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Int J Sports Med 2016; 37(12): 952-957
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-106297
Training & Testing
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Absence of Bilateral Differences in Child Baseball Players with Throwing-related Pain

M. Mickevičius
1   Institute of Sports Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
,
S. Rutkauskas
2   Department of Radiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
,
S. Sipavičienė
1   Institute of Sports Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
,
A. Skurvydas
1   Institute of Sports Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
,
J. Jürimäe
3   Institute of Sport Pedagogy and Coaching Science, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
,
H. Degens
1   Institute of Sports Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
4   School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
,
S. Kamandulis
1   Institute of Sports Science and Innovation, Lithuanian Sports University, Kaunas, Lithuania
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History



accepted after revision 30 March 2016

Publication Date:
23 August 2016 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess whether side-to-side differences in morphology and function of the upper limbs in 11–12 year-old male baseball players with throwing-related pain (n=14) were more pronounced than that of age-matched healthy untrained subjects (n=16). Baseball players 1) had played baseball≥4.5 h·wk−1 for ≥ 4 years and (2) suffered from moderate-intensity (3–6 points on 10-point questionnaire scale) throwing-related pain in the shoulder or elbow in at least 2 training sessions within the past month. The range of motion (ROM), function and structure of the elbows and shoulders were assessed using goniometry, isokinetic dynamometry and ultrasonography. While the ROM and eccentric external peak torque of internal shoulder rotation were lower, the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon, the ulnar collateral ligament and articular cartilage of the humeral head were larger in baseball players than controls. There were, however, no significant side-to-side differences in any parameter in either group. In conclusion, it is unlikely that side-to-side differences in shoulder and upper limb structure and function contributed to the throwing-related pain in young baseball players, but low shoulder eccentric external peak torque and range of internal rotation may predispose to throwing-related pain.

Key words

musculoskeletal - strength - children - prevention - injury - side-to-side deficit
 

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