Low-Cost Lower Extremity Screening to Predict Shoulder Distraction Force in College Softball Pitchers

It is important that screening measures used for softball pitchers consider the multisegment synergy required for pitching and therefore evaluate imbalances and deficiencies associated with the high forces acting on the shoulder. The current study found that collegiate softball pitchers can be proactively screened for greater shoulder distraction forces using isometric hip rotation strength. These findings emphasize to coaches and clinicians the importance of evaluating lower extremity risk factors in upper extremity athletes, and support using a low-cost, low-technology screening measure to identify softball pitchers who are more likely to experience high shoulder distraction forces.