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Healio
June 28, 2016
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Less time between pitches may increase muscle fatigue

A simulation of baseball pitches showed decreasing the time between pitches may significantly increase muscle fatigue and the risk of ligament injury, according to results.

Researchers used a computer model to predict muscle fatigue in simulated baseball games for 73 American League starting pitchers from the 2014 season. Researchers examined muscle fatigue with rest determined by a self-selected pitching pace, 12 seconds of rest (as represented by Rule 8.04 from the Major Baseball League) and with 20 seconds of rest as examined on the pitch clock in the 2014 Arizona Fall League.

Michael Sonne

 

Results showed a mean pace of approximately 22.64 seconds between pitches, with the fastest pace being 17.3 seconds of rest between pitches and the slowest pace being 26.6 seconds between pitches. Researchers found 12 seconds and 20 seconds of rest were linked with significantly more muscle fatigue vs. the self-selected pace condition. The greatest fatigue was predicted in the extensor carpi radialis brevis, while the brachioradialis had the least fatigue, according to results. During the Rule 8.04 pace condition, researchers noted peak muscle fatigue in the extensor carpi radialis longus.

“In ergonomics, injuries are prevented by controlling the risk factors of force, repetition, posture and duration,” Michael Sonne, PhD, MITACS Elevate post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, told Healio.com/Orthopedics. “If all other risk factors remain constant, but the duration of recovery time is reduced, the risk of injury will increase. By implementing a pitch clock in Major League Baseball, the recovery time of pitchers will be reduced, and their level of fatigue will increase. This would put pitchers at an elevated risk of arm injuries and, possibly, Tommy John Surgery.” – by Casey Tingle

 

Disclosure: Sonne reports no relevant financial disclosures.

 

Sources/Disclosures

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Source:

Sonne MWL, et al. J Sports Sci. 2016;doi:10.1080/02640414.2016.1150600.