High School Baseball Players Research Articles

The Intra- and Inter-rater Reliability of an Arm Care Screening Tool in High School Baseball Coaches.

BackgroundPreseason movement screening can identify modifiable risk factors, deterioration of function, and potential for injury in baseball players. Limited resources and time intensive testing procedures prevent high school coaches from accurately performing frequent movement screens on their players.PurposeTo establish the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of a novel arm care screening tool based on the concepts of the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) and Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA™) in high school coaches.Study DesignMethodological intra- and inter-rater reliability studyMethodsThirty-one male high school baseball players (15.9 years ± 1.06) were independently scored on the Arm Care Screen (ACS) by three examiners (two coaches, one physical therapist) in real-time and again seven days later by reviewing video recordings of each players’ initial screening performance. Results from each examiner were compared within and between raters using Cohen’s kappa and percent absolute agreement.ResultsSubstantial to excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were established among all raters for each component of the ACS. The mean Cohen’s kappa coefficient for intra-rater reliability was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.95) and percent absolute agreement ranged from 0.82-0.94 among all raters. Inter-rater reliability demonstrated a mean Cohen’s kappa value of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.77-0.99) while percent absolute agreement between raters ranged from 0.81-1.00. Intra- and inter-rater reliability did not differ between raters with various movement screening experience (p>0.05).ConclusionsHigh school baseball coaches with limited experience screening movement can reliably score all three components of the ACS in less than three minutes with minimal training.Level of EvidenceLevel 3, Reliability study

Chronic Workload, Subjective Arm Health, and Throwing Injury in High School Baseball Players: 3-Year Retrospective Pilot Study.

Baseball workloads are monitored by pitch counts, appearances, innings per appearance, ball velocity, and distance, whereas current workload standards neglect throws made during nongame situations. The association between total workloads, subjective measures, and injury in baseball is poorly understood. The question remains whether baseball athletes are at higher risk of injury by throwing more often or if they generate injury resilience when appropriately transitioned into the higher demands of throwing. Increased chronic load, along with subjective arm health measures, are related to decreased injury risk. Clinical research. Level 3. A total of 49 male baseball players (age 17.9 ± 0.4 years, height 181.8 ± 6.8 cm, body mass 80.6 ± 9.1 kg) competing at the varsity high school level were included in this 3-year retrospective data analysis from 2016 to 2019. Players wore the motusTHROW sleeve and sensor during all throwing activities. A total of 898,492 throws and 9455 athletic exposures were captured with the motusTHROW sensors. There were 24 injuries recorded throughout the 3-year analysis, with 11 throwing-related and 13 non-throwing related injuries. Results of the 1-way analysis of variance found chronic load was significantly related to throwing-injury occurrence (P < 0.01). Six of the throwing-related injuries occurred when athletes had a chronic load greater than 11.3, marking 75th percentile across all observations. There was a relationship between arm health and throwing arm-related injury occurrence (P < 0.01). Higher chronic load was associated with increased throwing-related injuries even when adjusted for arm health (P = 0.01). Specifically, injuries were more likely to occur in pitchers (either as a combination player or pitcher only) with a chronic load greater than 9.2. This study revealed a significant relationship between chronic load, subjective arm health, and throwing-related injury in varsity high school baseball players. Contrary to our hypothesis, increased chronic load was associated with increased injury risk. However, subjective arm health measures remain a relevant factor in assessing injury risk. Normative data for this population also provide key information around positional demands along with overall demands of the sport during the competitive season and off-season.

Association Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Psychological Stress Responses in High School Baseball Players: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background:Musculoskeletal pain could represent a psychological stressor in adolescent athletes. However, few epidemiological studies have investigated this association.Purpose:To assess the relationship between musculoskeletal pain (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and low back) and psychological stress responses in high school baseball players.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:Participants comprised male Japanese high school baseball players who had completed a questionnaire as part of their annual medical evaluation in 2016. Experiences of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and low back pain during the previous season were investigated. Pain severity was graded as 1 (mild, playing without interference), 2 (moderate, playing with interference), or 3 (severe, could not play because of pain). The Stress Response Scale–18 was used to measure stress response: low, medium, rather high, and high. Prevalence rates of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and low back pain and their association with psychological stress responses were investigated using univariate and multivariable analyses.Results:A total of 944 players (223 pitchers and 721 fielders) were included in this study. Their mean age was 16.1 ± 0.6 years, and 66% were high school juniors, while 33.6% were seniors. In pitchers, the prevalence rates during the previous year of severe (grade 3) interference with playing because of elbow, shoulder, wrist, and low back pain were 21.5% (n = 48), 19.3% (n = 43), 3.6% (n = 8), and 18.4% (n = 41), respectively, whereas in fielders, the respective prevalence rates were 17.1% (n = 123), 17.9% (n = 129), 6.7% (n = 48), and 19.3% (n = 139). After adjusting for confounding factors (playing on a top-performing team, high school grade level, and all other sites of musculoskeletal pain), the authors found significant associations in pitchers between severe experiences of elbow pain and low back pain and medium to high psychological stress responses (odds ratio, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.32-5.39], P = .006 and odds ratio, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.12-4.89], P = .024, respectively). No significant associations were seen between musculoskeletal pain and psychological stress responses in fielders.Conclusion:In the current study, elbow and low back pain were associated with stronger psychological stress responses compared with other musculoskeletal pain in high school baseball pitchers.

Acute effects of doorway stretch on the glenohumeral rotational range of motion and scapular position in high-school baseball players.

BackgroundPectoralis minor tightness has been thought to affect the scapular position. Despite the wide implementation of doorway stretch in clinical practice owing to its apparent effectiveness in stretching the pectoralis minor, limited studies have investigated its influence on the glenohumeral rotational range of motion (ROM). This study aimed to examine the acute effects of doorway stretch on the glenohumeral rotational ROM and the correlation between the scapular position and ROM.Materials and MethodsIn total, 34 male high-school baseball players participated in this study. Outcomes included the pectoralis minor muscle length, glenohumeral rotational ROM, and scapular position. The distance between the sternocostal joint of rib 4 and the coracoid process was measured as the pectoralis minor length. Internal and external rotation ROM with the shoulder abducted at 90° were measured. The scapular position was defined by the following two measurements: the distance between the surface and the posterolateral corner of the acromion as well as the scapular index. The participants performed doorway stretch by abducting and externally rotating the shoulder at 90° and flexing the elbow at 90°. The outcomes were compared before and after stretching. Furthermore, the correlation between these changes was investigated.ResultsPectoralis minor muscle length and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM was significantly higher after stretching than before, and the scapular position also significantly changed (P < .01 for both). A moderate correlation was found between the degree of change in the glenohumeral internal rotational ROM and scapular position (r = 0.44, P < .01).DiscussionOur results indicated that doorway stretch significantly increased the pectoralis minor muscle length and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM and significantly altered the scapular position. Furthermore, a significant correlation between the degree of change in the scapular position and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM was observed. These results suggest that doorway stretch could be beneficial for improving the scapular position and glenohumeral internal rotation ROM, which are considered the cause of throwing injuries. Furthermore, the glenohumeral ROM may be affected by the scapular position.

Reciprocal inhibition improves posterior shoulder tightness and shoulder range of motion in youth baseball players.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of reciprocal inhibition for posterior shoulder tightness (PST), internal rotation at 90° abduction (ABIR) limitation, and subacromial impingement in elementary and junior high school baseball players.MethodsThe present study included 290 elementary school and junior high school baseball players who were members of an organized baseball team and attended a medical checkup in 2014. Seventeen participants were excluded because they were left-handed. We applied a sit-up exercise as a tool of reciprocal inhibition to all participants. Before and after the sit-up exercise, we evaluated the shoulder range of motion (ROM) in external rotation at 90° abduction (ABER), ABIR, and horizontal flexion (HF) in both shoulders and the prevalence of subacromial impingement in the dominant shoulder. We defined PST as a ≧15°decrease in the HF angle of the dominant shoulder in comparison to the nondominant shoulder before the sit-up exercise and divided participants into two groups (the PST group and the non-PST groups). An independent t-test was performed to compare the shoulder ROM, and a chi-squared test was performed to compare the prevalence of subacromial impingement between the two groups. A dependent t-test was performed to compare intragroup changes in the shoulder ROM. The McNemar test was performed to compare intragroup changes in the prevalence of subacromial impingement.ResultsFifty-six of 273 participants had PST in the initial examination. The initial examination revealed that the ROM of ABIR and HF in the dominant shoulder were significantly lower in the PST group than those in the non-PST group, whereas the ROM of ABER and total arc were significantly higher in the PST group. The prevalence of subacromial impingement in the PST group was significantly higher than that in the non-PST group. The sit-up exercise improved ABER, ABIR, total arc, HF, and the prevalence of subacromial impingement in both groups. However, the amount of ROM change did not differ between the two groups for any parameter with the exception of HF.ConclusionThe presence of PST affects the prevalence of subacromial impingement but was not related to the loss of ABIR or the prevalence of pathological glenohumeral internal rotation deficit. The sit-up exercise, as reciprocal inhibition, can transiently improve the prevalence of subacromial impingement via the improvement of PST.

Associations between core stability and low back pain in high school baseball players: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundReduced core stability is a potential risk factor for low back pain in athletes. However, the association between core stability and low back pain in high school baseball players has not been thoroughly studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between core stability and low back pain and its clinical characteristics in high school baseball players. MethodsParticipants comprised 812 high school baseball players who had undergone annual medical evaluations, comprising a self-completed questionnaire and a physical examination. We investigated the relationships between low back pain during the season and on the day of medical evaluations and core stability using a cross-sectional study design. Core stability was assessed using the Sahrmann core stability test. ResultsReduced core stability was confirmed in 358 (44.1%) of all players, 98 (49.5%) pitchers, and 260 (42.3%) fielders. In total, 352 players (43.3%) reported incidents of seasonal low back pain during the previous year. Thirty-five pitchers (17.7%) and 153 fielders (24.9%) reported low back pain on the day of the medical evaluations. No significant associations were seen between low back pain throughout the season and reduced core stability. After adjusting for confounding factors (total amount of practice per week, hamstring tightness and quadriceps tightness) using logistic regression modeling, a significant association between presence of low back pain during lumbar extension movement and reduced core stability was found (odds ratio, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–6.62; P = 0.033) in pitchers. ConclusionsHigh school baseball pitchers with reduced core stability showed a higher probability of reporting low back pain during lumbar extension movement. Evaluation of core stability should be considered in high school baseball players, especially in pitchers.

Effects of Various Training Techniques on Bat Velocity of High School Baseball Players

Faster bat speed allows a baseball or softball player more time to decide how to hit the ball and provides more transfer of momentum to the ball (Nathan, 2003; Syzmanski, DeRenne, Spaniol, 2009). Purpose: This paper examines the effectiveness of three training strategies for improving bat speed among high school baseball players. Methods: Nine high school students were recruited and separated into 3 groups using different training implements. A standard bat (29 oz.), a weighted bat (45 oz.), and Therabands attached to a standard bat were used over a 3-week training program. Data were analyzed using a Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. Results: The standard bat group experienced no change in bat speed (± 0.89), while the weighted bat group increased by 1.9 ± 0.46 mph and the Theraband group improved by 3.1 ± 0.38 mph. The only significant difference was in the change in bat speed between the Theraband group and the standard bat group (p = .022). All other data were non-significant. Conclusions: Attaching Therabands to a standard bat may be an effective training tool to improve bat speed.

한국 고교 야구선수의 프로야구 신인 지명 영향 요인 분석 : 의사결정나무분석을 이용하여

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the variables that affect being picked for Korean professional baseball in high school baseball players. For this, as analysis variables, team’s (long term and short term) awards, individual’s awards, height, weight, metropolitan area, and metropolitan cities were used.<BR> Method: The subjects of the study were 3rd-grade high school baseball players registered with the Korea Baseball Association from 2014 to 2019 (N=4220). The subjects were divided into three groups: Retirement after high school（n=1597, 38%), university entrance (n=2147, 51%) and picked in professional baseball draft (n=476, 11%). To analyze the differences among groups, Kruskal-Wallis H, Tukey’s post-test, and chi-square test were performed. A decision tree analysis was conducted to analyze being picked prediction models in professional baseball draft and for intuitive understanding.<BR> Results: The results of this study are as follows. 1) The team’s long-term award, short-term (2 years) award, and individual award influenced the high school baseball player’s being picked in the professional baseball draft. Among these, the individual’s awards were identified as the most decisive variable. 2) Height and weight were found to have an effect on the being picked, and height was found to be a more decisive variable. 3) The metropolitan area did not affect the being picked, and the metropolitan cities influenced being picked in the professional baseball draft. 4) There was no relative age effect on the being picked in professional baseball draft of high school baseball players.<BR> Conclusion: In summary, this study emphasizes that physical conditions and regional characteristics can influence the being picked in professional baseball draft, in addition to direct performance indexes such as team awards and individual awards.

Effects of functional movement screen training in high-school baseball players: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background:In recent years, the functional movement screen (FMS) and FMS training have attracted attention as a means of preventing injury, but no studies have examined the effect of such training in high-school baseball players. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of FMS training on FMS score, physical function and baseball performance in high-school baseball players.Methods:Subjects in this randomized controlled clinical trial were high-school male baseball players assigned to either an FMS training group (intervention group) or a control group. The intervention group performed FMS training 4 times per week for 12 weeks. FMS ability, physical function, and baseball performance were measured prior to the intervention, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after the intervention in the subjects’ school environment.Results:A total of 71 baseball players aged 15 to 17 years were recruited and assigned to either an intervention group (n = 37) or control group (n = 34). There was no significant difference in the characteristics of participants between the 2 groups. Most FMS scores improved to 12 weeks after continued training. In the intervention group compared with the control group, deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up and rotary stability FMS score, total FMS score and eyes closed single leg stance time significantly increased after 8 weeks of training. While hurdle step, inline lunge, active straight leg raise, trunk stability push-up, total FMS score, and eyes closed single leg stance time significantly increased, pitching ball speed significantly decreased at the end of the 12 week training period. Eyes closed single leg stance time and feeling of fatigue significantly improved 12 weeks after training. The number of subjects who scored less than 14 for the total FMS score in the intervention group compared with control group were significantly less after 8 and 12 weeks of FMS training.Conclusion:FMS training for 8 weeks contributes to improving FMS scores for high-school baseball players, but FMS scores go down if FMS training is not continued.Trial registration:University Hospital Medical Information Network Center, Tokyo, Japan: UMIN000027553. Registered on May 30, 2017.

The Effects of Initial Rehabilitation Exercise on Range of Motion, Muscular Strength, and Muscle Pain after Surgery for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum in Middle and High School Baseball Players.

Background:This study evaluated the effects of a 4-week initial rehabilitation program in middle and high school baseball players who underwent removal of a loose body from osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum humerus.Methods:Middle and high school baseball players with osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum humerus were enrolled in this study. Each had more than 3 yr of experience and had undergone arthroscopic removal of loose bodies from the same expert at Kim’s Orthop Special Clinic in Seoul. The initial exercise rehabilitation program was based on a two-stage program. Body composition, range of motion of flexion and extension in the elbow and wrist joints, grip strength, and subjective pain scale were measured before and after rehabilitation. To assess the differences between groups, we used a two-way analysis of variance.Results:The range of motion for flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist joints, grip strength, and score on the visual analog scale each were significantly improved following the 4-week program (P<0.001), had an interactive effect in time × group (P<0.001), and had significance between groups (P<0.05).Conclusion:The 4-week initial rehabilitation exercise program might improve the overall range of motion of the elbow joint and has a positive therapeutic effect on grip strength and visual analog scores. However, future well-designed studies with more subjects and multicentric research groups are necessary for verification.

케틀벨과 웨이트트레이닝이 고교야구선수의 기초체력과 전신최대근력 및 투구능력에 미치는 영향

케틀벨과 웨이트트레이닝이 고교야구선수의 기초체력과 전신최대근력 및 투구능력에 미치는 영향

小・中学生野球選手における下肢・体幹理学所見と肘関節超音波異常所見との関連性―広島野球障害検診（HYMECS）に参加した小・中学生別での検討―

小・中学生野球選手における下肢・体幹理学所見と肘関節超音波異常所見との関連性―広島野球障害検診（HYMECS）に参加した小・中学生別での検討―

고교야구 선수들의 스트레스, 자아존중감, 운동몰입의 관계

본 연구는 고등학교 야구선수들의 스트레스, 자아존중감, 운동몰입과의 관계를 분석하는데 목적이 있으며, 고등학교 야구선수 1595명을 대상으로 편의표본 추출을 통해 스트레스 질문지, 자아존중감 질문지, 운동몰입 질문지를 설문하였다. 연구의 목적 달성을 위해 PASW 23.0과 AMOS 23.0을 활용하여 빈도분석, 신뢰도 검증, 확인적 요인분석 및 상관관계 분석을 실시하였으며, 구조방정식모형을 검증하여 다음과 같은 결론을 도출하였다. 첫째, 스트레스는 자아존중감에 부적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 둘째, 스트레스는 운동몰입에 부적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 셋째, 자아존중감은 운동몰입에 정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 마지막으로 자아존중감은 스트레스와 운동몰입과의 관계를 매개하는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 고등학교 야구 선수들의 자아존중감과 운동몰입을 향상 시킬 수 있는 심리 개입 프로그램의 필요성을 시사한다.

The prevalence and clinical characteristics of sacroiliac joint dysfunction in adolescent baseball players

BackgroundSacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is a potential source of low back pain (LBP) in baseball players, who are more likely to be affected by loading of the SIJ in the throwing motion. However, the prevalence and characteristics of this condition have not been studied thoroughly. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of SIJ dysfunction among high school baseball players. MethodsParticipants comprised 891 high school baseball players who had undergone annual medical evaluations (a self-completed questionnaire and physical examination). The prevalence of SIJ dysfunction and associations with the measurements of the flexibility of the spine and lower extremities such as finger-floor-distance, straight-leg-raising angle, heel–buttock-distance, Thomas test, and passive range of motion of the hip were investigated. ResultsTwenty-two of 891 subjects (2.5%) met our criteria for SIJ dysfunction. Twelve subjects (55%) exhibited throwing arm side symptoms more commonly than in the non-throwing arm side (n = 3, 15%) or bilateral side (n = 7, 32%). Previous episodes of LBP were experienced significantly more frequently among subjects with SIJ dysfunction (n = 19, 86.4%) than among those without (n = 501, 57.7%; P = 0.015). The prevalence of present LBP that interfered with play was significantly higher among subjects with SIJ dysfunction (n = 9, 42.9%) than among those without (n = 118, 21.2%; P = 0.038). The prevalence of SIJ dysfunction as a source of LBP was estimated at 7.1% (9 of 127 subjects). After adjustment for associated factors using a logistic regression model, we observed a significant association between a limitation in hip internal rotation on the throwing arm side and SIJ dysfunction (odds ratio 3.11 [1.30–7.71]; P = 0.0109). ConclusionsAccording to our criteria, the estimated prevalence of SIJ dysfunction among high school baseball players is 2.5%. There was a significant association between a limitation in hip internal rotation on the throwing arm side and SIJ dysfunction.

Influences of limited flexibility of the lower extremities and occurrence of low back pain in adolescent baseball players: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundLimited flexibility of the lower extremities, such as hamstring tightness, has long been suggested as a physical risk factor for low back pain among adolescent athletes. However, few prospective cohort studies have examined the direction of causality for this relationship. This prospective cohort study investigated the relationship between limited flexibility of the lower extremities and the occurrence of low back pain among high school baseball players. MethodsParticipants comprised 335 high school baseball players from 43 high school baseball teams who had undergone baseline medical evaluations (a self-completed questionnaire and physical examination). Occurrence of low back pain during a 1-year follow up, and associations with measurements of flexibility of the lower extremities such as straight-leg-raising angle (hamstring tightness), Thomas test (iliopsoas tightness), heel-buttock-distance (quadriceps tightness), and passive range of motion of the hip were investigated. ResultsIn total, 296 players (88.4%) participated in the 1-year follow-up survey, with 147 of the 296 players (49.7%) reporting the occurrence of low back pain during follow-up. The number of players with low back pain during follow-up peaked in November, then decreased and was lowest in June. After adjusting for factors associated with low back pain using logistic regression modeling, a significant association between hamstring tightness on the non-throwing arm side and low back pain (odds ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.17–6.94; P = 0.018) was found. ConclusionsHamstring tightness on the non-throwing arm side was identified as a potential risk factor for low back pain in high school baseball players. These results may provide guidance in the development of future prevention programs.

Descriptive Strength and Range of Motion in Youth Baseball Players

BackgroundThere are limited studies reporting descriptive strength and range of motion in youth baseball players 12 years of age or younger.PurposeTo establish normative data for external (ER) and internal (IR) rotation range of motion (ROM), total arc range of motion (TROM), and isometric rotator cuff strength in youth baseball players, and to compare between the dominant throwing arm (D) to the non-dominant arm (ND).Study DesignCross-sectionalMethodsPatient population included 50 (5 to 12-year-old) uninjured, healthy athletes. ROM measurements were performed preseason using a goniometer for IR and ER in the supine position with the shoulder in 90 degrees of abduction (abd) with scapular stabilization. Isometric strength measurements for IR and ER were collected in both neutral and 90 degrees (deg) of abduction with the use of a hand-held dynamometer and recorded in pounds (lbs) utilizing a “make” test. Descriptive statistics were obtained for all measures.ResultsAll data were analyzed as a single group (average age: 9.02). No significant difference in average total arc of PROM (ER+IR=Total Arc) on the D side compared to the ND side (136.7 ± 12.7 deg vs. 134.3 ± 12.3 deg). There were statistically significant differences between ER ROM (102.2 ± 7.7 deg vs. 96.8 ± 7.4 deg) and IR ROM (34.4 ± 9.0 deg vs. 37.5 ± 9.5 deg) between D versus ND arms (p= .000, .006 respectively). Mean ER strength in neutral (13.6 ± 3.4 and 12.8 ± 3.6 lbs) and 90 deg abduction (12.3 ± 3.4 and 12.5 ± 4.3 lbs) did were not significantly different between D and ND arms, respectively. Mean IR strength in neutral (18.0 ± 6.0 and 15.7 ± 4.7 lbs) and 90 deg abd (16.4 ± 5.6 and 15.0 ± 5.7 lbs) was significantly greater in the D arm vs ND arm, respectively (p=.000, .001).ConclusionThese data can provide descriptive information for clinicians who treat very young baseball players. These data show sport specific adaptations occur at very young ages (5-12) and are similar to prior reports on adolescent, high school and professional baseball players regarding upper extremity ROM and rotator cuff strength.Level of Evidence3

Relationship Between Upper Limb Injuries and Hip Range of Motion in Elementary and Junior High School Baseball Players.

Background:Shoulder and elbow injuries are major problems in baseball players. Tightness of the upper extremities has been reported as a risk factor for shoulder and elbow injuries in elementary and junior high school baseball players. However, few studies have been conducted on the relationship between decreased hip range of motion (ROM) and shoulder and elbow injuries.Purpose/Hypothesis:This study aimed to prospectively examine the relationship between hip ROM and throwing-related shoulder and elbow injuries in elementary and junior high school baseball players. The hypothesis was that players with unrestricted ROM in the hip would have a reduced risk of upper extremity injuries.Methods:The study included 263 baseball players (mean ± SD age, 10.5 ± 1.3 years; range, 7-14 years). The following physical parameters were assessed: (1) hip flexion ROM measured in the supine position and (2) hip internal and external rotation in the prone position. After the season, players completed questionnaires regarding shoulder and/or elbow injuries. For comparison, the players were classified as injured (not able to play for ≥8 days because of shoulder and/or elbow problems) or noninjured.Results:During the season, 52 players had shoulder and/or elbow injuries. When the injured and noninjured groups were compared, hip flexion on the dominant side (121.5° ± 12.0° vs 126.7° ± 9.8°, respectively; P < .01), hip flexion on the nondominant side (119.6° ± 11.7° vs 126.0° ± 9.9°, respectively; P < .01), and internal rotation on the dominant side (52.5° ± 11.3° vs 56.8° ± 10.8°, respectively; P = .01) were significantly reduced in the injured group.Conclusion:We identified preseason decreases in flexion bilaterally and internal rotation on the dominant side as risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in elementary and junior high school baseball players. Further studies are required to prevent disabilities in elementary and junior high school baseball players through development of prevention and intervention programs.

A smartphone mindfulness-based intervention pilot study with competitive high school baseball players

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have shown efficacy with diverse populations. The training periods for sport MBIs range 4-10 weeks, but positive outcomes have been found during the first 2-4 weeks This is promising as athletes have busy schedules. Additionally, smartphone MBIs are gaining in popularity, but research with them is just beginning. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to investigate a brief MBI with competitive high school baseball players. Participants included four athletes (mean 15.6 years) from one club team and their head coach. The athletes completed mindfulness training via Headspace (headspace.com). Each athlete was interviewed post-intervention. The head coach was also interviewed to gain insight into any observed changes in his athletes. Consensual Qualitative Research analysis resulted in four categories: Mindfulness, Readiness for Competition, Self-confidence, and Perceptions of the Intervention. All athletes discussed the MBI as facilitative for mental preparation for competition. Further, one athlete initially reporting low self-confidence, felt that his confidence improved after participation in the pilot study. Finally, all participants identified the app as a convenient way to practice mindfulness given their busy schedules. Positive outcomes in the current study are supported in the literature and provide insight into the efficacy and acceptability of a smartphone MBI. Future directions for research and implications for applied settings are discussed.

Recognition Survey of Risk Factors with Throwing Injuries among High School Baseball Players

Recognition Survey of Risk Factors with Throwing Injuries among High School Baseball Players

Effects of Nutritional Education with Provision of Rice on the Dietary Habits of High School Baseball Players

Effects of Nutritional Education with Provision of Rice on the Dietary Habits of High School Baseball Players