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Preseason range of motion differences may help predict increased risk of shoulder injury
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Findings recently published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery showed preseason, side-to-side differences in horizontal adduction and internal rotation range of motion identified adolescent pitchers who were at an increased risk of injury during the subsequent season.
Researchers assessed supine passive shoulder range of motion in 115 pitchers with a digital inclinometer, measuring two range-of-motion trials before the season. The researchers prospectively tracked arm injuries and used receiver operating characteristic curves to identify athletes who were at high risk for injury.
Overall, 33 participants experienced 35 injuries. Results showed a significant difference in dominant arm external rotation range of motion between age groups. The researchers also found internal rotation and horizontal adduction differences had a significant interaction between injured and noninjured pitchers.
Ellen Shanley
According to a post hoc analysis, compared with injured youth pitchers, injured adolescent pitchers had significantly more side-to-side internal rotation difference. Significantly more side-to-side horizontal adduction difference was also found among injured adolescent baseball pitchers vs. noninjured youth pitchers, injured youth pitchers and noninjured adolescent pitchers.
Compared with adolescent pitchers with a side-to-side horizontal adduction difference less than 15°, the researchers found adolescent pitchers with a side-to-side horizontal adduction difference greater than 15° had a four-times greater likelihood of having an overuse arm injury. A greater risk of arm injury may also be indicated by a side-to-side internal rotation difference of greater than 13°, according to study results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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