Shoulder range of motion characteristics in collegiate baseball players

Background. To determine range of motion and capsular characteristics of dominant and nondominant shoulders in baseball players. Our hypothesis was that there is a significant difference between dominant and nondominant range of motion in collegiate baseball players with unoperated and without shoulder pain. Methods. Design: prospective, range of motion measurements during regular season. Setting: two collegiate baseball teams in Houston. Participants: 15 pitchers and 23 position players. Main outcome measures: shoulder range of motion was evaluated by goniometric technique in all baseball players. Horizontal adduction (cross body reach test) and active internal rotation (reach behind back) in standing position and external rotation and internal rotation in supine lying position were measured for each player. Results. Average external rotation with the arm in 90 degrees of abduction was significantly greater and average internal rotation was less in the dominant shoulder than in the nondominant shoulders, both in pitchers and position players. There was no statistical difference in shoulder horizontal adduction. Both dominant and nondominant shoulders of pitchers had greater average range of motion in horizontal adduction and external rotation at 90 degrees of abduction and less average internal rotation than those of position players. Although there was a significant difference in active internal rotation as cm between dominant and nondominant shoulders both in both groups, no difference was found between pitchers and position players. Conclusions. Differences in the range of motion in the throwing shoulder of baseball players exist involved in overhead throwing motions and should be considered in rehabilitation of the upper extremity after injury and in the prevention of injury for pitchers and position players.