Range of Motion Adaptations During a Simulated Game Exposure in
                    Softball Pitchers

Jessica L. Downs Talmage; Anthony W. Fava; Kenzie B. Friesen; Nicole M. Bordelon; Gretchen D. Oliver

doi:10.1055/a-2134-3456

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2023; 44(13): 988-994
DOI: 10.1055/a-2134-3456

Orthopedics & Biomechanics

Range of Motion Adaptations During a Simulated Game Exposure in Softball Pitchers

Authors

Jessica L. Downs Talmage

¹Sport Sciences, Northern State University, Aberdeen, United States
Anthony W. Fava

²School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States
Kenzie B. Friesen

³Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
Nicole M. Bordelon

²School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States
Gretchen D. Oliver

²School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, United States

Abstract

Hip and shoulder range of motion (ROM) alterations are correlated with increased risk of injury in softball athletes. The purpose of this study was to investigate bilateral shoulder and hip ROM adaptation during a simulated softball double-header exposure. It was hypothesized that shoulder and hip ROM would decrease after simulated game exposure and would not return to baseline following a 30-minute break. Thirty (14.8±1.9 yrs, 162.5±18.3 cm, 71.79±16.03 kg) adolescent softball pitchers participated. Testing included: bilateral hip and shoulder ROM (preSG), simulated game exposure (100 pitches), bilateral hip and shoulder ROM (postSG), 30-minute break, bilateral hip and shoulder ROM (preDH), pitching first inning of a simulated double header (12 pitches), and bilateral hip and shoulder ROM (postDH). Two separate repeated measures multivariate analyses of variance tests determined differences in ROM between time points. Dominant shoulder internal rotation ROM and non-dominant shoulder internal and external rotation ROM significantly decreased from preDG. Stride hip external rotation ROM and drive hip internal and external rotation ROM significantly decreased from preSG to preDH. Key results revealed the break given between games may not be sufficient recovery time for hip ROM. Thus, assessing ROM as workload progresses can be a useful strategy for monitoring a softball pitcher’s injury risk.

Key words

hip - musculoskeletal - recovery - shoulder - workload

Full Text

References

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