An Exploratory Study on Subject-Specific Throwing Arm Strength Responses to a Novel Intra-Abdominal Pressure Belt...

Throwing arm injuries in baseball are related to throwing arm weakness. This case study investigated potential arm strength improvements owed to wearing a specialized intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) to prime arm strength prior to simulated competition. The randomized study design involving 13 collegiate pitchers who threw 3 bullpens of 40 pitches with visual encouragement through an LED-integrated radar gun unit wearing their typical belt, an IAP belt at regular length, and the IAP belt with 2 in cinch. A portable dynamometer evaluated throwing arm strength prior to bullpen sessions wearing each belt type to denote strength responses. Participant-specific data presented in this exploratory study indicated potential benefits for increasing throwing arm strength. Overall, higher throwing arm strength scores were seen for the majority athletes when wearing the IAP belt. As a result, this exploratory case study should inspire future research evaluating IAP influences on throwing arm strength, as elevated proximal stabilization of the core creates a new avenue for improved throwing arm function among baseball pitchers.