The purpose of this study was to evaluate pitching mechanics between female softball pitchers with upper extremity pain and those without upper extremity pain. Specifically, the trunk, shoulder and elbow kinematics and shoulder kinetics during the change-up softball pitch were examined. Fifty-five collegiate softball pitchers participated, divided into those with upper extremity pain (20.0±1.3 yrs.; 174.4±6.9 cm; 82.9±12.4 kg; 11.1±2.6 yrs. of experience; n=23) and those who were pain-free (19.9±1.4 yrs.; 173.8±6.9 cm; 81.4±12.5 kg; 10.0±2.5 yrs. of experience; n=32). Pitching mechanics were obtained via the trakSTAR electromagnetic tracking system (Ascension Technologies, Inc., Burlington, VT, USA). Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant differences in shoulder horizontal abduction at foot contact (0.014, 153,2.450) and trunk lateral flexion at ball release (0.012, 150,-2.515); and between shoulder distraction force at ball release (0.034, 168,-2.124). The pain group illustrated greater shoulder horizontal abduction at foot contact, less trunk lateral flexion towards the throwing side at ball release, and greater shoulder distraction at ball release than the pain-free group. The differences in trunk and shoulder kinematics, and shoulder kinetics between groups allows for insight into further studies examining injury pervasiveness in softball pitching.

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The purpose of this study was to assess single-leg squat (SLS) performance on reported pain. Forty-two youth softball athletes (13.0 ± 2.0 years; 162.19 ± 9.75 cm; 60.80 ± 14.28 kg) completed a bilateral SLS and a health history questionnaire in which they indicated if they were currently experiencing any pain/discomfort. Due to the clinical significance of the current study, p < 0.10 was classified as nearing significance. A point-biserial correlation was run between the groups (pain and no pain) and all kinematic variables (maximal knee flexion, knee valgus/varus, vertical sacrum displacement, anterior pelvic tilt, and pelvic lateral tilt) at each event (45 • descent, maximal knee flexion, and 45 • ascent), across each phase (descent, ascent), and between legs. Increased vertical sacrum displacement was correlated with pain at 45 • ascent and at maximal knee flexion in the right SLS. Knee valgus at maximal knee flexion, 45 • ascent, and in the decent phase of the left SLS was significant. Anterior pelvic tilt in the decent phase of the left SLS and knee valgus and pelvic lateral tilt in the decent phase of the right SLS were found to be significantly correlated with pain. Poor SLS performance was correlated with reported pain.