Description
Objectives: In the domain of baseball, it has been substantiated that there is a direct correlation between the frequency of pitches thrown and the onset of pitching injuries. This highlights the imperative need for stringent surveillance of pitch count limitations. It is acknowledged that the elbow valgus torque escalates the medial gap of the elbow joint during pitching. Furthermore, the finger pinch force is postulated to exert a significant influence on the medial elbow's stability. However, the repercussions of augmented pitch count on elbow joint torque and finger pinch force remain ambiguous.
This study seeks to delineate the ramifications of pitch count increments on elbow joint torque and finger pinch force dynamics.
Methods:
A meticulous descriptive laboratory investigation was executed from April to July 2021, encompassing 10 collegiate baseball pitchers. Metrics such as ball speed (km/h), ball spin rate (rpm), elbow valgus torque (NM), and finger pinch force (kgf) were meticulously documented. The research confined the pitch category to fastballs, with a pitch count set at 100. Ball speed and spin rate were measured using Rapsodo PITCHING, while elbow valgus torque was measured using motus BASEBALL. Finger pinch force was gauged utilizing a specialized pinch sensor, with measurements taken pre-pitching and at intervals of every 10 pitches. The analytical process incorporated the mean values derived from every 10 pitches concerning ball speed, ball spin rate, and elbow valgus torque, coupled with the actual metrics for pulp pinch force and tip pinch force. Statistical delineations were accomplished utilizing repeated measures ANOVA through the R software (version 4.3.0).
Results: The escalation in pitch count did not engender significant fluctuations in ball speed, ball spin rate, or elbow valgus torque (p > 0.001). However, a discernible decrement was observed in pulp pinch force (fixed effect of -0.215, p < 0.001) and tip pinch force (fixed effect of -0.179, p < 0.001), manifesting despite the stability in ball speed, spin rate, and torque parameters.
Conclusions: While the pitch count augmentation did not influence the elbow valgus torque, it precipitated a decline in the finger pinch force parameters.
