Differences between the Relationship of Trunk Lateral Flexion with Elbow Valgus Torque between Baseball and Softball Athletes
Taylor Dean, Jeff Barfield
Disruptions within the kinetic chain during the overhand throw can lead to increased injury susceptibility. Previous studies have found that disengaged proximal segments have been related to more stress on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), including increased trunk lateral flexion, during the overhand throwing motion. Instability of proximal the segment during the overhand throw places more stress on the elbow, specifically elbow valgus torque. Consequently, increased elbow valgus torque during the overhand throw has been linked to weakness within the lumbopelvic-hip complex, indicated by increased trunk lateral flexion. One assessment used to indicate general lumbopelvic-hip complex stability and proven to be associated with lumbopelvic-hip complex stability within the throwing motion is the single-leg squat. While baseball and softball players both partake in the overhand throwing motion, there may be differences in lumbopelvic-hip complex stability as well as the number of overhand throws executed between athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the use of the single-leg squat as it relates to elbow valgus torque of the overhand throw motion in baseball players compared to softball players. Methods: Collegiate baseball and softball players will be recruited to participate. Upon written consent, Participants will be hooked to an electromagnetic motion capture system to capture kinematics and kinetics. Next, participants will complete three non-dominant leg single-leg squats followed by 3 overhand throws in a net at game speed. Expected Results and Conclusion: We expect softball players to exhibit a similar relationship between trunk lateral trunk flexion occurring during the single-leg squat with elbow valgus torque during the overhand throw when compared to baseball players.
Taylor Dean graduated from Strom Thurmond High School in Johnston, South Carolina and Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, South Carolina. She is currently a junior exercise science major with an emphasis on pre-physical therapy and has been interning at PEAK performance in Evan, Georgia with Dr. Vann Jordan (DPT). She attained her Associates of Arts degree in high school, and in her first year at Lander University she wanted to immerse herself into research.