CLINICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL COMPARISONS BETWEEN YOUTH PITCHERS WITH AND WITHOUT A HISTORY OF THROWING ARM PAIN OR INJUR

This study aimed to determine if there are clinical and kinematic differences in youth pitchers with a self-reported history of throwing arm pain or injury (PI) to those without (NPI). Forty male baseball pitchers ages 9 to 14 years old were divided into a PI group (n=20) and a NPI group (n=20). Injury history, pitching exposure, subject demographics, range of motion, and strength measurements were collected, along with throwing arm kinematics via a motion capture system. When comparing PI and NPI, significant physical differences were observed, with a greater presence of axillary hair, increased forearm length and decreased shoulder internal rotation strength in PI. No significant differences of upper limb motion during pitching were reported. When considering youth pitchers, evidence of physical maturity, arm length, and strength could be important factors in developing pain or injury