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External rotation of high school pitchers’ throwing arms exceeded that of non-throwing arms
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No significant correlation was found between high school pitchers’ maximum velocity pitches and how much they adapted their shoulder range of motion, according to results of a study in Orthopedics.
Researchers evaluated change of range of motion in the shoulders of 22 high school varsity pitchers using a standard goniometric technique and measured passive external and internal glenohumeral range of motion in both arms. They recorded 15 consecutive in-game pitch speeds and evaluated the fastest pitch by correlating its speed to each player’s glenohumeral internal rotational deficit, as well as any increased glenohumeral external rotation and the athlete’s physical demographics.
Robert A. Keller
Compared to the non-throwing arm, where average external rotation was 130.32°, the results showed external rotation was significantly greater in the throwing arm at 143.00° and the average internal rotation of the throwing arm proved lower than that of the non-throwing arm. Researchers found both shoulders had a similar arc of motion. Overall, the maximum velocity averaged 77.7 mph. No correlations were noted in the results between maximum pitch velocity and changes in glenohumeral internal rotational deficit or increased glenohumeral external rotation. Furthermore, the researchers found no evidence of correlation between pitch velocity and a player’s age, height, weight or dominant hand. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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