Collegiate baseball players with more optimal functional movement patterns demonstrate better athletic performance in speed and agility

Fastpitch Softball Injuries: Epidemiology, Biomechanics, and Injury Prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Fastpitch softball is one of the most popular sports among youth and high school female athletes. Despite some similarities to baseball, key differences between the two sports result in different injury patterns, and there is comparatively less literature describing injury epidemiology in fastpitch softball. The purpose of this review is to describe the epidemiology, biomechanics, and injury prevention efforts in regards to fastpitch softball injury with a particular focus on underhand pitching.

RECENT FINDINGS

The injury rate in softball is relatively low and extended time loss injuries in particular are uncommon. Lower extremity injuries are more common overall in softball, but pitchers more often suffer upper extremity injury. Pitchers account for a relatively small proportion of all injuries recorded, but represent a similarly small subset of team rosters, with most teams carrying only a few pitchers in total. The underhand pitching motion exerts significant glenohumeral distractive forces and high stress across the biceps-labrum complex. Core and lower extremity strengthening play an important role in injury prevention for softball pitchers and position players. Fatigue and number of games pitched are tied to increased strength deficiencies and pain in fastpitch softball pitchers, yet pitch count limits are not employed in any major fastpitch softball leagues. While overall injury incidence is low in fastpitch softball players, the potential for overuse injury in pitchers in particular is noteworthy and not nearly as scrutinized as within the baseball community. Critical longitudinal tracking of softball injuries at varying levels of play would be helpful to better understand the sport's injury risk. There are currently no formal pitch count limits enforced in a majority of fastpitch softball leagues. Core and lower extremity strengthening, pre-season conditioning, and monitoring of pitchers for signs of fatigue may be helpful in injury prevention.

Does Deep Squat Quality Affect the Propulsion of Baseball Throwing?

This study investigates the influence of the quality of the "deep squat" movement, adapted from the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) system, on the lower extremity movement pattern during baseball throwing, and its potential impact on throwing performance and propulsion efficiency. Twenty-two baseball players were recruited and categorized into two groups: 13 in the high-score squat group (HSS) and 9 in the low-score squat group (LSS), based on their deep squat screening results. This research explored disparities in ball velocity, propulsion efficiency, propulsion ground reaction force (GRF) characteristics, and throwing kinematics between these two groups. The findings revealed no significant difference in ball velocity between the groups. However, the LSS group demonstrated a lower propulsion GRF efficiency (p < 0.030, ES = 0.46), along with a higher vertical peak GRF (p < 0.002, ES = 0.66). In the pivot leg, the HSS group exhibited significantly lower impulse forces in the Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.035, ES = 0.45), throwing direction (p < 0.049, ES = 0.42), and vertical direction (p < 0.048, ES = 0.42). Additionally, the contribution to the ball velocity of the pivot leg was significantly greater in the HSS group, along with significantly better efficiency in Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.035, ES = 0.45), throwing direction (p < 0.053, ES = 0.41), and vertical direction (p < 0.032, ES = 0.46). In the leading leg, the HSS group demonstrated significantly lower impulse forces in the Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.001, ES = 0.69), throwing direction (p < 0.007, ES = 0.58), and vertical direction (p < 0.001, ES = 0.70). Moreover, the contribution to the ball velocity of the leading leg was significantly greater in the HSS group, accompanied by significantly better efficiency in Impulse Fresultant (p < 0.003, ES = 0.63), throwing direction (p < 0.005, ES = 0.60), and vertical direction (p < 0.021, ES = 0.49). In conclusion, this study suggests that squat screening is a valuable tool for assessing propulsion efficiency. Coaches and trainers should be mindful of players with low squat quality but high throwing performance, as they may face increased impact and injury risks in the future.

The Effect of McGill Core Stability Training on Movement Patterns, Shooting Accuracy, and Throwing Performance in Male Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT

Core stability training has been recommended as a vital element in improving movement's pattern and athletic performance. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-week McGill core stability training on movement patterns, shooting accuracy, and throwing performance.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled clinical trial.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

METHODS

Forty male basketball players were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group completed 12-week McGill core stability training, while the control group completed routine exercise training. Patterns of functional movements was measured through functional movement screen (FMS), shooting accuracy measured by static 3-point shooting (S3P) and dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test, and throwing performance measured by Functional Throwing Performance Index.

RESULTS

Comparison revealed that regardless of received training, after 12 weeks both groups showed significant improvement in all outcome measures. However, experimental group had significantly higher post test scores in FMS (P = .02), S3P (P = .007), and dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test (P = .01). For Functional Throwing Performance Index, there was no group differences (P = .96). The results of follow-up assessments showed for all measurements including FMS (P = .03), S3P (P = .004), dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test (P < .001), and Functional Throwing Performance Index (P = .005); experimental group had higher scores than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, implementing McGill core stability training in basketball routine training would be advisable since significant improvement can be obtained in the measured parameters.

PHYSICAL TRAINING SYSTEM ASSOCIATED WITH STRENGTHENING OF THE CORE IN YOUNG SWIMMERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: CORE fitness training in athletes is intimately related to their performance in competitive sports. However, few academic studies are dedicated to investigating this relationship in young swimmers. Objective: Verify the association between supplementary physical training focused on the CORE in young swimmers and their athletic performance. Methods: Randomized controlled study with 20 swimmers (12 males) born post-2000 was made in aquatic training three times a week for six months. The experimental group received a specific exercise protocol with emphasis on the CORE. The physiological comparison of the data considered the total time to complete the 400 and 800-meter freestyle swim. Results: After six months, the control group obtained a reduction of 2.6s versus 3.2s of the experimental group in the 400-meter freestyle swim; performance in the 800 meters revealed a reduction of 1s for the control group versus 4.5s of the experimental group, compared to the initial measurement. Conclusion: Supplemental fitness training focused on the CORE in young swimmers is positively associated with improvements in their athletic performance. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies – Investigating the results.

Relationships between Functional Movement Quality and Sprint and Jump Performance in Female Youth Soccer Athletes of Team China

This study aimed to determine the optimal functional movement screen (FMS) cut score for assessing the risk of sport injury, and to investigate the correlations between functional movement quality and sprint and jump performance. Twenty-four (N = 24) athletes performed all tests in one day at 10−30 min intervals, and the FMS test was performed first, without a warm-up session. After a standard warm-up, athletes then completed the Y-balance Test (YBT), sprint, counter-movement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ), in turn. For each test, the best of three attempts was recorded for further analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area-under-the-curve (AUC) were used to determine the optimal FMS cut score for assessing the risk of sport injuries, and Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to quantify associations between functional movement scores and athletic performance. The average FMS score was 16.2 and the optimal FMS cut score for assessing the risk of sport injuries was 14.5. There were moderate relationships between total FMS score and 10−20 m sprint time (r = −0.46, p < 0.05), between In-line Lunge and 0−20 m sprint time (r = −0.47, p < 0.05), between Shoulder Mobility and 0−10 m sprint time (r = −0.48, p < 0.05), and between Trunk-stability Push-up and 10−20 m sprint time (r = −0.47, p < 0.05). Moreover, Hurdle Step score was largely correlated with 0−10 m time (r = −0.51, p < 0.05). For Y-balance, moderate correlations were observed between CMJ height and anterior asymmetry score (r = −0.47, p < 0.05) and posteromedial asymmetry score (r = −0.44, p < 0.05). However, there were no significant associations between YBT performance (asymmetric in three directions and composite score) and sprint performance (p > 0.05). Taken together, the results indicate that a FMS score of 14 is not a gold standard for assessing the risk of injury in all populations; we recommend that the FMS cut score of 14.5 should be the optimal score for assessing risk of injury in young female elite soccer players. Moreover, the FMS and YBT were introduced to assess the quality of functional movements, and they cannot be used to assess sprint and jump performance. Practitioners can use components of the FMS that have similar characteristics to specific sports to assess athletic performance.

A Flexible TENG Based on Micro-Structure Film for Speed Skating Techniques Monitoring and Biomechanical Energy Harvesting

Wearable motion-monitoring systems have been widely used in recent years. However, the battery energy storage problem of traditional wearable devices limits the development of human sports training applications. In this paper, a self-powered and portable micro-structure triboelectric nanogenerator (MS-TENG) has been made. It consists of micro-structure polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film, and lithium chloride polyacrylamide (LiCl-PAAM) hydrogel. Through the micro-structure, the voltage of the MS-TENG can be improved by 7 times. The MS-TENG provides outstanding sensing properties: maximum output voltage of 74 V, angular sensitivity of 1.016 V/degree, high signal-to-noise ratio, and excellent long-term service stability. We used it to monitor the running skills of speed skaters. It can also store the biomechanical energy which is generated in the process of speed skating through capacitors. It demonstrates capability of sensor to power electronic calculator and electronic watch. In addition, as a flexible electrode hydrogel, it can readily stretch over 1300%, which can help improve the service life and work stability of MS-TENG. Therefore, MS-TENG has great application potential in human sports training monitoring and big data analysis.

Correlation of pitching velocity with anthropometric measurements for adult male baseball pitchers in tryout settings

Several studies have investigated factors influencing baseball pitching velocity. However, some measurements require expensive equipment, and some tests need familiarity to perform well. In this study, we adopted field tests executed using affordable equipment in a tryout event for a professional baseball team in Taiwan, 2019. We use half day to test 64 players, and the result of measurement are used to develop a model for predicting pitching velocity of amateur adult pitchers (age: 23.9 ± 2.8 years; height: 180.3 ± 5.9 cm; weight: 81.4 ± 10.9 kg). The measurements and tests in tryout settings should be easy to implement, take short time, do not need high skill levels, and correlate to the pitching velocity. The outcome measures included maximum external shoulder rotation, maximum internal shoulder rotation, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, 20-kg loaded CMJ height, 30-m sprint time, height, age, and weight tests. Multiple regression indicated a moderate correlation between these tests and pitching velocity (adjusted R² = 0.230, p = 0.0003). Among the measures, the ratio of loaded CMJ to CMJ, ratio of first 10-m sprint time to 30-m sprint time, and height were significant contributors to pitching velocity. Overall, these measures explained 23% of the variance in the predicted pitching velocity. These field tests can be adopted in tryout events to predict a prospect’s potential and to identify underestimated players. Coaches can obtain an expectation of a pitcher’s performance by comparing his pitching velocity with the predicted value derived from the statistical model presented herein, and the room of growth by comparing his current strength to average strength growth after being drafted and trained with professional coaches.

The Impact of Physical Performance on Functional Movement Screen Scores and Asymmetries in Female University Physical Education Students

Association between physical performance and movement quality remains ambiguous. However, both affect injury risk. Furthermore, existing research rarely regards women. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of physical performance components on FMS scores and asymmetries among young women-University Physical Education Students. The study sample was 101 women, 21.72 ± 1.57 years, body mass index 21.52 ± 2.49 [kg/m²]. The FMS test was conducted to assess the movement patterns quality. Physical performance tests were done to evaluate strength, power, flexibility. Flexibility has the strongest correlation with FMS overall (r = 0.25, p = 0.0130) and single tasks scores. A higher level of flexibility and strength of abdominal muscles are associated with fewer asymmetries (r = -0.31, p = 0.0018; r = -0.27, p = 0.0057, respectively). However, the main findings determine that flexibility has the strongest and statistically significant impact on FMS overall (ß = 0.25, p = 0.0106) and asymmetries (ß = -0.30, p = 0.0014). Additionally, a significant effect of abdominal muscles strength on FMS asymmetries were observed (ß = -0.29, p = 0.0027). Flexibility and abdominal muscles strength have the most decisive impact on movement patterns quality. These results suggest possibilities for shaping FMS scores in young women.

Ankle dorsiflexion deficit in the back leg is a risk factor for shoulder and elbow injuries in young baseball players

The relationship between ankle joint function and throwing-related injuries has not been demonstrated. We hypothesized that limited ankle joint range of motion (ROM) was related to risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in young baseball players. This 12-month prospective cohort study evaluated the age, height, weight, playing position, shoulder, elbow, and ankle function of 228 enrolled baseball players. Shoulder and elbow injuries were tracked during the season. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries among participants divided into non-injured and injured groups. Univariate analysis showed that age, height, weight, ROM of elbow flexion in the dominant arm, muscle strength ratio of shoulder abduction, and the likelihood of being a pitcher or a catcher were significantly greater in the injured group than in the non-injured group. ROM of shoulder abduction-external/internal rotation, shoulder total arc on the dominant arm, ankle joint dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion on the back (non-lead) and front (lead) legs were significantly less in the injured group than in the non-injured group. In conclusion, ROM dorsiflexion deficits in the back leg, shoulder abduction-external rotation in the dominant arm, ROM increase in elbow flexion on the dominant side, older age, and being a pitcher were significant independent risk factors for injury.

Effect of core training on speed, quickness and agility in young male football players

BACKGROUND

Core training effectively improves sport performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of core training on the performance measures of speed, agility and quickness of U19 male football players.

METHODS

A total of 24 young male football players were divided into 12 in the experimental group (aged 18.17±0.72) and 12 in the control group (aged 18.31±0.75). The experimental group performed 30-35 min core training three days a week for eight weeks while the control group continued their routine training. Measurements included a 40-meter sprint test for speed, a hexagon test for quickness and an agility-T test for agility. Pre-test measurements at the start of the study and post-test measurements after eight weeks were compared by an ANOVA 2×2. A significant level of P<0.05 was established.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, there were an improvement in quickness (pre: 17.27±3.24"; post: 16.79±3.09"; P=0.005, η²=0.53) and agility (pre: 12.86±1.17"; post: 12.38±1.12"; P=0.003, η²=0.56), but the speed did not change (pre: 6.14±0.57"; post: 6.00±0.45", P=0.653).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of core training in combination with normal football training is shown to be effective in improving quickness and agility but not speed among young male football players after a period of eight weeks. So, it appears reasonable to include specific core training programs within football training.

Efficacy of whole-body suspension training on enhancing functional movement abilities following a supervised or home-based training program

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of suspension training on functional movement and body composition, and to compare the effectiveness of home-based training to supervised training.

METHODS

Seventeen healthy subjects (8 males, 9 females, age=21.8±3.4 y) with no recent history of resistance training were randomly assigned to a home-based or supervised training group. Subjects performed an 8-week suspension training program consisting of 10 exercises targeting major muscle groups, twice per week for the duration of the study. Pre- and post-intervention testing included body composition using air displacement plethysmography, and a functional movement screen (FMS) to measure functional movement abilities.

RESULTS

The 8-week training program significantly improved total FMS scores across the whole sample of subjects (Pre=16.4; Post=17.5; P=0.004), with no differences in improvements between groups. When compared separately, only the supervised group significantly improved FMS scores. There was also a significant increase in lean mass across the total sample of subjects (Pre=52.4 kg; Post=53.3 kg; P=0.03) with no differences between groups. But when compared independently, neither group exhibited a significant increase in lean mass.

CONCLUSIONS

When completed as a whole-body exercise program over an 8-week period, suspension training can improve functional ability and increase lean mass in both a supervised and a home-based setting.