WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Whether it's working on the fundamentals of baseball, practicing consistently or staying physically fit, baseball pitchers at all levels are always searching for ways to perfect their game. During a podium presentation held at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, experts discussed how improving and strengthening the movement of the rotator cuff can impact pitch performance, enhancing a pitcher's overhead throws and overall game.

A study by Michael Q. Freehill, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Sports and Orthopaedic Specialists located in Edina, Minn., and a team of researchers evaluated whether a specialized strengthening program around the rotator cuff and periscapular muscle, which help make up the shoulder joint, can increase pitchers' arm strength and improve their pitch velocity throughout the season. Participants were male athletes from four Minnesota high school and college baseball teams, who listed pitching as their primary position. The players ranged between 14 and 25 years of age, with an average age of 19.2 years.

The athletes were split into two groups: a treatment and a control group, both consisting of 15 players. The control group performed standard conditioning programs, as directed by their respective coaches. Along with standard conditioning, the treatment group also participated in a rotator cuff and scapular stabilization program three times a week. The program consisted of a series of seven rotator cuff exercises -- executed without the use of weights or added resistance -- until maximum repetitions were achieved. For those exercises that required weights, players progressed to performing exercises with a baseball in hand and slowly increased reps, eventually moving up to one and two-pound weights. All athletes in the study participated in pre- and post-season pitch velocity and rotator cuff strength (Isobex) tests and several physical examinations.

"The mechanics of a baseball pitch are extremely complex, involving the use of several different muscles and a series of body movements," explained Dr. Freehill. "The more we learn about the rotator cuff and the impact strengthening has on the arm, the greater the chance to increase the overall performance of the pitcher."

The pitch velocity in the treatment group increased significantly throughout the course of the study. The average increase was 2.5 miles per hour with 11 of the 15 pitchers maintaining or intensifying their pitch velocity throughout the season. There was no significant improvement of pitch velocity in the control group, however. At the completion of the season, the four pre-season physical injuries found among the treatment group had either subjectively improved to a significant extent or completely disappeared, despite active throwing throughout the season. The one pitcher in the control group with a pre-season physical injury did not improve or dissipate at post- season.

The win-loss record for the treatment group was 13-20 with an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 8.8 in 19.6 innings pitched. The pitchers in this group averaged 8.8 walks and 12.3 strikeouts. The control record was 4-26 with an ERA of 24.2 in 24.2 innings pitched. Pitchers in this group averaged 12.6 walks and 13.7 strikeouts. Please note that these outcomes may be attributed to other outside factors not measured via this study.

According to Dr. Freehill, "Adding a focused periscapular muscle and rotator cuff strengthening program to a pitcher's existing core conditioning program can have a positive impact on the pitch velocity and reduce the risk of potential injury, extending the health of the throwing arm, pre- and in- season."

The baseball pitcher strengthening protocol includes performing the below exercises:

   1. Flexion (up to 50 repetitions):  Start with arm midway between the
      front and side of the body, thumbs down.  Raise arms diagonally to
      shoulder height and lower slowly.
   2. Flexion (up to 50 repetitions):  Start with arm at side, thumbs
      forward. Raise arm to shoulder level and lower slowly.
   3. External Rotation (up to 50 repetitions):  Lie on your side with elbow
      bent to 90 degrees, keeping the elbow pressed in to the side of the
      body.  Squeeze shoulder blades together as you lift your hand away
      from your stomach towards the ceiling and then lower slowly.  Repeat
      with the other arm.
   4. External Rotation (up to 50 repetitions):  Lie on your stomach with
      your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Squeeze the shoulder blades together as
      you raise your hand up, and then lower slowly.  Repeat with the other
      arm.
   5. Internal Rotation (up to 50 repetitions): Place a stretchy exercise
      band that will offer resistance in the door. Squeeze the shoulder
      blades together, keeping the elbow pressed to side of the body. Then
      pull hand toward stomach and slowly return.  Repeat with the other
      arm.
   6. Horizontal Abduction (up to 50 repetitions): Place opposite arm on a
      table that is approximately the height of your hip.  Start with arm
      hanging straight down with the thumb pointing to the side, then lift
      arm to shoulder height.  Lower slowly and repeat with the other arm.
   7. Push-up Plus (up to 20 repetitions): Perform standing push-ups against
      the wall.  As you straighten your arms, press through the shoulders
      and  round the chest.  Progress to a counter top, floor with knees
      bent, then a floor with legs straight.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

With 28,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals, and the public. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research, and improve people's quality of life. President Bush has declared the years 2002-2011 National Bone and Joint Decade in support of these objectives. The Academy's Annual Meeting is being held February 23-27, 2005, at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

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