Abstract
During an overhead throw, the gluteal muscle group stabilizes the lumbopelvic-hip
complex (LPHC), leading to efficient energy transfer from the lower to upper extremity.
It has been shown that LPHC instability can lead to throwing pathomechanics. The single
leg squat has become a common assessment for LPHC stability, and could be used to
determine the effects of fatigue on throwing athletes. The purpose of this study was
to determine the effects of an acute abduction fatigue protocol on the LPHC of collegiate
softball players via the single leg squat assessment of the leg ipsilateral to the
throwing arm. Eighteen National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I softball
players volunteered (20.5±1.9 years; 169.4±10.0 cm; 72.9±11.5 kg). Each participant
performed a single leg squat on the leg ipsilateral to the throwing arm prior to and
post side-lying hip abduction fatigue. LPHC and lower extremity kinematics were examined
to determine potential effects of fatigue on LPHC stability. There were no significant
main effects or interactions of LPHC or lower extremity kinematics during the single
leg squat assessments across the fatigue protocol. Based on the current study, an
acute bout of fatigue to the hip abductors does not affect LPHC stability in single
leg squat execution.
Keywords
single-leg squat - gluteal fatigue - overhead throwing - postural control