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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Pitching biomechanics as a pitcher approaches muscular fatigue during a simulated baseball game.

BACKGROUND: The effects of approaching muscular fatigue on pitching biomechanics are currently unknown. As a pitcher fatigues, pitching mechanics may change, leading to a decrease in performance and an increased risk of injury. HYPOTHESIS: As a pitcher approaches muscular fatigue, select pitching biomechanical variables will be significantly different than they were before muscular fatigue. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Ten collegiate baseball pitchers threw 15 pitches per inning for 7 to 9 innings off an indoor throwing mound during a simulated baseball game. A pitching session ended when each pitcher felt he could no longer continue owing to a subjective perception of muscular fatigue. A 6-camera 3D automatic digitizing system collected 200-Hz video data. Twenty kinematic and 11 kinetic variables were calculated throughout 4 phases of the pitch. A repeated-measure analysis of variance (P < .01) was used to compare biomechanical variables between innings. RESULTS: Compared with the initial 2 innings, as a pitcher approached muscular fatigue during the final 2 innings he was able to pitch, there was a significant decrease in ball velocity, and the trunk was significantly closer to a vertical position. There were no other significant differences in kinematics or kinetics variables. CONCLUSION: The relatively few differences observed imply that pitching biomechanics remained remarkably similar between collegiate starting pitchers who threw between 105 and 135 pitches for 7 to 9 innings and approached muscular fatigue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study did not support the idea that there is an increase in shoulder and elbow forces and torques as muscular fatigue is approached. It is possible that if a pitcher remained in a fatigued state for a longer period of time, additional changes in pitching mechanics may occur and the risk of injury may increase.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Performance of baseball headgear.

An experiment was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of commercially available baseball headgear in a simulated environment where the head of the batter is struck. Using a compressed air cannon, baseballs were fired at an instrumented headform at frontal and temporal locations with and without a helmet. Striking velocities ranged from 50 to 120 mph and rebound velocities were 1/3 to 1/2 of that of the initial speed. Additional impact tests were conducted on equivalent flat helmet sections backed by a rigid steel plate, the results of which seemed to indicate that the materials and configurations currently employed do little to dissipate the energy of the striker. Head accelerations in excess of 1,000 G were measured, but quantitative injury potential could not be assessed since no applicable tolerances currently exist. We concluded that the incorporation of additional external padding on the plastic shell of the helmet and/or modifications of the suspension would significantly improve the energy absorption capabilities of the helmet and further minimize the possibility of head trauma.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Digital ischemia in baseball players.

Eight baseball players developed digital ischemia as a result of repetitive ball impact. Symptoms and signs were coolness, numbness, cyanosis, paleness, and a positive reaction to the digital Allen's test. Seven of the eight players developed digital ischemia between the ages of 16 and 17. Angiograms of four patients with an occluded index digital artery are presented. Thermograms of four patients with a cool area of the left index finger are also presented. We investigated the incidence of digital ischemia by administration of a questionnaire. The respondents were 578 players belonging to clubs in junior high schools, high schools, and colleges. No digital ischemia was found in 207 junior high school baseball players. The incidence increased in high school (66 of 299) and college (29 of 72). The probability of developing digital ischemia corresponded to the accumulated playing time. Digital ischemia occurred characteristically in the left index finger.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Circulatory disturbances in the throwing hand of baseball pitchers.

Three cases of circulatory disturbance with ulcer formation in the pitching hand of baseball pitchers are reported. The pathophysiology was of an entirely new entity. In one case, the neurovascular bundles of the middle finger were entrapped by the proximal edges of Cleland's ligaments. In the other two cases, the blood vessels to the index and middle fingers were compressed within the lumbrical canal. Hypertrophy of the lumbrical muscles and/or thickening of the palmar aponeurosis were responsible for the compression of the vessels. Surgical release of Cleland's ligaments or palmar aponeurosis, including superficial transverse fiber and vertical septa, resulted in good recovery of the circulation of the involved fingers. All of the pitchers returned to professional or college league baseball without recurrence of the ulcer.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Use of the Hollywood Impact Base and standard stationary base to reduce sliding and base-running injuries in baseball and softball.

To determine if the use of the Hollywood Impact Base would significantly reduce the frequency of sliding and base-running injuries to baseball and softball players, we recorded injury information for several teams who used these bases and standard stationary bases. The investigators, under the direction of the Central Michigan University team physician, verified each recorded incident by contacting the injured participant. The sample included interscholastic, intercollegiate, recreational, and intramural softball and baseball teams. There were 33,153 athlete-exposures with the Hollywood Impact Base in use and 3999 with the standard stationary base over a 2-year period (1990 and 1991). There were four injuries that could be directly attributed to the standard stationary base and only one injury that could be attributed to the Hollywood Impact Base. The results (t = -1.94, P < 0.05) verify that using the Hollywood Impact Base significantly reduced the frequency of sliding and base-running injuries. The Hollywood Impact Base injury rate of 0.08% per game compares favorably with the reported breakaway base injury rate. The results of our study verify that the Hollywood Impact Base is similarly effective in reducing the risk of base-related injuries.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The abductor and adductor strength characteristics of professional baseball pitcherse.

The purpose of this investigation was to establish a data base regarding the isokinetic muscular performance characteristics of the abductor and adductor muscles of professional baseball pitchers. Eighty-three healthy professional baseball pitchers (mean age, 22.6 years; mean weight, 199 pounds) were evaluated by use of a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Isokinetic tests were performed concentrically at 180 and 300 deg/sec for both the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders. The testing protocol and test repetitions were standardized for each subject. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test. Determination of the correlation coefficient was made at the P < 0.05 level of significance. Test results for bilateral comparisons of mean peak torque for the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders demonstrated a significant difference in adductor values between the dominant and nondominant shoulders at both test speeds. There were no significant differences between extremities for the shoulder abductor muscles. The abductor-to-adductor muscle ratios between the throwing and nonthrowing shoulders were also statistically significant at both test speeds. Throwing arm values were 82.5% at 180 deg/sec and 93.8% at 300 deg/sec compared with only 66.0% and 70.3%, respectively, for the nonthrowing shoulders.

Acceleration↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Eccentric and concentric strength of the shoulder and arm musculature in collegiate baseball pitchers.

Many pitching injuries occur during deceleration of the upper extremity when the muscles of the shoulder and arm are acting eccentrically. Published information regarding eccentric muscular strength in baseball pitchers is nonexistent. The purpose of this study was to assess bilateral isokinetic eccentric and concentric muscular strength of the shoulder's external and internal rotator muscles and the elbow's flexor and extensor muscles in a group of collegiate baseball pitchers (N = 25). Isokinetic strength was assessed at 1.6, 3.7, and 5.2 rad/sec. Our findings indicate that the internal rotator muscles were always stronger than the external rotator muscles and that the concentric and eccentric external-to-internal strength ratios ranged from 62% to 81%. The eccentric strength of the shoulder rotator muscles averaged 114% that of concentric strength. The concentric and eccentric elbow extension-to-flexion strength ratios ranged from 71% to 110%; eccentric strength averaged 33% higher than concentric strength. No differences were noted between dominant and nondominant limbs for any of the strength measures or ratios. Clinically, the findings of this study can serve as a reference during the evaluation, rehabilitation, and conditioning of throwing athletes.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Medial elbow joint laxity in professional baseball pitchers. A bilateral comparison using stress radiography.

Injuries to the ulnar collateral ligament frequently occur in throwing athletes because of large, repetitive valgus stresses to the elbow during the cocking and acceleration phases of throwing. Identification of injury to this ligament is important in evaluating the throwing elbow. The purpose of this study was to determine whether differences in medial elbow laxity exist between the dominant and nondominant extremities in uninjured baseball pitchers. Forty uninjured professional baseball pitchers were tested bilaterally with a Telos GA-IIE stress radiography device. Joint space width between the trochlea of the humerus and the coronoid process of the ulna was measured on anteroposterior radiographs obtained with no stress applied and with a 15-daN valgus stress. Results showed significant differences between the medial joint space opening of the dominant and nondominant elbows with no stress applied. With stress, the dominant elbow opened 1.20 +/- 0.97 mm, while the nondominant elbow opened 0.88 +/- 0.55 mm. A significantly greater difference in medial joint space opening between the stressed and unstressed elbows was measured in the dominant elbow compared with the nondominant elbow (0.32 +/- 0.42 mm). This study identifies increased medial elbow laxity in the dominant arm in uninjured pitchers.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Oral effects of smokeless tobacco use by professional baseball players.

This is a review of studies conducted from 1988-90 on the oral consequences of snuff and chewing tobacco use among professional baseball players. About half of the players studied were smokeless tobacco (ST) users, the majority of whom used snuff. Compared with non-users, players who used ST showed a significantly higher prevalence of leukoplakia, which was related to placement of the ST quid, and the frequency, amount, duration, and type of ST used. Sites adjacent to these mucosal lesions showed an increased prevalence of gingival recession with associated attachment loss, cervical abrasion, and root caries than did comparable sites in non-users. Extrinsic stain and occlusal attrition were also more frequent in ST users than in non-users. While ST use placed players at significantly increased risk for mucosal lesions and other oral problems, no differences were found between ST non-users and users in measurements of batting, fielding, and pitching performance during the baseball season.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

A comparison of standard vs. breakaway bases: an analysis of a preventative intervention for softball and baseball foot and ankle injuries.

More than 40 million individuals participate in organized baseball and softball leagues in the United States every year. Unfortunately, it has also been estimated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that softball and baseball are the two main sports leading to emergency-room visits in the United States. A previous field study has determined that the utilization of breakaway bases has the potential of preventing 96% of sliding injuries, thereby preventing 1.7 million injuries a year in the United States with a savings of $2 billion a year in health care costs. It is the purpose of this study to analyze and compare the potential attenuating capabilities of various types of bases. We found the force at the ankle upon impact when compared to the standard base revealed all breakaway bases reduced the force of impact to a statistically significant level. The force at the foot upon impact when compared to the standard base revealed all breakaway bases reduced the force at variable levels, with the Rogers bases having the only statistically significant reduction. However, the force delivered to the tibia/fibula was increased with the Stay Down and Mag-Net large bases as compared to the standard stationary base. The moments of inversion/eversion and dorsiflexion/plantar flexion upon impact, when compared to the standard base, revealed all safety bases were reduced to a statistically significant level. We conclude breakaway bases reduce the force of impact and moments to a statistically significant level and confirm previous field studies. Though there is a difference among the breakaway bases themselves, they should be used on all fields.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Advances in the management of medial elbow pain in baseball pitchers.

Overhead-throwing athletes, particularly baseball pitchers, subject their elbows to tremendous amounts of valgus stress during the throwing motion. As a result of this stress, baseball pitchers are at considerable risk for injury. The proper functioning and stability of the elbow depends upon the bony articulations and soft tissue structures. The stresses placed across the elbow joint with repetitive throwing can lead to injury. Although the majority of injuries encountered are overuse injuries, acute injuries can also occur. Proper and timely diagnosis and treatment of these throwers is critical, to allow for the athlete's successful return to competition.

Baseball↗
PubMed1998

[A study on the effects of physical load placed on high school baseball managers during midsummer games].

We examined the influence of physical load placed on high school baseball managers during midsummer games under extremely hot and humid conditions. The factors used to determine physical load were the following: body weight, oral temperature, amount of walking, pedometer count, heart rate, and serum biochemical elements. These factors were measured before and after the games. Twenty-two managers participated in this study. All games were played under high temperatures of 32.4 +/- 3.5 (mean +/- S.D) degrees Celsius dry-bulb, 27.1 +/- 3.0 degrees Celsius wet-bulb, 33.8 +/- 3.6 degrees Celsius black-glove, 29.1 +/- 3.3 degrees WBGT, which are likely to cause heart-related illness. The results were as follows. 1. After the games, significant body weight loss and oral temperature rise were found. Those findings were thought to be caused by the rise in oral temperature in a hot environment which was accompanied by hyperhidrosis. 2. The average hemoconcentration ratio based on the changes in total protein during the games was 105 percent, suggesting that hemoconcentration and dehydration were caused by sweating in a hot environment. 3. A significant increase in total protein, albumin, LDH, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, calcium, hemoglobin, and a decrease in triglyceride were observed after the games, which were thought to be influenced by sweating and by increased metabolism in a hot environment. 4. The values of triglyceride, Fe, uric nitrogen, calcium and hemoglobin after the games which were adjusted by the hemoconcentration ratio were significantly lower than those before the games. 5. A prolonged game time caused a significant increase in total protein value during the games and a decrease in hemoglobin between the level before the games and the adjusted level after the games compared with those values in the short game time group. From the above, even though high school baseball managers join in practices in a hot environment and become accustomed to it, we found that they had a great physical load on their bodies during the games in midsummer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

A program to help major league baseball players quit using spit tobacco.

There are few reports in the scientific literature that describe tested methods for helping people quit using spit (smokeless) tobacco. This paper reports data from a pilot study to determine the effectiveness of two dental-oriented interventions to promote cessation of ST use among major league baseball players. These preliminary findings suggest that interventions involving an oral examination and advice to quit, combined with behavioral counseling, may effectively decrease ST use among professional baseball players.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Smokeless tobacco use: how it affects the performance of major league baseball players.

The authors examined the effect of smokeless tobacco use on the athletic performance of major league baseball players during the 1988 season. They evaluated performance records of 158 players on seven major league teams who played or pitched at least 10 games or innings during the 1988 season. ST use, they concluded, is not related to player performance in major league baseball but does place players at significantly increased risk for mucosal lesions and other oral pathology.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Isokinetic profile of shoulder internal and external rotators of high school aged baseball pitchers.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to determine whether bilateral differences exist in concentric and eccentric shoulder internal and external rotation strength in high school aged baseball pitchers. Thirty-nine high school aged baseball pitchers were bilaterally tested for concentric and eccentric internal and external rotation muscle performance on a Kin-Com 500-H isokinetic dynamometer at 90 degrees .s(-1) and 180 degrees .s(-1). Paired t-tests were used to test for differences among extremities, speed, and ratio of external rotation to internal rotation (ER/IR ratios). Concentric peak torque internal rotation at 90 degrees .s(-1) was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the dominant arm compared with the nondominant arm. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between the nondominant and dominant in concentric 90 degrees .s(-1). The nondominant arm demonstrated significantly greater eccentric strength (p < 0.05) compared with the dominant arm in ER/IR ratios at 90 degrees .s(-1) and 180 degrees .s(-1). The nondominant arm demonstrated significantly greater eccentric strength (p < 0.05) than the dominant arm in ER/IR ratio at 180 degrees .s(-1). Data demonstrated that muscular adaptations are consistent with previous research in this area. Also, muscular adaptations occur in the shoulder in the high school aged population. These data can serve as a guideline to be used by clinicians who rehabilitate shoulders in patients in this population.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Effect of grip strength and grip strengthening exercises on instantaneous bat velocity of collegiate baseball players.

Bat velocity is considered to be an important factor for successful hitting. The relationship between grip strength and bat velocity has not been conclusively established. The purposes of this study were to determine the relationship of grip strength to bat velocity and to ascertain whether the performance of resistance training exercises designed to specifically target the forearms and grip would significantly alter bat velocity. The subjects for this study were 23 male members (mean +/- SD, age = 19.7 +/- 1.3 years, height = 182.5 +/- 5.9 cm, weight = 85.4 +/- 15.5 kg, experience = 14.4 +/- 1.7 years) of a varsity baseball team at a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II school. The Jamar hand dynamometer was used to test grip strength, and the SETPRO Rookie was used to measure instantaneous bat velocity at the point of contact with the ball. Subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. For 6 weeks, both groups participated in their usual baseball practice sessions, but the experimental group also performed extra forearm and grip strengthening exercises, whereas the control group did not. Pretest and posttest correlations between grip strength and bat velocity revealed no significant relationship between grip strength and bat velocity (pretest r = 0.054, p = 0.807; posttest r = 0.315, p = 0.145). A dependent t-test performed on all subjects revealed that a significant (p = 0.001) increase in bat velocity did occur over the course of the study. A covariate analysis, employing pretest bat velocity as the covariate, revealed no significant difference (p = 0.795) in posttest bat velocity scores between the experimental and control groups. Thus, increases in bat velocity occurred, but the differences were similar for both the experimental and control groups. The findings of this study suggest that grip strength and bat velocity are not significantly related, and that the allocation of time and energy for added training of the forearms in order to improve grip strength for the purpose of increasing bat velocity may not be warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Strength and conditioning practices of Major League Baseball strength and conditioning coaches.

This study describes the results of a survey of the practices of Major League Baseball strength and conditioning (MLB S&C) coaches. The response rate was 70.0% (21 of 30). This survey examines (a) background information, (b) physical testing, (c) flexibility development, (d) speed development, (e) plyometrics, (f) strength/power development, (g) unique aspects, and (h) comments. Results indicate, in part, that coaches assess an average of 3.6 parameters of fitness, with body composition testing being the most commonly assessed parameter. All coaches use a variety of flexibility development strategies. All coaches use speed development strategies, with form running drills being the most common. Twenty of 21 (95.2%) coaches employ plyometric exercises with their athletes. Eighteen of 21 (85.7%) of MLB S&C coaches follow a periodization model (PM). Five of 21 coaches (23.8%) indicated that their athletes use Olympic-style lifts. The squat and its variations and the lunge and its variations were most frequently identified as the first and second most important exercises used to train the athletes. This survey provides detailed information about strength and conditioning practices at the most competitive level of baseball and serves as a review, as well as a source of applied information and new ideas.

Baseball↗
PubMed1994

Comparative analysis on the physique and batting records of the players in the National Summer High School Baseball Tournaments before and after the adoption of metal bats.

To clarify the influence of the introduction of metal bats on the physique and batting records of the players in the National Summer High School Baseball Tournaments, a comparative analysis was conducted between height, body weight, body-weight ratio (body weight/height), batting average and home run average of the best four teams' players (n = 493) and those of the other teams' players (n = 4,590) in three periods: the period of the use of wooden bats, that of the use of both wooden and metal bats and that of the use of metal bats. In the period of metal bat use, the mean values of physique of the best four teams' players were significantly larger (P < 0.05) and their average number of home runs was significantly higher than those of the other teams' players (P < 0.01). The only significant differences between the two groups in those indices for each time period were for height in the wood and metal/wood periods. This study demonstrated that the differences between the home run average and physique, including height, body weight and body-weight ratio of the best four teams and the rest of the teams were the greatest after the use of metal bats. These findings suggest that the importance of the home run average increased and was associated with large-size of physique after the use of metal bats in the National Summer High School Baseball Tournaments.

Adolescent↗