Peak Elbow Flexion Does Not Influence Peak Shoulder Distraction Force or Ball Velocity in NCAA Division I Softball Pitchers

Background: High shoulder distraction force has been observed in softball pitchers during the acceleration phase (top of the pitch to ball release) of a pitch. Increasing elbow flexion may reduce shoulder forces and the susceptibility to pain by shortening the lever arm of the throwing arm.

Purpose: To determine the association of peak elbow flexion during the acceleration phase of the pitch with peak shoulder distraction force and ball velocity.

Study design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods: A total of 61 female collegiate softball pitchers (mean age, 19.9 ± 1.9 years; mean height, 175.7 ± 5.7 cm; mean weight, 83.6 ± 12.7 kg; 49 right-handed) volunteered for this study. Biomechanical data were collected with a 3-dimensional electromagnetic tracking system while the pitchers threw 3 maximal-effort fastballs at a regulation distance. Peak elbow flexion and peak shoulder distraction force were calculated for the acceleration phase and averaged across the 3 trials. Ball velocity was assessed with a radar gun.

Results: Simple linear regression analyses indicated that peak elbow flexion did not influence peak shoulder distraction force during the acceleration phase of the pitch (F(1,59) = 2.412; P = .126), with R ² = 0.023. Additionally, peak elbow flexion during the acceleration phase of the pitch did not influence ball velocity (F(1,59) = 2.435; P = .124), with R ² = 0.023. A bivariate correlation analysis showed a significant association between ball velocity and shoulder distraction force (R ² = 0.343; P = .007) in which ball velocity constituted approximately 34% of the variance in shoulder distraction force.

Conclusion: Peak elbow flexion did not influence ball velocity or peak shoulder distraction force during the acceleration phase of a windmill softball pitch. However, there was a significant and positive relationship between ball velocity and peak shoulder distraction force. These results may indicate that ball velocity and other kinematic variables may be more related to shoulder distraction force than elbow flexion.

Clinical relevance: Increasing elbow flexion can shorten the lever arm, but it did not reduce shoulder distraction force or increase ball velocity. Therefore, elbow flexion may be more useful as a description of the pitching style rather than a single measure related to increased performance or the risk of injuries. Future research should continue to examine the relationship between other kinematic parameters with shoulder distraction force.