Softball Pitching Study
Study Description
The goal of this study is to explore the connection between movement patterns and shoulder injury in softball players. The long-term aim is to improve the prevention and treatment of shoulder injuries in softball pitchers.
Who Can Participate
- 12 - 19 years old
- Softball pitchers who are currently training at least once/week
- Pitchers who are not currently experiencing shoulder pain
- Have no history of shoulder pain
- Pain that resulted in a clinician visit (primary care or physiotherapist)
- Pain that resulted in stoppage in regular activities, work or sport/leisure for 1 month or more in the past 6 months
- No previous shoulder surgery
- No allergy or sensitivity to adhesives
What to Expect
Participants will attend a two hour baseline testing session in the Shoulder Health and Ergonomics Research Lab at the University of Saskatchewan. In this session, we will evaluate your hip and shoulder strength and range of motion, as well as your grip strength. We will also evaluate your biomechanics and movement during basic upper limb tasks, and pitching trials. To evaluate motion, we will attach markers to your torso and arms. We will also ask you to complete questionnaires about your sport experience, physical activity, strength and conditioning experience, and sleep.
We ask that you wear a tank top, comfortable pants and shoes that you can pitch in (not cleats). We also ask that you bring your softball glove to the session.
You will receive a pitching biomechanics report that will include sport specific metrics once data has undergone initial analysis. This will be your individual report to keep.
How to Get Involved
If you are interested in participating or have questions Dr. Kenzie Friesen would love to hear from you. Please use the contact information below to get in touch.
