2021 Annual Meeting Pediatrics Access Pass-Adolescent Pitcher Fatigue: Ulnar Collateral Ligament Stress, Flexor-Pronator Mass Energy Depletion, and Correlation to Pitch Count

Adolescent Pitcher Fatigue: Ulnar Collateral Ligament Stress, Flexor-Pronator Mass Energy Depletion, and Correlation to Pitch Count

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Video Summary

This pilot study examined fatigue and elbow laxity in 10-year-old pitchers, focusing on pitch counts up to the recommended 75 pitches. While medial elbow laxity did not increase, significant fatigue effects were observed: grip strength decreased between 50 and 75 pitches, and the flexor pronator muscle showed signs of energy depletion before 75 pitches. Subjective fatigue increased consistently, though velocity, accuracy, and range of motion remained unchanged. The study suggests that the optimal pitch count "sweet spot" may lie between 50 and 75 pitches to minimize muscle fatigue and potential injury risks, highlighting the need for further research.

Asset Caption

Dr. Michael Freehill

Keywords

pitch count

elbow laxity

pitcher fatigue

grip strength

flexor pronator muscle