…Resistance-based training offers several potential benefits for baseball pitchers seeking to enhance their throwing performance. Firstly, this form of training can help improve muscle strength, particularly in the shoulder and arm muscles, which are critical for generating velocity and accuracy in throws [ 41 ]. By increasing muscle mass and power, pitchers may experience greater force production during their pitching motion [ 42 ].…”