Hip and upper extremity kinematics in youth baseball pitchers

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between dynamic hip rotational range of motion and upper extremity kinematics during baseball pitching. Thirty-one youth baseball pitchers (10.87 ± 0.92 years; 150.03 ± 5.48 cm; 44.83 ± 8.04 kg) participated. A strong correlation was found between stance hip rotation and scapular upward rotation at maximum shoulder external rotation (r = 0.531, P = 0.002) and at ball release (r = 0.536, P = 0.002). No statistically significant correlations were found between dynamic hip rotational range of motion and passive hip range of motion. Hip range of motion deficits can constrain pelvis rotation and limit energy generation in the lower extremities. Shoulder pathomechanics can then develop as greater responsibility is placed on the shoulder to generate the energy lost from the proximal segments, increasing risk of upper extremity injury. Additionally, it appears that passive seated measurements of hip range of motion may not accurately reflect the dynamic range of motion of the hips through the progression of the pitch cycle.     

Comparison of pitching kinematics between youth and adult baseball pitchers: a meta-analytic approach

Coaches teach proper mechanics at a young age in an effort to increase pitching efficiency (i.e., proper pitching mechanics). Unfortunately, the mechanics taught to beginning pitchers are based on the findings from adult pitchers and may result in techniques that are detrimental to younger pitchers. The purpose of this study was to compare kinematics published for pitchers across various ages in an effort to determine whether the pitching techniques vary across developmental periods. A meta-analysis of papers published describing pitching kinematics for youth and adult pitchers was conducted. Maximal rotational velocity of the trunk and maximum external rotation of the shoulder were observed during the arm cocking phase. Peak magnitudes for abduction, horizontal adduction, and shoulder internal rotation were observed during the deceleration phase of the movement. In addition, by comparing previously published data across youth and adult pitchers, valuable insight into the differences in mechanics was gained. The results demonstrated that there are some distinct differences between youth and adult pitching mechanics. This finding may allow increased focus to be applied to those parameters observed to differ across age, increasing the knowledge base available for coaches to properly instruct youth pitchers.     

棒球投手肩关节旋转运动特征研究

棒球比赛中,投手是一支球队的灵魂,在很大程度上决定全局的比赛。肩部力量素质和活动范围是投手有效投球的基础,在很大程度上决定投球技术、机能的发挥。肩关节既是躯干和上肢的连结点,又是上肢运动的支点,是保证上肢完成三维活动的重要结构[1]。因此,肩关节在棒球运动中发挥着     

Cervical range of motion and proprioception in rugby players versus non-rugby players

Abstract

In this study, we examined the effects of number of years of playing rugby on neck function. Active cervical spine range of motion and proprioception were assessed in 14 non-rugby-playing but trained sportsmen (mean age 28 years, s = 7) and 46 rugby players (26 rugby forwards: mean age 26 years, s = 5; mean years played 14 years; 20 backs: mean age 24 years, s = 5; mean years played 14 years). Active cervical range of motion in flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, plus left and right rotation were measured using a cervical range of motion device. The ability to reposition the head in a central position with eyes closed was taken as a measure of proprioception. Results show that rugby forwards generally had the least active cervical range of motion, particularly neck extension (forwards, 43°; backs, 55°; controls, 58°), with the decrement correlating with the number of years played. In addition, repositioning was significantly worse in rugby players after neck extension than non-rugby players (6° vs. 3°). The active cervical range of motion of rugby forwards is similar to that of whiplash patients, suggesting that participation in rugby can have an effect on neck range of motion that is equivalent to chronic disability. Reduced active cervical range of motion could also increase the likelihood of injury and exacerbate age-related neck problems.     

肌肉能量技术结合肌内效贴治疗肩周炎的临床疗效分析

目的:探究肌肉能量技术结合肌内效贴扎治疗肩周炎是否优于常规康复治疗手段。方法:收集金秋医院康复科门诊进行治疗的40名肩周炎患者,排除其他干扰因素后,将其随机分为实验组和对照组,每组20人,实验组在常规治疗肩周炎基础上采取肌肉能量技术和肌内效贴扎结合治疗,对照组进行常规治疗。结果:8周治疗后,两组患者主动关节活动度(AROM)、视觉类比评分(VAPS)等相关评分均明显优于治疗前(P<0.05),且实验组各项评分更优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:在常规康复治疗的基础上应用肌肉能量技术与肌内效贴扎相结合的治疗措施能更有效地改善肩周炎患者的功能障碍,减轻患者痛苦,加快患者康复进程。