Effect of a Strength Based Rotator Cuff Program Combined with a Posterior Gleno-Humeral Joint Capsule Stretching Program on Pitching Shoulder Strength in Collegiate Baseball Players

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine if a strength based rotator cuff and posterior capsule stretching program influences isokinetic strength in the pitching shoulder of college baseball players. Twelve subjects from a Division I midwestern university baseball team participated in the study. Subjects signed consent forms and completed an IHHQ before participating in the study. Isokinetic testing was completed on a Biodex System 3 dynamometer. Testing included a 5 minute warm-up on an upper body ergometer followed by 10 repetitions at 180?/sec, a 2 minute rest period, and 30 repetitions at 300?/sec. Subjects reported for isokinetic testing at 3 time periods throughout the study (pre-, mid-, post-season). Subjects participated in a strengthening program 3 times per week between the 1st and 2nd testing session, and 2 times per week between the 2nd and 3rd testing session. Exercises included in the strengthening program were intended to improve strength of the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and core stabilizers. Each exercise session was followed by a posterior shoulder capsule stretch. Main effect differences were observed for both speed and time. Dependent t-tests revealed significantly higher values for the 180?/sec testing speed compared to 300?/sec for all variables except ER/IR ratio. One-way ANOVA's for differences in time revealed no significant difference between the 3 testing times. Results of the study indicate that the strengthening and stretching program was unsuccessful in increasing the isokinetic strength in the pitching shoulder. Analysis of data was performed using the statistical program for the social sciences (SPSS) for ER/IR ratio, PT/BW ratio, average PT, and ER PT.