Erickson Brandon J, Atlee Thomas R, Chalmers Peter N, Bassora Rocco, Inzerillo Christopher, Beharrie Andrew, Romeo Anthony A
Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, New York, New York, USA.
Teels Baseball, Wyckoff, New Jersey, USA.
Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Mar 26;8(3):2325967120910503. doi: 10.1177/2325967120910503. eCollection 2020 Mar.
Pitch velocity has become an increasingly popular metric by which pitchers are graded and compared. Training programs that utilize weighted balls have been effective in increasing velocity but at the cost of an increased injury risk. No studies have evaluated training with lighter baseballs with regard to increasing pitch velocity and the injury risk.
PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a training program utilizing lighter baseballs could increase fastball velocity without increasing the injury risk to participants. We hypothesized that a training program with lighter baseballs would increase fastball velocity but not increase the injury risk.
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
All baseball pitchers who participated in a 15-week program at a single location, with the same coaches, and aimed to improve pitching mechanics and increase velocity were included. The training program was broken down into 3 phases, and each participant went through the same program. Lighter baseballs (3 and 4 oz) and standard baseballs (5 oz) were utilized as part of the training program. Weighted (heavier) balls were not used. Velocity was measured at 4 time points throughout the program with the pitcher throwing 5 fastballs using a standard 5-oz ball at maximum velocity (sessions 3, 10, 17, and 25). Injuries for all players were recorded throughout the entire program.
A total of 44 male pitchers aged 10 to 17 years (mean age, 14.7 ± 1.8 years) completed the training program and were available for analysis. No pitcher sustained a shoulder or elbow injury during the course of the training program. Fastball velocity increased by a mean of 4.8 mph (95% CI, 4.0-5.6 mph) ( < .001). Overall, 43 of 44 players (98%) had an increase in fastball velocity over the course of the program.
A 15-week pitching training program with lighter baseballs significantly improved pitching velocity without causing any injuries, specifically to the shoulder or elbow. Lighter baseballs should be considered as an alternative to weighted baseballs when attempting to increase a pitcher's velocity.
投球速度已成为评估和比较投手的一个越来越流行的指标。使用加重球的训练计划在提高速度方面很有效，但代价是受伤风险增加。尚无研究评估使用较轻棒球进行训练对提高投球速度和受伤风险的影响。
目的/假设：本研究的目的是确定使用较轻棒球的训练计划是否能提高快球速度而不增加参与者的受伤风险。我们假设使用较轻棒球的训练计划会提高快球速度但不会增加受伤风险。
病例系列；证据等级，4级。
纳入所有在单一地点参加为期15周计划的棒球投手，由相同教练指导，旨在改善投球力学并提高速度。训练计划分为3个阶段，每个参与者都经历相同的计划。较轻的棒球（3盎司和4盎司）和标准棒球（5盎司）被用作训练计划的一部分。未使用加重（更重）球。在整个计划的4个时间点测量速度，投手使用标准5盎司球以最大速度投出5个快球（第3、10、17和25次训练）。在整个计划中记录所有球员的受伤情况。
共有44名年龄在10至17岁的男性投手（平均年龄，14.7±1.8岁）完成了训练计划并可供分析。在训练计划过程中，没有投手遭受肩部或肘部受伤。快球速度平均提高了4.8英里/小时（95%CI，4.0 - 5.6英里/小时）（P <.001）。总体而言，44名球员中有43名（98%）在计划过程中快球速度有所提高。
为期15周的使用较轻棒球的投球训练计划显著提高了投球速度，且未造成任何损伤，特别是肩部或肘部损伤。在试图提高投手速度时，较轻的棒球应被视为加重棒球的一种替代选择。
