2022 AOSSM Annual Meeting Recordings with CME-Influence of Arm Path on Elbow Varus Torque in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Influence of Arm Path on Elbow Varus Torque in Professional Baseball Pitchers

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, a third-year medical student from Rush Medical College discusses the relationship between arm path, ball velocity, and elbow varus torque in professional baseball pitchers. The speaker explains that the increase in fastball velocity in MLB pitchers has also led to an increase in shoulder and elbow injuries. Traditionally, pitchers were taught to throw with a longer arm path, but recently there has been a shift towards shorter arm paths to decrease injury risk and optimize ball velocity. The speaker presents data from a study analyzing the arm paths, elbow varus torque, and ball velocity of 182 pitchers. The study found that a longer arm path was associated with increased elbow varus torque and ball velocity, indicating that optimizing a pitcher's mechanics may require minor tweaks rather than a major overhaul. The findings can help coaches and trainers correct pitching patterns to decrease injury risk. The video concludes by highlighting the importance of individualized mechanics and the potential harm in trying to optimize pitching motion.

Asset Caption

Alexander Hodakowski, BA, ScM

Keywords

arm path

ball velocity

elbow varus torque

MLB pitchers

shoulder and elbow injuries