Makhni EC, et al. Am J Sports Med. 2015;doi:10.1177/0363546514555506.
In a recently published study, most young baseball players were found to experience at least some level of arm pain or fatigue.
Investigators evaluated 203 healthy youth baseball players who completed a survey between May and September of 2013 regarding arm pain and overuse. The survey was administered in the states of New Jersey and New York, and questions were constructed based on input from trainers, coaches and medical personnel. Surveys focused on gaining data on respondent demographics, injury history, level of competition, and frequency and severity of pain in the players’ throwing arm.
Overall, 47 respondents (23%) reported a previous or current overuse injury. Lack of pain during throwing or the day following throwing was reported in 26% and 20% of respondents, respectively. Encouragement to throw despite active arm pain was reported in 46% of surveys, whereas 30% of players reported having less fun due to active arm pain.
A higher likelihood of arm pain during throwing, arm fatigue during sport participation and instances of encouragement to throw despite active arm pain was reported more often in those with prior arm overuse injury than among those without. Additionally, pitchers were the most likely position to report arm pain during throwing, the day following throwing and arm pain hindering performance, according to the researchers. – by Christian Ingram
Disclosures: Makhni receives research support from Arthrex and is a partial owner of Physalife. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
