Softball Players Research Articles

The Incidence of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High School and Collegiate Softball Athletes: A Systematic Review.

Despite increased youth and adolescent participation in fast-pitch softball and the reporting of upper extremity injuries, there remains a relative paucity of research examining shoulder and elbow injuries in high school and collegiate softball athletes. To evaluate the reported incidence, setting, and positional factors associated with shoulder and elbow injuries in high school and collegiate fast-pitch softball players. PubMed, Ovid, Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Central, and Clinicaltrials.gov. English-language articles reporting the incidence of shoulder and/or elbow injuries occurring in high school or collegiate fast-pitch softball players were included. Biomechanical studies, review articles, abstract only texts, previous systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Systematic review. Level 4. Two reviewers independently evaluated studies. Data related to the reported incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries, injury setting, position, and rate of return to play after injury were recorded. A total of 22 studies were identified. In high school athletes, shoulder injury rates ranged from 0.88 to 1.14 per 10,000 athletic exposures (AE), with elbow injury rates ranging from 0.41 to 0.71 per 10,000 AE. In collegiate athletes, reported injury rates ranged from 3.76 to 5.93 per 10,000 AE for shoulder and 1.5 to 3.39 per 10,000 AE for elbow injuries. Shoulder and elbow injuries were reported more commonly during competition in high school athletes, and with greater frequency in the practice setting in collegiate athletes. No association between injury incidence and position was appreciated at either the high school or collegiate level. Most (81%-96%) athletes were able to return to sport within 3 weeks of injury. The incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries was greater in collegiate softball athletes than in high school athletes.

Asymmetry in strength training: Investigating the Impact of offset training on the deep stabilisation system, strength/performance, and maximal power in Female Softball Players

PurposeThis study aims to fill a significant gap in sports science research by examining the underexplored effects of asymmetric load training on the deep stabilisation system (DSS), strength, and maximal power in female softball players.MethodsFourteen participants were divided into two groups: a control group (CON), which exercised with a symmetrically weighted bar, and an experimental group (EXP), which used a bar with asymmetrically distributed weight. The asymmetric load with a distribution of weight that was gradually increased during the 8-week intervention program. The assessment included a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) test for deadlift, flat bench press, front squat, and 4RM tests for single-leg leg press for both legs, along with evaluations of DSS and strength/performance, before and after a resistance training program. A two-way ANOVA was used to compare pre- and post-intervention performance on the DSS and 1RM strength tests.ResultsThe results showed significant improvements in all 1RM and 4RM tests for both groups in all exercises (<i>p</i> > 0.001), with no significant differences between the groups (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, a dependent <i>t</i>-test in the EXP group revealed significant improvements in DSS strength/performance from pre- to post-measurements in all tests, with large effect sizes. In contrast, the CON group showed significant improvements only in trunk extension, side plank, and prone tests.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that asymmetric training may provide superior benefits in strengthening the DSS, while still achieving comparable gains in maximal strength.

The Effects of Medicine Ball Training on Batting Velocity in Female Collegiate Softball Players

The Effects of Medicine Ball Training on Batting Velocity in Female Collegiate Softball Players

Shoulder Injury Incidence and Epidemiology in Youth, High School, and Collegiate Fastpitch Softball Players: A Systematic Review and Future Research Perspectives.

Fastpitch softball is one of the most popular sports in the United States among young female athletes. Softball players regularly subject their shoulders to extreme range of motion and high velocity movements. To date, no systematic review has reported on the epidemiology and incidence of shoulder injuries in softball players. To describe the incidence and epidemiology of softball-related shoulder injuries in youth, high school, and collegiate female softball players. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for relevant English language articles from 1980 to 2023. Studies selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Studies were required to be available full text, in English. Systematic review. Level 4. A preliminary screening was performed based on study title and abstract. In the subsequent screening, the full text versions of the remaining articles were evaluated by 2 reviewers for the fulfillment of the inclusion criteria. A total of 7 articles met criteria for inclusion. All studies evaluated injuries among softball players for at least 1 season. In total, there were 1107 softball-related shoulder injuries reported in the 7 studies included in this systematic review. Of the 3 studies that included a shoulder injury rate, a mean rate of 4.01 shoulder injuries per 10,000 athlete-exposures was calculated. The 2 most common shoulder injuries were shoulder muscle-tendon strains (297) and shoulder/biceps tendinitis (220). High-level prospective studies reporting injury incidence and risk factors among female softball players are extremely limited. Only 2 studies eligible for inclusion in this systematic review were prospective in nature, with neither of these reporting the specific injury rate for shoulder injuries among softball players.

Caffeinated chewing gum improves the batting and pitching performance of female softball players: a randomized crossover study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of caffeinated chewing gum on female softball pitching and hitting performance in trained female softball fielders and pitchers. Twenty-four trained female softball players (10 pitchers and 14 fielders) were divided into a caffeine chewing gum trial (CAF) or a placebo trial (PLA) in a single-blind, randomized, crossover experimental design. Two pieces of gum containing 100 mg of caffeine (CAF) or without caffeine (PLA) were chewed for 10 minutes and then spit out, followed by a 15-minute warm-up. The physical tests included grip strength and countermovement jump (CMJ). The softball-specific tests included pitching or hitting. The two trials were separated by seven days. The CAF trial had significantly higher grip strength than the PAL trial in fielder (P=0.032, Cohen's d=0.29) and pitcher (P=0.016, Cohen's d=0.33). The height of CMJ in fielders was significantly higher in the CAF trial than in the PLA trial (P=0.015, Cohen's d=0.65) but not in pitchers (P=0.596, Cohen's d=0.15). The fielder's average and maximum batting exit speeds were significantly higher in the CAF trial than in the PLA trial (P<0.05). The average and max fastball speeds of the CAF trial were significantly higher than that of the PLA trial in pitchers (P<0.05). The study showed that chewing gum containing two pieces of gum containing 100 mg of caffeine effectively improved female softball fielder's batting performance and pitcher's pitching performance.

Comparative Analysis of Anticipation and Balance Abilities between All India University Cricket and Softball Players

Comparative Analysis of Anticipation and Balance Abilities between All India University Cricket and Softball Players

Physiological Parameters with the throwing performance among the Softball Players

Physiological Parameters with the throwing performance among the Softball Players

Sport-related concussions in baseball and softball: do mechanisms of injury affect recovery?

Baseball and softball pose unique risks for sport-related concussion (SRC). Although these are not collision sports, concussions in baseball and softball can nonetheless involve high-speed impacts. In a regional, single-institution cohort of baseball and softball athletes who sustained an SRC, the current study sought to 1) describe the mechanisms of injury that led to SRC, and 2) compare initial symptom burden and recovery metrics across mechanisms, including time to return to learn (RTL), time to symptom resolution, and time to return to play (RTP) by mechanism of injury. A retrospective cohort study was performed of baseball and softball athletes 12 to 23 years old who sustained an SRC between November 2017 and April 2022. Mechanisms of injury were divided into two categories: 1) contact mechanism (i.e., what initiated contact with the injured player, such as head-to-ball), and 2) player mechanism (i.e., the action the injured player was performing at the time of injury, such as fielding). The recovery outcomes of time to RTL, symptom resolution, and RTP were compared between mechanisms using bivariate analysis and multivariable regression analysis, controlling for sex, age, time to present to concussion clinic, and initial total symptom score. The sample included 58 baseball and softball players (60.3% female, mean age 16.0 ± 1.9 years). Most SRCs (62.1%) occurred during competition. Head-to-ball (50.0%) was the most common contact mechanism, followed by head-to-head/body (31.0%) and head-to-wall/ground/equipment (17.2%). Fielding (63.8%) was the most common player mechanism, followed by drills (20.7%) and running (13.8%). SRCs sustained in practice had significantly longer RTL (median 10.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.3-16.3] vs 4.0 [IQR 2.0-8.0] days; U = 421.5, p = 0.031) and symptom resolution (37.0 [IQR 18.0-90.0] vs 14.0 [IQR 7.0-41.0] days; U = 406.5, p = 0.025) compared with SRCs sustained in competition. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that head-to-wall/ground/equipment contact mechanism was associated with longer RTL (β = 0.30, 95% CI 0.07-0.54, p = 0.013). The current study found that SRCs in baseball and softball occurred more often in competition than in practice. Head-to-ball and fielding were the most common contact and player mechanisms, respectively. SRCs sustained in practice were associated with longer time to RTL and symptom resolution, and head-to-wall/ground/equipment was associated with longer RTL in multivariable regression analysis. These results provide empirical data to improve concussion safety in baseball/softball.

What Happens to Youth Baseball Players Diagnosed With Little League Shoulder and Little League Elbow Syndrome?

The long-term prognosis of baseball and softball players diagnosed with Little League elbow (LLE) and Little League shoulder (LLS) is unknown. Many of these athletes are potentially at risk of developing future shoulder and elbow injuries that may require surgical intervention. This study's purpose is to retrospectively assess 5-year patient-reported outcomes and career progression of a series of youth baseball and softball players diagnosed with LLE and LLS. This institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective study evaluated 5-year outcomes of a cohort of youth baseball and softball players diagnosed with LLE and LLS between 2013 and 2017. Demographic and clinical data was recorded including age, gender, primary position, and months played per year. A standardized phone survey was obtained approximately 5 years post-treatment to assess upper extremity function, career progression, and pain recurrence. Sixty-one patients (44 LLE, 17 LLS) met the inclusion criteria and participated in a standardized phone survey. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 13.2 years and all but one of the athletes were male. On average, about 80% (34/44 LLE, 15/17 LLS) played baseball 9 months or more per year. After diagnosis and nonoperative management, more than 80% (37/44 LLE, 14/17 LLS) were able to return to competition, but up to 40% of players changed positions (9/44 LLE, 7/17 LLS). Five years later, less than half (21/44 LLE, 8/17 LLS) were playing baseball actively. The recurrence rate was >20% (9/42 LLE, 6/17 LLS) with a mean time of recurrence of 8.8 months. Patients who experienced symptom recurrence were less likely to play baseball 5 years later and had lower patient-reported outcomes. A diagnosis of LLE and LLS in early adolescence can be a setback for a young athlete. Fortunately, most athletes will be able to return to competition with ∼50% still competing at 5 years. Very few will progress to future arm surgery, but recurrence rates are relatively high, and these athletes are less likely to participate in their sport 5 years later. Level IV-Retrospective cohort study.

Properties of Gaze Strategies Based on Eye-Head Coordination in a Ball-Catching Task.

Visual motion information plays an important role in the control of movements in sports. Skilled ball players are thought to acquire accurate visual information by using an effective visual search strategy with eye and head movements. However, differences in catching ability and gaze movements due to sports experience and expertise have not been clarified. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of gaze strategies based on eye and head movements during a ball-catching task in athlete and novice groups. Participants were softball and tennis players and college students who were not experienced in ball sports (novice). They performed a one-handed catching task using a tennis ball-shooting machine, which was placed at 9 m in front of the participants, and two conditions were set depending on the height of the ball trajectory (high and low conditions). Their head and eye velocities were detected using a gyroscope and electrooculography (EOG) during the task. Our results showed that the upward head velocity and the downward eye velocity were lower in the softball group than in the tennis and novice groups. When the head was pitched upward, the downward eye velocity was induced from the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) during ball catching. Therefore, it is suggested that skilled ball players have relatively stable head and eye movements, which may lead to an effective gaze strategy. An advantage of the stationary gaze in the softball group could be to acquire visual information about the surroundings other than the ball.

SPORTS SELECTION IN THE SOFTBALL TRAINING SYSTEM

The initial level of development of motor qualities and the most signifi cant criteria at the initial stage of selection of soft-ball players were revealed. The developed sets of exercises signifi cantly infl uenced the increase in the level of indicators of coordination abilities, psychophysiological qualities and technical predisposition to play softball.

Operative Treatment of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury in Female Athletes.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction has been the standard surgical intervention for elite male athletes with UCL insufficiency. Recently, UCL repair and augmentation with an internal brace has been increasingly performed. To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes as well as return-to-sport rate after UCL repair in female athletes. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Included were 15 female athletes (mean age, 16.5 ± 3.5 years) who underwent UCL repair between 2011 and 2021 at a single institution. Data collected included age, sport played, competition level, symptom onset, previous surgeries, mechanism of injury, surgical intervention, and return to sport. Patients were contacted via phone at minimum 24-month follow-up, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Of the 15 female athletes, there were 4 cheerleaders, 3 softball players, 2 volleyball players, 2 soccer players, 1 gymnast, 1 tennis player, 1 dancer, and 1 javelin thrower. Ten of the 15 athletes (67%) competed at the high school level, 4 (26%) at the collegiate level, and 1 patient (7%) was a recreational volleyball player. In all patients, there was an acute onset of symptoms after injury. Ten patients underwent UCL repair with an internal brace (67% of athletes), while 5 underwent standard UCL repair. The median MEPS for athletes with and without an internal brace was 100 (range, 80-100). There was no significant difference of MEPS (P = .826) or SANE scores (P = .189) between the patients who received an internal brace and those who did not. Thirteen of the 15 athletes (86.7%) returned to sport. The UCL injuries in the female athletes in this study were the result of acute trauma. Primary UCL repair, both with and without internal bracing, was an effective surgical treatment for returning these athletes to sport.

A National Survey on the Relationship of Youth Sport Specialization Behaviors to Self-Reported Anxiety and Depression in Youth Softball Players.

There are little to no data on whether any associations exist between sport specialization and mental health in youth softball athletes. Highly specialized youth softball athletes will have worse self-reported depression and anxiety symptom scores compared with low and moderate specialized athletes. Cross-sectional survey. Level 4. An online cross-sectional survey was distributed in the fall of 2021 to a national sample of female youth softball athletes between the ages of 12 and 18 years. Sport specialization status was determined using a 3-point specialization scale that classifies either low, moderate, or high. The patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the 7-item general anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) were used to assess self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Comparison also included sports participation and specialization behaviors between specialization groups. A total of 1283 subjects (mean age, 15.1 ± 1.7 years) fully completed the survey. After adjusting for covariates, lower scores were reported on both the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 by highly specialized athletes compared with moderate or low specialization athletes (PHQ-9, high = 8.6 ± 0.4; moderate = 11.2 ± 0.3; low = 10.9 ± 0.5; P < 0.01; GAD-7, high = 6.5 ± 0.4; moderate = 8.6 ± 0.3; low = 8.4 ± 0.4, P < 0.01). Conversely, higher scores were reported on both scales for athletes who received private softball coaching compared with those who did not (PHQ-9, 11.5 ± 0.3 vs 9.0 ± 0.3; P < 0.01; GAD-7, 8.8 ± 0.3 vs 6.9 ± 0.3, P < 0.01). Finally, athletes who reported an arm overuse injury in the previous year reported higher PHQ-9 scores (10.8 ± 0.3 vs 9.8 ± 0.3; P < 0.01). While sport specialization, as measured by the validated 3-point scale, was not associated with increased anxiety and depression symptom scores, other aspects of specialization behavior such as private coaching or overuse injury history were associated with worse scores on these scales, indicating potential concern for anxiety and depression. However, although the differences we observed were statistically significant, they did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference values that have been established for the PHQ-9 (5 points) or GAD-7 (4 points). This project is a first step toward understanding the sport specialization behaviors and their influence on the mental health of youth softball athletes. Focusing on investigating specialization behaviors further may reveal to be a better indicator of risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms compared with utilizing the 3-point specialization scale.

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.

The COVID-19 lockdown as a model of detraining in division 1 college softball players

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the organized training of softball players, similar to the abrupt cessation of sports participation that can happen after an injury. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique model to study how sudden detraining influences softball players.MethodsWe recruited a sample of convenience of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 softball players. They participated in three data collections: pre-lockdown (Jan 2020, T1), post-lockdown (Sept 2020, T2), and before the 2021 season (Jan 2021, T3). Between T1 and T2, players received an at-home conditioning and throwing program, but compliance was not strictly monitored. Between T2-T3, players resumed formal fall training (team-organized workouts, on-field practice, and within-team scrimmage games). At each time point, we collected bilaterally: 1) shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM); 2) shoulder IR and ER strength; 3) hip IR and ER ROM; and 4) hip abduction and extension strength. We used four independent (2 Sides × 3 Timepoints) MANOVA with repeated measures; we followed up significant MANOVA main effect of time with Sidak posthoc tests for pairwise comparisons between time points.ResultsFifteen players participated in this study. We found a significant MANOVA main effect of time for shoulder and hip ROM (p < 0.01). Between T1-T2, dominant shoulder ER ROM decreased 6.5°, dominant shoulder IR ROM increased 4.3°, and lead hip IR ROM increased 4.4°. Between T2-T3, dominant shoulder ER ROM increased 6.3° and trail hip ER ROM increased 5.9°. We found a significant MANOVA main effect of time for shoulder strength (p = 0.03) but not for hip strength (p = 0.18). Between T2-T3, non-dominant shoulder IR and ER increased 1.8 kg and 1.5 kg, respectively.ConclusionA sudden and prolonged cessation of organized training generated changes in shoulder and hip ROM but affected strength to a lesser extent. The loss of shoulder ER and increased lead hip IR ROM are maladaptive as they are associated with injury in overhead athletes. Resuming team-organized training and scrimmage reversed some (shoulder ER), but not all of these changes. Practitioners should monitor clinical variables regularly and be aware of potential changes due to unexpected and prolonged interruptions in training, such as when players suffer sports-related injuries.

Correlation between Lower-body Strength and Performance Tests among Female NCAA Division II Softball Players

Correlation between Lower-body Strength and Performance Tests among Female NCAA Division II Softball Players

Lower-Body Strength Relationships with Sprint, Jump, and Sport-Specific Skill Performance in High School Girls Softball Players

Lower-Body Strength Relationships with Sprint, Jump, and Sport-Specific Skill Performance in High School Girls Softball Players

Relationship between Athletic Identity and Stress in Division II College Softball Players

Athletic identity (AI) can be defined as how an individual perceives themselves as an athlete. Although there are many resources for athletes when it comes to physical health, resources for mental health and balancing their AI with everyday life is sorely lacking. As a result, an athlete’s level of stress both inside and outside of their athletic career may increase. Stress that is related to high levels of AI can bring forth negative consequences, such as decreased concentration, focus, and poor academic performance, especially in the case of the student-athlete. The purpose of this study was to investigate stress in relation to AI in a Division II female softball team. Softball players (n = 27) completed the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The mean PSS score was 32.39 out of a 40-point scale. The AIMS mean only showed a moderate level of AI (45.61 of 70-point scale). Pearson correlational analysis demonstrated that only a minor association existed between AI and perceived stress, but this correlation was not statistically significant (r = .36, p = .093). Results and implications from this study are discussed as to optimize student-athletes’ mental well-being.

Elbow Arthroscopy for Posteromedial Impingement and Fixation of Olecranon Stress Fracture

Posteromedial elbow impingement due to valgus extension overload often develops as a result of excessive valgus and extension force during repetitive overhead throwing activities. Impingement classically occurs in throwing athletes such as baseball, tennis, softball, or lacrosse players. If isolated, arthroscopic removal of the posteromedial olecranon osteophytes shows excellent postoperative satisfaction, return to sport rates, and return to previous level of activity. This Technical Note describes treatment of posteromedial elbow impingement syndrome and associated olecranon stress fracture treated with arthroscopic removal of posteromedial osteophytes and arthroscopic-assisted screw fixation.

The Effect of a Novel Weight-Supported Kinetic Chain Resistance Training Program on Proximal Core Muscular Endurance, Trunk-to-Arm Muscular Power, and Bat Swing Speed.

Palmer, TG, and McCabe, M. The effect of a novel weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training program on proximal core muscular endurance, trunk-to-arm muscular power, and bat swing speed. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): 2130-2140, 2023-Muscular stability and muscular power at the proximal core segments of the pelvis, spine, and trunk are essential attributes in maximizing bat swing speed in the sport of softball. Weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training (WsKC) is a novel closed kinetic chain technique that provides synergistic multiplanar stressors to the proximal core segments via the lower and upper extremities while limiting joint compression and sheer forces throughout the kinetic chain. The aim of this study was to assess the effect a 7-week preseason WsKC program would have on an isometric muscular endurance plank, trunk-to-arm peak muscular power (TAPP), trunk-to-arm peak velocity (TAPV), and bat swing speed (BSS) compared with a traditional isotonic weight resistance training program. Twenty-seven female high school softball players (age = 16 years, height = 167.6 cm, body mass = 62.86 kg) were assigned in a blocked randomization to one of 2 groups: a standing weight-supported kinetic chain resistance training (WsT) group (n = 13) or a pseudo-control traditional isotonic training (TT) group (n = 14). The WsT group had significant improvements (p < 0.05) for the isometric endurance plank (p = 0.001), TAPP (p = 0.002), TAPV (p = 0.001), and BSS (p = 0.02) compared with the TT group. The training effect size (ES) was large for the WsT group for all variables (ES = 1.0-7.4) and small to moderate for a majority of the TT variables (ES = 0.06-0.47). The simultaneous improvement in the isometric endurance plank, trunk-to-arm rotations, and BSS indicates that the WsKC contributed to subsequent improvements in BSS in high school softball players.