title: The effect of pitching biomechanics on the upper extremity in youth and adolescent baseball pitchers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Increased pitch counts have been linked to increased complaints of shoulder and elbow pain in youth baseball pitchers. Improper pitching mechanics have not been shown to adversely affect the upper extremity in youth pitchers.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The correct performance of 5 biomechanical pitching parameters correlates with lower humeral internal rotation torque and elbow valgus load, as well as higher pitching efficiency, in youth and adolescent pitchers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive laboratory study.
  
  
  METHODS
  In sum, 169 baseball pitchers (aged 9-18) were analyzed using a quantitative motion analysis system and a high-speed video while throwing fastballs. The correct performance of 5 common pitching parameters was compared with each pitcher's age, humeral internal rotation torque, elbow valgus load, and calculated pitching efficiency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Motion analysis correlated with video analysis for all 5 parameters (P < .05). Youth pitchers (aged 9-13) performing 3 or more parameters correctly showed lower humeral internal rotation torque, lower elbow valgus load, and higher pitching efficiency (P < .05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Youth pitchers with better pitching mechanics generate lower humeral internal rotation torque, lower elbow valgus load, and more efficiency than do those with improper mechanics. Proper pitching mechanics may help prevent shoulder and elbow injuries in youth pitchers.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The parameters described in this study may be used to improve the pitching mechanics of youth pitchers and possibly reduce shoulder and elbow pain in youth baseball pitchers.
authors.affiliation: Southern Illinois Orthopaedic Clinic, Carbondale, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Orr
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Limpisvasti
authors.forename: Derrick
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fluhme
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Mohr
authors.forename: Lewis A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Yocum
authors.forename: Neal S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Elattrache
authors.forename: Frank W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Jobe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000592:standards*; D001484:Baseball / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D000070599:Shoulder Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D000092464:Elbow Injuries