Association Of Age, Injury, And The Provision Of Self-directed Exercise Programs Among Competitive Softball Pitchers

Abstract

It is believed, but not well studied, that off-season and pre-season conditioning regimens result in reduced in-season pitching injuries. Age and off-season training are possible factors in determining in-season injury risk. PURPOSE: To investigate injury incidence and explore the relationships between 1) age, 2) provision of in-season and off-season training regimens, 3) pain during in-season game play and 4) reported injury history among female softball pitchers. METHODS: An online questionnaire for athlete demographics, sport participation, training regimens, and injury history was completed by 38 softball pitchers [21 female high school (HS) and 17 collegiate softball pitchers] with average age of 17 ± 2.23 yrs. RESULTS: 21 of the 38 pitchers (55.26%) reported a softball related injury. Across all aged pitchers, the most common injuries occurred at the shoulder and low back. Compared to HS pitchers, collegiate pitchers reported greater: number of injuries, incidence of pain during in game play, and provision of in-season skill focused and general exercise regimens (Table 1), p < 0.05. There was no association of injury and receipt of an arm care program (p = 0.342), or exercise regimen (p = 0.342) from players’ schools. Pitchers with a history of injury were more likely to have received an off-season exercise regimen from their school compared to those without report of injury, p = 0.012. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary questionnaire findings reveal greater report of injury and incidence of pain during in game play among collegiate players than HS players. The provision of off-season and arm care regimens did not influence the occurrence of injuries. Findings of limited provision of in-season skill and general exercise regimens and arm care information to HS pitchers may foreshadow resultant cumulative overuse injuries at the collegiate level. Lack of trainer oversight with off-season exercise regimens may influence the intended efficacy of injury prevention.