Relationship Between Pitch Volume and Subjective Report of Injury in High School Female Fast-Pitch Softball Pitchers

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.

Effects of Increasing Pitch Count on Pitch Type Ball Metrics and Release Height in High School Softball Pitchers

BACKGROUND

Softball research has investigated changes in physical characteristics, mechanics, and ball speed as elements of fatigue. However, the influence of pitch volume on ball metrics is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of pitch volume on ball performance and release metrics in softball pitchers across different pitch types.

HYPOTHESIS

As pitch volume increased, there would be a decrease in ball metrics of the fastball and changes in breaking pitches would be observed earlier than the fastball or changeup.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 5.

METHODS

A total of 21 (15.4 ± 1.6 years; 1.6 ± 0.2 m; 76.0 ± 17.2 kg) softball pitchers participated. Procedures consisted of participants pitching a simulated game consisting of 100 pitches, taking a 30-minute break, and then throwing 12 pitches to simulate the first inning of a doubleheader. Participants randomly threw each pitch type (fastball, changeup, curveball, or dropball). Ball performance and release metrics were measured using a Rapsodo portable pitch tracker.

RESULTS

A 3 (time) by 4 (pitch type) multivariate analysis of variance revealed that pitch speed was significantly higher in the first inning compared with the last inning and the doubleheader inning. The fastball, curveball, and dropball revealed a significant difference in pitch speed between timepoints. Specifically, the curveball and dropball first-inning pitch speed was significantly greater than the last and doubleheader inning. Alternatively, the fastball had a significant increase in pitch speed from the last inning to the doubleheader inning.

CONCLUSION

The typical 30-minute break given between games for doubleheaders may be sufficient recovery time for the fastball but not for the curveball and dropball.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The Rapsodo device is an accessible method of tracking ball performance and pitch release metrics and could be helpful in identifying when a pitcher may be experiencing performance detriments in response to increasing pitch count.

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

Background

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.

Hypothesis/Purpose

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.

Study Design

Descriptive cross-sectional survey.

Methods

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%.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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 of Evidence

Level 3©The Author(s).