Isokinetic profile of baseball pitchers' internal/external rotation 180, 300, 450 degrees.s-1.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop further normative data for an isokinetic profile for intercollegiate baseball pitchers at 180, 300, and 450 degrees.s-1. Information on isokinetic performance at 450 degrees.s-1 was not found in previously published literature.
METHODS: Sixteen intercollegiate baseball pitchers volunteered for isokinetic strength testing of internal and external rotators of the shoulder. The testing was conducted at 180, 300, and 450 degrees.s-1; with the pitchers in a position of function (90 degrees/90 degrees).
RESULTS: The subjects were able to reach maximal velocity for each of the speeds tested, including 450 degrees.s-1. These pitchers demonstrated no significant difference between dominant and nondominant arms for peak torque, torque/body weight, work/body weight, or average power (P < 0.05). Torque produced at 0.2 s was significantly greater in the dominant arm compared with the nondominant arm at 450 degrees.s-1 only. Internal rotation values were significantly greater than external rotation values for all areas of comparison. External rotation/internal rotation ratios remained consistent for each speed tested (approximately 0.65).
CONCLUSIONS: There is minimal difference in strength values between dominant and nondominant arms of intercollegiate baseball pitchers, with the exception of significantly greater internal rotation peak torque at 0.2 s at 450 degrees.s-1 in the dominant arm. Dominant arm, as well as nondominant arm, ER/IR ratios remain consistent throughout the velocity spectrum. A valid test speed for intercollegiate baseball pitchers appears to be 450 degrees.s-1 when tested before the start of throwing from the pitcher's mound.