Risk-Prone Pitching Activities and Injuries in Youth Baseball Findings From a National Sample

Background:There are relatively few published epidemiological studies that have correlated pitching-related risk factors with increased pitching-related arm problems as well as injuries.Hypothesis:High pitching volume and limited recovery will lead to arm fatigue, thus placing young pitchers at a greater risk for elbow and shoulder problems and, subsequently, an increased risk for arm injuries.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A national survey was conducted among 754 youth pitchers (ages 9 to 18 years) who had pitched in organized baseball leagues during the 12 months before the survey. Self-reported risk-prone pitching activities were identified and compared with recommendations by the American Sports Medicine Institute. Relationships between self-reported pitching activities, shoulder and elbow problems, and injuries were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.Results:Of the 754 participating pitchers, 43.4% pitched on consecutive days, 30.7% pitched on multiple...