Softball Injuries Research Articles

Upper extremity orthopedic softball injuries presenting to the emergency department: epidemiology across the lifespan

ABSTRACT Background Softball is a popular lifetime sport due to its inclusion of both fastpitch and slowpitch varieties, although associated injuries are common. Objective To compare softball injury rates across patient sex, age, race, injury location, mechanism, and activity. Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for all upper extremity softball injuries in patients 10–85+ years old presenting to United States emergency departments between 2012 and 2021. Results Significantly more of the 178,303 total weighted upper extremity injuries occurred in female (68.1%) than male (31.9%) athletes (p < .001). Male patients (mean 34.9 ± 13.6 years) were older than female patients (17.4 ± 8.4; p = .019). The average incidence rate of UE injuries from 2012–2021 was 187.9 per 100,000 persons, with a significant decrease in injury incidence across the timespan (p < .001). The lowest annual injury incidence (74.7 per 100,000 persons) occurred in 2020. In patients 10–18 years old, female patients accounted for 95.1% of all injuries, whereas male patients accounted for 72.1% of all injuries in patients aged ≥23. Compared to male patients, females more frequently experienced hand (p < .001), lower arm (p = .007), shoulder (p < .001), and wrist (p < .001) injuries in patients 10–18 years old, finger (p < .001), upper arm (p = .016), and wrist (p < .001) injuries in patients 19–22, and finger injuries (p < .001) in patients aged 23 +. Across all ages, the greatest proportion of injuries were treated and released (p < .001). Most injuries occurred while fielding (41.8%) and due to player-ball contact (36.8%). Conclusion Softball injury ED presentations declined across a decade, including a precipitous drop and rebound effect due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the lifespan, upper extremity injuries progressively shifted from female-predominant in younger athletes to male-predominant in adults.

Medical advisability of softball youth pitching recommendations on the internet

ABSTRACT Objective Developing softball pitchers are prone to injury due to the repetitive throwing motion. Many children and parents use the internet as a source of medical advice, but this information may not always be aligned with medical guidelines. The purpose of this study was to assess the medical advisability of injury prevention guidelines for developing softball pitchers on websites using Google as the primary search engine. Methods The first 100 websites populated from a Google search using the term softball youth pitching recommendations were evaluated. Each website was categorized as discussing baseball, softball, or both, and as athletic, commercial, or educational. For every website, 16 recommendations described by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Stop Sports Injuries softball injury prevention guidelines (Table 1) were scored as in agreement (+1), different guideline mentioned (0.5), no mention (0), or discordant (−1). Table 1. Websites with guidelines identical to AOSSM by type of website, by sport, and by order of appearance in google search, AOSSM = American orthopaedic society for sports medicine. ‘*’ indicates p value < 0.05. Results Of the 98 qualifying websites, 57 advised only about softball, while 19 advised about both baseball and softball. Fifty websites had no mention of any recommendation outlined by AOSSM. Websites that were mostly in agreement with AOSSM were educational websites (mean score = 3.9, p = 0.02), websites discussing only softball (mean score = 2.0, p = 0.02), and the first 50 websites (mean score = 2.2, p = 0.04). The most common discordant guideline was differing opinions in pitch count (13 websites). Conclusion The most common category in disagreement with AOSSM was different pitch count guidelines, highlighting a need for websites to provide more consistent information using high-quality resources. Educational websites, websites discussing only softball, and the first 50 websites had the highest scores, indicating that these types of websites are most likely to have the highest amount of medically advisable information. We recommend users conduct targeted Google searches on reliable websites for information on pitching softball recommendations to maximize the validity of Google search results.

A Model for Causality of Pitching-related Overuse Injuries in Women's Fastpitch Softball.

Fastpitch softball is a popular women's sport, and athletes, particularly pitchers, are at high risk for overuse injury. Softball-related injury rates are low; however, the prevalence of overuse injuries is high. Injuries at the high school and collegiate levels occur early in the season, and approximately 50% of shoulder and elbow injuries in softball are attributable to overuse. Survey research showed 77% of high school pitchers pitch with pain, and 73% of collegiate pitchers reported an overuse injury in the previous season. Modifiable and non-modifiable intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors contribute to injury risk in a model that can be used in history taking, clinical examination, and management of softball-related injuries. In this manuscript, we present a scoping review of fastpitch softball injury research by competitive levels from 1990 to present. We also introduce a model for overuse injury causality in this athlete population. With this information, clinicians will be able to identify risk factors related to injury in softball pitchers. More research is needed to make evidence-based recommendations for injury prevention in this athlete population.

Fastpitch Softball Injuries: Epidemiology, Biomechanics, and Injury Prevention.

Fastpitch softball is one of the most popular sports among youth and high school female athletes. Despite some similarities to baseball, key differences between the two sports result in different injury patterns, and there is comparatively less literature describing injury epidemiology in fastpitch softball. The purpose of this review is to describe the epidemiology, biomechanics, and injury prevention efforts in regards to fastpitch softball injury with a particular focus on underhand pitching. The injury rate in softball is relatively low and extended time loss injuries in particular are uncommon. Lower extremity injuries are more common overall in softball, but pitchers more often suffer upper extremity injury. Pitchers account for a relatively small proportion of all injuries recorded, but represent a similarly small subset of team rosters, with most teams carrying only a few pitchers in total. The underhand pitching motion exerts significant glenohumeral distractive forces and high stress across the biceps-labrum complex. Core and lower extremity strengthening play an important role in injury prevention for softball pitchers and position players. Fatigue and number of games pitched are tied to increased strength deficiencies and pain in fastpitch softball pitchers, yet pitch count limits are not employed in any major fastpitch softball leagues. While overall injury incidence is low in fastpitch softball players, the potential for overuse injury in pitchers in particular is noteworthy and not nearly as scrutinized as within the baseball community. Critical longitudinal tracking of softball injuries at varying levels of play would be helpful to better understand the sport's injury risk. There are currently no formal pitch count limits enforced in a majority of fastpitch softball leagues. Core and lower extremity strengthening, pre-season conditioning, and monitoring of pitchers for signs of fatigue may be helpful in injury prevention.

Common Injuries in Female Competitive Softball Players.

The popularity of softball is rising among female athletes with more than two million players between the ages of 12 and 18 competing per year. As participation rates increase, the frequency of injuries related to softball is on the rise. Softball injuries can differ from baseball injuries, and only a small amount of current literature focuses exclusively on softball injuries. Orthopaedic surgeons need to be prepared to evaluate, diagnose, and treat common injuries sustained while playing softball. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of injury that are commonly encountered by female athletes in competitive fast-pitch softball and review current safety initiatives that have been implemented to aide in injury prevention.

Advancements for the Future: A National Survey of Fastpitch Softball Coaches' Perspectives on Injury Prevention Programming.

Approximately 50 percent of softball injuries are the result of overuse or chronic conditions. However, research exploring preventative measures for softball players is limited and usage of injury prevention strategies among softball coaches is unknown. This survey aimed to investigate if softball coaches are implementing injury prevention programs to reduce injury and improve the performance of their players. The secondary purpose was to identify barriers to the implementation of injury prevention programs. Finally, this survey explored the coaches' knowledge of injury risk factors and their views on design and usage of preventative programs. Descriptive cross-sectional survey. A 35-item survey was sent to approximately 14,000 high school and collegiate fastpitch softball coaches throughout the United States. Data were collected over a three-month period with an overall response rate of 1.2%. Among responding coaches, 45.9% (n=79/172) reported implementing injury prevention programs. Coaches who implement injury prevention strategies most frequently utilize team-based programs (68.8%, n=52/93) compared to group-based (19.0%, n=15/93) or individualized programs (15.2%, n=12/93). Coaches who do not use preventative programming reported that being unsure of what program to perform (53.8%, n=50/93) and not having enough staff (20.4%, n=19/93) were the greatest barriers to implementation. Although over 50% of coaches recognized arm fatigue/overuse (27.9%, n=48/172) and decreased core strength (22.7%, n=39/172) were important risk factors, 36% (n=94/172) "disagree" that softball pitchers should adhere to pitch counts and 90% (n=83/92) believe that preventative programming for pitchers and position players should be similar. Less than 50 percent of softball coaches implement exercise programs to prevent injury. Limited familiarity with effective program design, inadequate staffing, and inconsistent risk factor awareness are the major contributors to lacking implementation. Collaboration between rehabilitation professionals and softball coaches regarding preventative programming should be considered. Level 3©The Author(s).

Pediatric Softball Injuries Presenting to Emergency Departments.

This study sought to characterize the mechanisms of injury responsible for common softball-related injuries in recent years. The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database was queried for all pediatric softball-related injuries presenting to participating US emergency departments from 2010 to 2019. Patients were classified by age as children (7-12 years), adolescents (13-18 years), or young adults (19-21 years). The case narrative of each injury was used to establish the mechanism of injury: hit by bat, hit by ball, sliding into base, collision with another player, catching, running, and throwing. Statistical weights provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission were used to produce national injury estimates. There were an estimated 511,117 pediatric softball injuries presenting to the emergency department over the study period, with a mean patient age of 14.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.1-14.4 years). The head/neck was the most commonly affected body part, making up 30.2% of cases (95% CI, 28.2%-32.2%). Injuries to the head/neck were most often caused by being hit by the ball (78.4%; 95% CI, 76.4%-80.3%) and most commonly resulted in a superficial injury (36.9%), internal injury (22.2%), or concussion (16.3%). Foot/ankle injuries were most frequently caused by sliding into base (51.5%; 95% CI, 47.0%-55.2%) and typically resulted in a sprain/strain (65.5%). The most frequent causes of shoulder/elbow injuries were being hit by the ball (33.3%; 95% CI, 28.6%-38.3%) and throwing the ball (27.6%; 95% CI, 22.8%-32.9%). These resulted most frequently in a sprain or strain (39.5%), followed by a superficial injury (28.2%). The proportion of softball injuries affecting the shoulder and elbow and the lower extremities increased with athlete age, whereas the proportion of injuries affecting the remainder of the upper extremities decreased with athlete age. Being hit by the ball was the most common mechanism of injury, especially in the head/neck region, and shoulder/elbow injuries increase with athlete age. Coaches and leagues may consider mandating helmets for infielders and pitch counts for pitchers, especially among adolescent athletes.

Trends in pediatric baseball and softball injuries presenting to emergency departments

ABSTRACT Background Millions of youth participate in baseball and softball in the United States and these youth account for a large number of pediatric sports injuries. This study sought to characterize annual, seasonal, and age-related trends in pediatric softball and baseball injuries presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was retrospectively examined for all softball and baseball injuries from 2010 to 2019 involving pediatric patients aged 7–21 years. Patients were classified by age as children (ages 7–13), adolescents (ages 14–18), or young adults (ages 19–21). Case narratives were used to assign mechanisms of injury. National injury estimates were calculated using statistical weights provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Results An estimated 1,372,573 pediatric softball and baseball ED visits occurred from 2010 to 2019. The mean age of the patient population was 13.6 years old (95% CI = 13.5–13.8 years), and baseball athletes were younger than softball athletes (13.2 years and 14.3 years) (p < 0.01). Moreover, baseball athletes hit by the bat were younger than their softball counterparts (11.8 years and 13.4 years). Most baseball and softball injuries were the result of being hit by the ball (52.8% and 54.2%) or sliding into a base (13.1% and 15.8%). The annual number of injuries decreased during the studied time period by 41.1% for baseball injuries and by 38.3% for softball injuries. The annual number of injuries related to all injury mechanisms decreased over the studied time period for both sports, with the exception of baseball throwing injuries, which increased by 8.6%. Baseball and softball injuries were both most likely to be present to the ED on Sunday (16.3% and 17.9%) and during the Spring (53.2% and 55.3%). Conclusion Safety guidelines should focus on reducing the prevalence of injuries acquired by younger baseball and softball players during practice and educating coaches and players on existing pitch count guidelines.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Baseball and Softball Player Injuries.

Background:Baseball and softball are popular sports in the United States and are responsible for a large number of youth sports injuries each year.Purpose:To investigate recent differences in youth baseball and softball injuries evaluated in nationwide emergency departments.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was examined for softball and baseball injuries in pediatric patients (age, 7-21 years) from 2010 through 2019. Patients were classified as children (age, 7-13 years), adolescents (age, 14-18 years), or young adults (age, 19-21 years). Case narratives were used to categorize injuries as contact injuries (hit by bat or ball), field injuries (sliding into base, collision with another player, catching, or running), throwing injuries, or other.Results:An unweighted total of 24,717 baseball injuries and 13,162 softball injuries were recorded. A nationwide estimate of 861,456 baseball injuries and 511,117 softball injuries were sustained during the studied time period, with estimated respective injury rates of 86,146 and 51,112 per year. Injured softball players were most commonly adolescent (47%) and female (92%), while injured baseball players were most commonly children (54%) and male (90%). There was a greater proportion of baseball-related injuries involving the head/neck (41%) as compared with softball-related injuries (30%) (P < .01). Conversely, a greater proportion of softball-related injuries involved the lower extremity (32%) as compared with baseball-related injuries (19%) (P < .01). When comparing diagnosis, softball injuries were more often sprains/strains (28%) than baseball injuries (18%) (P < .01). When comparing mechanisms of injury, baseball athletes were more likely to be evaluated with contact injuries than were softball athletes (49% vs 40%, P < .01).Conclusion:Youth baseball athletes were more likely to be injured through contact mechanisms and had a higher proportion of injuries related to the head/neck/face, whereas softball injuries more frequently involved the lower extremity and resulted in a sprain/strain. League guidelines should focus on reducing contact injuries within youth baseball, and injury-prevention programs should focus on reducing lower extremity injuries in youth softball.

Trends in Pediatric Baseball and Softball Injuries Presenting to Emergency Departments

PURPOSE: To compare trends and injury mechanisms in youth baseball and softball injuries presenting to US Emergency Departments. METHODS: All softball and baseball injuries in pediatric patients (7-21 years) from 2010-2019 in the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database were analyzed. Patients were classified as children (ages 7-13), adolescents (ages 14-18), or young adults (ages 19-21). Case narratives were used to categorize injuries as contact injuries (hit by bat or ball), outfield injuries (sliding into base, collision with another player, catching, or running), throwing injuries, or other. RESULTS: A nationwide estimate of 861,456 baseball injuries and 511,117 softball injuries were observed during the studied time period. The annual number of injuries decreased by 41.1% for baseball and by 38.3% for softball. The prevalence of all injuries mechanisms decreased, except for baseball throwing injuries which increased by 8.6%. Presenting baseball athletes were younger than softball athletes (13.2 years vs 14.3 years, p < 0.01). 41% of baseball injuries involved the head/neck, compared to 30% of softball injuries. 32% of softball injuries involved the lower extremity, compared to 19% of baseball injuries (p < 0.01). The majority of baseball and softball contact injuries affected the head, neck, and face (57% and 66%). Among outfield injuries, baseball athletes more commonly presented with fractures/dislocations and upper extremity injuries while softball athletes more commonly presented with sprains/strains and lower extremity injuries (p < 0.01). Most baseball and softball injuries were the result of being hit by the ball (52.8% and 54.2%) or sliding into a base (13.1% and 15.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric softball and baseball injuries have been decreasing over time and have several meaningful similarities and differences which should inform targeted injury prevention efforts.

Epidemiology of Injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Softball: 2014-2015 Through 2018-2019.

Women's softball athletes account for approximately 9% of all female athletes competing within the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Routine surveillance of NCAA women's softball injuries is important for identifying the emerging injury patterns in this sport. Exposure and injury data collected during competitive seasons in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program during 2014-2015 through 2018-2019 (5 years) academic years were analyzed. Injury counts, rates, and proportions were used to describe injury characteristics; injury rate ratios (IRRs) were used to examine differential injury rates. The overall injury rate was 3.92 per 1000 athlete exposures. Practice and preseason injury rates increased during 2015/16 through 2018/19. Most injuries were shoulder (15.2%), hand/wrist (11.8%), knee (11.2%), and head/face injuries (11.2%) and were classified as contusions (14.2%), sprains (14.1%), and inflammatory conditions (14.1%). Concussion (6.8%) was the most commonly reported injury, and concussion incidence fluctuated during 2014-2015 through 2018-2019. Results indicate an increasing trend in practice and preseason injury incidence. Findings also suggest that workload accumulation in the shoulder and the mechanisms of concussion warrant further attention in this population.

Baseball and Softball (Care of the Young Athlete)

Patient Education| 2021 Baseball and Softball (Care of the Young Athlete) Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Baseball and Softball (Care of the Young Athlete). Pediatric Patient Education 2021; 10.1542/peo_document553 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All AAP SitesAll PublicationsPediatric Patient Education Search Advanced Search Subjects: Care of the Young Athlete Baseball and softball are extremely popular among America's youth. Injuries are common because of the large number of athletes participating. While most injuries are acute, there are specific overuse injuries that commonly affect young ball players. Most of these injuries can be prevented. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about how to prevent baseball and softball injuries. Also included is an overview of common injuries. Sports physical exam. Athletes should have a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) to make sure they are ready to safely begin the sport. The best time for a PPE is about 4 to 6 weeks before the beginning of the season. Athletes also should see their doctors for routine well-child checkups.Fitness. Athletes should maintain a good fitness level during the season and off-season. Preseason training should allow time for general conditioning and... Copyright © 20112011 American Academy of Pediatrics You do not currently have access to this content.

Non-Time-Loss and Time-Loss Softball Injuries in Secondary School Athletes: A Report From the National Athletic Treatment, Injury and Outcomes Network (NATION).

Most studies of injury trends associated with softball focus on injuries requiring at least 24 hours of missed participation time (time-loss [TL] injuries), with little focus on those that do not (non-time-loss [NTL] injuries). A better understanding of injury trends associated with softball will improve athlete care. To describe NTL and TL injuries experienced by secondary school girls' softball players. Descriptive epidemiology study. Secondary school athletic training clinics. Secondary school girls' softball players. Aggregate data were collected from schools participating in the National Athletic Treatment, Injury, and Outcomes Network surveillance program during the 2011-2012 through 2013-2014 academic years. Frequencies and rates of injuries (NTL and TL) according to time of season, event type, body part injured, and diagnosis were analyzed. In total, 1059 injuries were reported during 140 073 athlete-exposures (AEs): overall injury rate = 7.56/1000 AEs. Of these injuries, 885 (83.6%) were NTL (NTL rate = 6.32/1000 AEs) and 174 (16.4%) were TL (TL rate = 1.24/1000 AEs). Of the NTL and TL injuries, the largest numbers occurred during the regular season (NTL: n = 443 [50.1%]; TL: n = 131 [75.3%]). Injuries sustained during practices accounted for the majority of NTL and TL injuries (NTL: n = 631 [71.3%]; TL: n = 104 [59.8%]). The NTL injuries occurred most often at the shoulder (n = 134 [15.1%]) and hand/fingers (n = 109 [12.3%]) and were diagnosed as contusions (n = 316 [35.7%]), strains (n = 157 [17.7%]), and abrasions (n = 151 [17.1%]). The largest numbers of TL injuries were to the head/face (n = 71 [40.8%]) and diagnosed as concussions (n = 50 [28.7%]) and strains (n = 28 [16.1%]). Secondary school softball players sustained a larger proportion of NTL injuries than TL injuries. Although NTL injuries may be less severe, they are numerous. Efforts are needed to ensure that injury-prevention programs are incorporated into the care of softball athletes to promote health and reduce injury occurrence.

Professional Women's Softball Injuries: An Epidemiological Cohort Study.

To report the epidemiology of Women's National Professional Fast-Pitch (NPF) softball injuries during the 2017 season. The secondary objective was to evaluate risk factors for pitching injuries. Prospective injury data were collected from the primary clinical care of 6 professional softball teams. The NPF study population consisted of 153 players. Data collection included the following: number of practices each week, diagnosis of the injury, game or practice injury, position played when sustaining the injury, treatment for the injury, number of missed practices and/or games as a result of the injury, and total days until return to play. Injury rate (IR) overall, IR in position players, and IR in pitchers. Secondary outcomes included risk assessment for injury in pitchers; descriptive statistics on the injuries recorded in all players. Pitchers reported both upper extremity and lower extremity injuries equally, whereas positional players reported more lower extremity injuries. Pitchers were also most likely to be injured during a practice than a game. Overall, there were 3.26 reported game injuries per 1000 athlete exposures (AE) and 4.79 practice injuries per 1000 AE. Pitchers specifically had 1.88 reported game injuries per 1000 AE and 5.66 practice injuries per 1000 AE. In contrast to previous data, our study showed an increased IR in practice as compared to games in both position players and pitchers. Significant injuries were relatively rare, and most injuries seemed minor, usually with less than 7 days missed, suggesting a relative safety associated with this sport.

The First Decade of Web-Based Sports Injury Surveillance: Descriptive Epidemiology of Injuries in US High School Girls' Softball (2005-2006 Through 2013-2014) and National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Softball (2004-2005 Through 2013-2014).

The advent of Web-based sports injury surveillance via programs such as the High School Reporting Information Online system and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program has aided the acquisition of girls' and women's softball injury data. To describe the epidemiology of injuries sustained in high school girls' softball in the 2005-2006 through 2013-2014 academic years and collegiate women's softball in the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years using Web-based sports injury surveillance. Descriptive epidemiology study. Online injury surveillance from softball teams in high school girls (annual average = 100) and collegiate women (annual average = 41). Girls' or women's softball players who participated in practices and competitions during the 2005-2006 through 2013-2014 academic years in high school and the 2004-2005 through 2013-2014 academic years in college. Athletic trainers collected time-loss injury and exposure data. Injury rates per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were calculated. Injury rate ratios (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) compared injury rates by competition level, school size or division, event type, and time in season. The High School Reporting Information Online system documented 1357 time-loss injuries during 1 173 722 AEs; the National Collegiate Athletic Association Injury Surveillance Program documented 1848 time-loss injuries during 579 553 AEs. The injury rate was higher in college than in high school (3.19 versus 1.16/1000 AEs; IRR = 2.76; 95% CI = 2.57, 2.96). The competition injury rate was higher than the practice injury rate in high school (IRR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.82, 2.25) and in college (IRR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.27, 1.52). Softball players at both levels sustained a variety of injuries, with the most common being ankle sprains and concussions. Many injuries also occurred while fielding or running bases. Injury rates were greater in collegiate versus high school softball and in competitions versus practices. These findings highlight the need for injury-prevention interventions, including strength-training and prevention programs to reduce ankle sprains and provide protection for batters from pitches and fielders from batted balls.

Softball: Nothing Soft about It

Softball is a popular sport in the United States and continues to grow internationally. It is a team sport that enables females and males of all age groups to participate. Softball is an enjoyable and exciting sport and provides significant health benefits, such as enhancing fitness as well as upper- and lower-body strength. Additionally, important social skills can be learned by interacting with coaches and teammates. Although softball has many positive effects on participants, inherent risks could lead to injuries. Thus, it is important for physical education teachers, coaches and practitioners to provide a safe environment for participants in order to make the experience of softball safe and enjoyable. Physical education programs should also ensure that teachers are protected from liability. The main purpose of this article is to call attention to the types of injures that are common in softball, as well as to the related legal liability and risk management. This article also offers ways to prevent softball injuries and describes safety equipment that can reduce injuries.

Improvements in emotional, cognitive and motoric function in a teenage female subsequent to functional neurology treatment

Event Abstract Back to Event Improvements in emotional, cognitive and motoric function in a teenage female subsequent to functional neurology treatment Linda Mullin Elkins1* and Susan E. Esposito1 1 Life University, Chiropractic Sciences, United States Background: A 13 year-old female presented with complaints of anxiety, depression and worsening of ADD/ADHD symptoms following a softball injury where she was hit in the head with a fly ball. She required supervision when doing homework as she had difficulty staying on task. She also had trouble catching and throwing the softball with accuracy. Methods: Patient exam showed a decreased left sided facial tone and left palatal paresis. A left beating nystagmus was noted along with bilateral hippus and a bilateral 3-1 V/A ratio. She exhibited a right sway in Rhomberg position, decreased right arm swing and freezing of gait with absence of arm swing on dual tasking. She could only recall two of three words after a 5 minute delay. Posture exam revealed left head tilt. The patient was given at-home therapy including rightward saccades with passive yes-yes gaze stabilization exercises. Right chair rotation with downward optokinetics were prescribed along with passive complex movements of the right extremities. She was seen four times in two weeks. Results: She reported much less anxiety after 5 day of therapy and improved ability to concentrate. She required little supervision when doing homework. After 2 weeks there was normalization of facial tone, no evidence of nystagmus, 2-1 V/A ratio and improved arm swing. Gait had mild hesitations without freezing in dual tasking. She completed three of three words in a recall test. After 10 days of therapy the coach moved her from right field to shortstop where she completed a double play. Conclusion: Positive outcomes in this case encourage further study of functional neurological strategies in the treatment of children with emotional, cognitive and motoric dysfunction. Keywords: pediatric, Chiropractic, Functional Neurology, Anxiety, Depression Conference: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration, Orlando, Florida, United States, 10 Dec - 14 Dec, 2015. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Case Reports for Poster Presentation Citation: Mullin Elkins L and Esposito SE (2015). Improvements in emotional, cognitive and motoric function in a teenage female subsequent to functional neurology treatment. Front. Neurol. Conference Abstract: International Symposium on Clinical Neuroscience: TBI and Neurodegeneration. doi: 10.3389/conf.fneur.2015.58.00042 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 30 Oct 2015; Published Online: 02 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Linda Mullin Elkins, Life University, Chiropractic Sciences, Marietta, GA, 30060, United States, mullin@life.edu Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Linda Mullin Elkins Susan E Esposito Google Linda Mullin Elkins Susan E Esposito Google Scholar Linda Mullin Elkins Susan E Esposito PubMed Linda Mullin Elkins Susan E Esposito Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Softball injuries treated in US EDs, 1994 to 2010

BackgroundSoftball is a popular participant sport in the United States. This study investigated the epidemiology of softball injuries with comparisons between children and adults. MethodsData from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for patients 7 years and older treated in an emergency department (ED) for a softball injury from 1994 through 2010 were analyzed. ResultsAn estimated 2107823 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1736417-2479229) patients were treated in US EDs for a softball injury during the 17-year study period. The annual number of injuries decreased by 23.0% from 1994 to 2010 (P < .001); however, during the last 6 years of the study, injuries increased by 11.7% (P = .008). The annual rate of softball injuries increased significantly during the study period (P = .035). The most commonly injured body regions were the hand/wrist (22.2%) and face (19.3%). Being hit by a ball was the most common mechanism of injury (52.4%) and accounted for most of face (89.6%) and head (75.7%) injuries. Injuries associated with running (relative risk, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.97-2.82) and diving for a ball (relative risk, 4.61; 95% CI, 3.50-6.09) were more likely to occur among adult than pediatric patients. ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate softball injuries using a nationally representative sample. Softball is a common source of injury among children and adults. Increased efforts are needed to promote safety measures, such as face guards, mouth guards, safety softballs, and break-away bases, to decrease these injuries.

Shoulder Injuries in US High School Baseball and Softball Athletes, 2005–2008

The objective of this study was to determine factors that are involved in shoulder injury rates among high school athletes who participate in organized baseball and softball. Baseball- and softball-related injury data were collected during the 2005-2008 academic years from approximately 74 nationally representative high schools via High School Reporting Information Online. Certified athletic trainers reported 91 baseball shoulder injuries and 40 softball shoulder injuries during 528147 and 399522 athlete exposures, respectively. The injury rate was 1.72 injuries per 10000 athlete exposures for baseball and 1.00 injuries per 10000 athlete exposures for softball. Muscle strain/incomplete tears were the most common injuries in both baseball (30.8%) and softball (35.0%). In practices, throwing, not including pitching, caused more than half of softball injuries (68.2%) as compared with competition injuries (23.5%; injury proportion ratio [IPR]: 2.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-7.15]; P = .015), whereas pitching was the most common mechanism in causing shoulder injuries during baseball practice (41.9%) compared with competitions (25.6%; IPR: 1.64 [95% CI: 0.88-3.04]; P = .17). Eighty-one percent of the baseball shoulder injuries and 82.5% of the softball shoulder injuries were new. Ten percent of baseball athletes and 5.3% of softball athletes sustained injuries that required surgery (IPR: 1.40 [95% CI: 0.32-6.10]; P = .93). Injuries that were sustained while the athlete was on the pitcher's mound were significantly more likely to result in surgery than any other field position (IPR: 2.64 [95% CI: 1.65-4.21]; P = .0061). Injured baseball players were more than twice as likely to be pitchers. Although rates and patterns of shoulder injuries are similar between baseball and softball players, injury rates and patterns differ between field positions within each sport, as well as by injury severity and the athletes' year in school.

Mechanisms of Slow-Pitch Softball Injuries Reported to the HQ Air Force Safety Center: A 10-Year Descriptive Study, 1993–2002

Softball is a popular sport in civilian and military populations and results in a large number of lost-workday injuries. The purpose of this study is to describe the mechanisms associated with softball injuries occurring among active duty U.S. Air Force (USAF) personnel to better identify potentially effective countermeasures.Data derived from safety reports were obtained from the USAF Ground Safety Automated System in 2003. Softball injuries for the years 1993-2002 that resulted in at least one lost workday were included in the study. Narrative data were systematically reviewed and coded in order to categorize and summarize mechanisms associated with these injuries.This report documents a total of 1181 softball-related mishap reports, involving 1171 active duty USAF members who sustained one lost-workday injury while playing softball. Eight independent mechanisms were identified. Three specific scenarios (sliding, being hit by a ball, and colliding with a player) accounted for 60% of reported softball injuries.Mechanisms of injury for activities such as playing softball, necessary for prevention planning, can be identified using the detailed information found in safety reports. This information should also be used to develop better sports injury coding systems. Within the USAF and U.S. softball community, interventions to reduce injuries related to the most common mechanisms (sliding, being hit by a ball, and colliding with a player) should be developed, implemented, and evaluated.