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Throwing Shoulder Range of Motion and Hamstring Flexibility in Adolescent Baseball Players: A Pilot Study
Davong D Phrathep1, Jayden Glover1, Brandon Valls1
1Department of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, USA.
Cureus
|October 31, 2023
Summary
Baseball players with tight hamstrings may have increased shoulder range of motion, potentially raising their risk for shoulder injuries. Proper stretching is crucial for these athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Overhead throwing athletes, particularly baseball players, are susceptible to shoulder injuries.
- Limited hamstring flexibility can lead to compensatory movements during the throwing motion.
- Understanding the relationship between hamstring flexibility and shoulder range of motion (ROM) is vital for injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between contralateral hamstring flexibility and throwing shoulder total ROM in high school baseball players.
- To determine if hamstring stiffness contributes to increased shoulder ROM in adolescent baseball athletes.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving fifteen high school varsity baseball players (ages 14-18).
- Measurements included bilateral hamstring-popliteal angle (contralateral hamstring flexibility) and throwing shoulder total ROM using a goniometer.
- Linear regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between variables.
Main Results:
- A positive linear relationship was observed between contralateral hamstring flexibility and throwing shoulder total ROM (correlation coefficient r = +0.3928).
- Higher contralateral hamstring-popliteal angles were associated with increased throwing shoulder total ROM.
Conclusions:
- Increased contralateral hamstring flexibility may lead to a compensatory increase in throwing shoulder total ROM in adolescent baseball players.
- Hamstring stiffness could play a role in the development of shoulder injuries among these athletes.
- Counselling and targeted stretching programs for hamstring flexibility are recommended for overhead throwing athletes.
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