Shoulder Posterior Capsular Contracture in Youth Baseball Players: It Can be Improved by Stretching
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Sponsor
- Enrollment
- 1,261
- Primary Endpoint
- Degree of decrease in internal rotation contracture of the shoulder
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to document the rates of youth baseball player demographics, incidence of arm pain, usage of different pitch types, and degree of internal rotation contracture in the throwing versus the non-throwing shoulder. We followed a subgroup of players for a year to see if a particular stretch would help reduce the internal rotation contracture.
Detailed Description
Introduction
Overhead throwing can cause contracture of the shoulder posterior-inferior glenohumeral ligament which can lead to injuries such as superior labral tears. We show that instruction on stretching can favorably alter progression of posterior contractures.
Methods: 1261 male baseball players ages 7-15 completed a questionnaire and shoulder examinations. Measurements of rotation of both shoulders were made with the subjects in the supine position with the scapula stabilized. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) was calculated. Pitch type and player position, among other variables, were recorded. The prospective cohort was 175 players who were examined twice a year apart. Players with excessive GIRD (exGIRD) were given stretching instruction, and the control group was those without exGIRD who were not given instruction. Change in GIRD as a result of this intervention was documented.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Observational
- Observational Model
- Cohort
- Time Perspective
- Cross Sectional
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 8 Years to 15 Years (Child)
- Sex
- Male
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •baseball player
- •ages 8 to 15
Exclusion Criteria
- •female (suspected hormonal/gender influences on capsular elasticity)
- •prior throwing arm surgery
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Degree of decrease in internal rotation contracture of the shoulder
Time Frame: One year
GIRD is the Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit. It is the difference in the internal rotation of the throwing shoulder compared to the non-throwing shoulder
Secondary Outcomes
No secondary outcomes reported
Investigators
Charles Metzger, M.D.
Associate Program Director
Metzger, Charles, M.D.