Year of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Athletic Training (MAT)

Degree Name

Health and Human Performance (Athletic Training Program Option)

Department or School/College

Department of Health and Human Performance

Committee Chair

Dr. Melanie McGrath

Committee Co-chair

Dr. Valerie Moody

Commitee Members

Melanie McGrath, Valerie Moody, Colin Henderson

Keywords

Baseball, Upper extremity injuries, 14 to 22 years old

Publisher

University of Montana

Subject Categories

Medical Anatomy | Medical Pathology | Musculoskeletal, Neural, and Ocular Physiology | Sports Medicine | Sports Sciences

Abstract

Yancy, James T. (J.T.), MAT., May 2018 AthleticTraining

Examining Upper Extremity Injuries In Male Baseball Players Between The Ages Of 14 To 22 Years Old

Chairperson: Melanie McGrath

The number of upper extremity injuries is increasing in advanced baseball (14 to 22 years old) at an alarming rate. The length of seasons, multiple leagues and the velocity of throwing in overhead sports are the most common causes of elbow and shoulder injuries. In addition, biomechanical variables also influence the risk of injury. Any alteration in range of motion (ROM) directly impacts the biomechanics of overhead activities, such as pitching or throwing a baseball. Any decrease in shoulder or elbow ROM has a negative influence on the kinetic chain during overhead activities, significantly increasing the likelihood of an upper extremity injury. Many upper extremity injuries sustained in young advanced baseball players go undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or are not reported by the athlete at all. Therefore, there is a need to better understand the injury patterns within advanced youth baseball, particular in those athletes who have a history of prior injury.

The current study used a descriptive survey to examine and assess the prevalence of shoulder and elbow injuries in advanced baseball players over the course of one season, and investigates the relationship between prior injury to the development of elbow pain and injury. The results of this study provided new information about a group of athletes that has not been extensively studied to date. The data collected was evaluated to identify further areas of research and to design educational materials and programs to decrease upper extremity injuries in advanced baseball players.

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© Copyright 2018 James T. Yancy