Related Experiment Videos
Upper and lower extremity muscle fatigue after a baseball pitching performance.
Michael J Mullaney1, Malachy P McHugh, Tom M Donofrio
1Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine & Athletic Trauma, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, New York 10021, USA.
The American Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 22, 2004
Summary
This study quantified muscle fatigue in baseball pitchers after games. Results showed significant shoulder muscle fatigue, particularly in internal rotation, indicating high performance demands on these muscles during pitching.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Previous research estimated joint torques and muscle activity during pitching.
- Studies explored fatigue effects on pitching kinematics and kinetics, but not fatigue quantification itself.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate muscle fatigue in upper and lower extremity muscle groups following a pitching performance.
- To quantify fatigue in baseball pitchers after competitive games.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive laboratory study involving 13 collegiate and minor league baseball pitchers.
- Muscle strength assessments using a handheld dynamometer before and after 19 games.
- Pitchers averaged 99 pitches over 7 innings per game.
Main Results:
- Baseline testing showed the pitching arm was 12% weaker in the empty can test (supraspinatus).
- Post-game testing revealed significant shoulder muscle fatigue: 15% in flexion, 18% in internal rotation, and 11% in adduction.
- Minimal fatigue was observed in the empty can test, scapular stabilizers, and hip muscles.
Conclusions:
- Significant post-game fatigue in shoulder internal rotators highlights their high performance demand during pitching.
- Baseline weakness and minimal post-game fatigue in the supraspinatus (empty can test) were unexpected given injury patterns.
- The findings suggest a need for targeted training to address specific muscle fatigue patterns in pitchers.