Effects of Game Performance on Softball Pitchers and Catchers.

UNASSIGNED The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of game exposure on pitchers and catchers' hip and glenohumeral range of motion (ROM), isometric strength, and vertical jump performance and power. Five college female softball pitchers (174.24 ± 7.53 cm; 82.10 ± 11.27 kg; 20 ± 1.82 years) and four catchers (165.10 ± 9.04 kg; 68.61 ± 3.87 cm; 20 ± 1.41 years) participated. Hip and glenohumeral rotational ROM; hip and glenohumeral rotational isometric strength; hip abduction and adduction strength; and vertical jump height were assessed pre and post-game exposure. The catchers displayed significantly greater throwing side hip IR ROM (Mean Difference = +6.88°, p=0.03) post-game exposure, while the pitchers exhibited less IR (Mean Difference = -2.02%, p = .013) and ER (Mean Difference = -1.95%, p = .026) strength in the non-throwing side hip pre versus post-game exposure. The performance demands of pitchers and catchers vary greatly, causing position specific decreases/increases in various tests following game performance. Pitchers exhibited significant decreases in non-throwing side hip IR and ER strength. In catchers, throwing side hip IR range of motion significantly increased following game exposure. Further evaluation of ROM, strength, and power is necessary as it is unknown how these changes following a game affect sports performance or risk of injury.