safepitching4youth

Arm Injuries

Youth Pitch Count Initiative Study

Since 2004, baseball throwing injuries to the shoulder and elbow have become more common. This is especially true in young pitchers (ages 9 to 18), who are most at risk for these types of injuries. These types of injuries occur over time and are caused by repetitive overhead throwing.

I would like to conduct an informal study starting next Spring 2009 that would track the following aspects of pitching:

Number of pitches thrown in a game and during a week;
How many days rest between pitching;
The type and amount of warm-up exercises done before pitching and between outings;
Number of pitches thrown between pitching in a practice setting; and
Others as developed.

Research participants will also answer a series of questions related to how his/her arm feels after throwing.

I'm still in the process of organizing the study. I'm currently in contact with athletic trainers, physical therapists, a professor of kinesiology and a medical doctor to help develop and supervise this project.

If you're interested in receiving updates as the study progresses or wish to participate, you may contact me at rbarker@kcyouthpitching.com.

Please check back for more information. I will be updating this section as I get more details.