Assessing Quadriceps Muscle Contraction Using a Novel Surface Mechanomyography Sensor during Two Neuromuscular Control Screening Tasks.

Electromyography (EMG) is the clinical standard for capturing muscle activation data to gain insight into neuromuscular control, yet challenges surrounding data analysis limit its use during dynamic tasks. Surface mechanomyography (sMMG) sensors are novel wearable devices that measure the physical output of muscle excursion during contraction, which may offer potential easy application to assess neuromuscular control. This study aimed to investigate sMMG detection of the timing patterns of muscle contraction compared to EMG. Fifteen healthy participants (mean age = 31.7 ± 9.1 y; eight males and seven females) were donned with EMG and sMMG sensors on their right quadriceps for simultaneous data capture during bilateral deep squats, and a subset performed three sets of repeated unilateral partial squats. No significant difference in the total duration of contraction was detected by EMG and sMMG during bilateral (p = 0.822) and partial (p = 0.246) squats. sMMG and EMG timing did not differ significantly for eccentric (p = 0.414) and concentric (p = 0.462) phases of muscle contraction during bilateral squats. The sMMG magnitude of quadriceps excursion demonstrated excellent intra-session retest reliability for bilateral (ICC3,1 = 0.962 mm) and partial (ICC3,1 = 0.936 mm, n = 10) squats. The sMMG sensors accurately and consistently provided key quadriceps muscle performance metrics during two physical activities commonly used to assess neuromuscular control for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and exercise training.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Infants With GERD-Like Symptoms: A New Paradigm.

OBJECTIVES: Infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-like symptoms have been classically defined as having a wide array of symptoms. In these instances, anti-reflux medications are ineffective and overprescribed. Rather these symptoms are more attributable to dysphagia and unsettledness/colic. To address these conditions at our center, both speech language pathologist (SLP) and/or occupational therapist (OT) have contributed to evaluation. We hypothesized that dysphagia and unsettledness/colic are highly prevalent, yet under recognized in this population. METHODS: Full-term infants with typical development and under 6 months of age (N = 174) were included. Infants with suspected dysphagia and/or evident colic/unsettledness were evaluated by SLP and OT, respectively. RESULTS: GERD-like symptoms were present in 109 infants with attributes of dysphagia in n = 46, unsettledness/colic in n = 37, and combined in n = 26. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach, including SLP and OT, is recommended for the evaluation of infants with GERD-like symptoms.

Fellow Efficiency During Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Improves Over Time, Yet Is Less Than Experienced Physician Assistant But With No Significant Difference in Patient-Reported Outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate the intraoperative efficiency and patient outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) assisted by a sports medicine fellow over the course of the academic year compared with an experienced physician assistant (PA). Methods: A single-surgeon cohort of primary ACLRs with either bone-tendon-bone autograft or bone-tendon-bone allograft (without any other significant time-consuming procedures such as meniscectomy/repair) were evaluated using a patient registry system over 2 years assisted by an experienced PA compared with an orthopaedic surgery sports medicine fellow. There were 264 primary ACLRs included in this study. Outcomes included evaluation of surgical time, tourniquet time, and patient-reported outcome measures. Results: The surgical efficiency of the fellow (as measured by surgical time and tourniquet time) improved over each academic quarter. Patient-reported outcomes between the 2 first-assist groups showed no significant difference over 2 years with both ACL graft groups combined. ACLRs assisted by the PA showed shorter tourniquet times by 22.1% and shorter total surgical times by 11.9% compared with the sports medicine fellows when both grafts were combined (P < .001). The surgical and tourniquet times (minutes) for the fellow (standard deviation of surgical time 19.5-25.0 and tourniquet time 19.5-25.0) did not average out to be more efficient in any of the 4 quarters of the year compared with the PA-assisted group (standard deviation of surgical time 14.4-14.8 and tourniquet time 14.8-22.4). Autografts showed more efficient tourniquet (18.7%) and skin-to-skin surgical times (11.1%) in the PA group compared with the fellow group (P < .001). Allografts showed more efficient tourniquet (37.7%) and skin-to-skin surgical times (12.8%) in the PA group compared with the fellow group (P < .001). Conclusions: The surgical efficiency of the fellow during primary ACLRs improves over the academic year. Patient-reported outcomes are similar in cases assisted by the fellow compared with an experienced physician assistant. Cases assisted by the PA were performed more efficiently compared with the sports medicine fellow. Clinical Relevance: The intraoperative efficiency of a sports medicine fellow objectively improves over the academic year for primary ACLRs but may not be as efficient as an experienced advanced practice provider; however, there appears to be no significant differences in patient-reported outcome measures between the 2 groups. This helps quantify the time commitment for attendings and academic medical institutions as the "cost of education" of trainees such as fellows.

Tutorial on Clinical Practice for Use of the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Procedure With Pediatric Populations: Part 2.

PURPOSE: This is Part 2 of a two-part tutorial series establishing clinical guidelines pertaining to the administration of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) developed by representatives of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, all of whom are members of Special Interest Group 13. Whereas Part 1 focused on use of FEES with adults and included general information common to using FEES in any population, the purpose of this tutorial is to provide clinicians with updated best practice clinical guidelines for performing, interpreting, and documenting outcomes when using FEES with the pediatric population. This document has two main sections. The first section discusses the history of pediatric FEES, needed knowledge and skill pertaining to all elements of performing and interpreting the examination including detailed information related to indications and contraindications, developmental anatomical and physiological changes across childhood, preparing for and conducting the examination, medical collaboration, and patient safety. The second section provides detailed guidelines for clinicians who require training for use of FEES with the pediatric population. CONCLUSIONS: This first of its kind tutorial offers guidelines for clinicians who perform, interpret, and/or want to train to perform FEES in the pediatric population. Important clinical distinctions exist when using FEES with the pediatric population versus with the adult population. Developmental changes, pediatric medical frailty, provider-parent/caregiver interaction, collaboration with physician colleagues, and patient safety are representative of key areas highlighted in this document.

Quantifying muscle contraction with a conductive electroactive polymer sensor: introduction to a novel surface mechanomyography device.

Clinicians seek an accurate method to assess muscle contractility during activities to better guide treatment. We investigated application of a conductive electroactive polymer sensor as a novel wearable surface mechanomyography (sMMG) sensor for quantifying muscle contractility. The radial displacement of a muscle during a contraction is detected by the physically stretched dielectric elastomer component of the sMMG sensor which quantifies the changes in capacitance. The duration of muscle activation times for quadriceps, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles demonstrated strong correlation between sMMG and EMG during a parallel squat activity and isometric contractions. A moderate to strong correlation was demonstrated between the sMMG isometric muscle activation times and force output times from a dynamometer. The potential wearable application of an electroactive polymer sensor to measure muscle contraction time is supported.

Tutorial on Clinical Practice for Use of the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Procedure With Adult Populations: Part 1.

PURPOSE: Representatives of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (AB-SSD) and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group (SIG) 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) developed this tutorial to identify and recommend best practice guidelines for speech-language pathologists who conduct and interpret fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) procedures in adults. This document also includes proposed training needs and methods for achieving competency. Expert opinion is provided regarding indications for performing the FEES exam, potential contraindications, adverse effects and safety, equipment and personal protection, the exam protocol, interpretation and documentation of findings, and training requirements to perform and interpret the exam. CONCLUSIONS: This tutorial by the AB-SSD and SIG 13 represents the first update about the FEES procedure since ASHA's position paper and technical report published in 2004. Creation of this document by members of the AB-SSD and SIG 13 is intended to guide professionals who are training for or practicing FEES in the adult population toward established best practices and the highest standards of care.

Comparison of Kinematic Sequences During Curveball and Fastball Baseball Pitches.

Performance of a sequential proximal-to-distal transfer of segmental angular velocity (or Kinematic Sequence) is reported to reduce stress on musculoskeletal structures and thus the probability of injury while also maximizing ball velocity. However, there is limited investigation regarding the Kinematic Sequence of the five body segments (Pelvis, Trunk, Arm, Forearm, and Hand) among baseball pitchers. Some biomechanical and epidemiology studies have reported an association of the curveball with increased risk for elbow injury among youth pitchers. Kinematic Sequences with altered distal upper extremity (forearm and hand) sequences have been associated with greater elbow valgus and shoulder external rotation torques compared to other Kinematic Sequences. Identifying Kinematic Sequence patterns during curveball pitches may lead to improved understanding of injury susceptibility. This study investigated the Kinematic Sequence patterns (and their variability) during curveball pitching and compared them to the sequences identified during fastball pitches. Using 3D motion analyses, 14 baseball pitchers (four high school, eight college, and two professional) performed 5-6 curveball pitches and 12 pitchers also threw fastball pitches in a simulated bullpen session. Eleven different curveball Kinematic Sequences were identified and 8 fastball Kinematic Sequences. There was no significant variability in the number of Kinematic Sequences performed between the two pitch types, (Z = -0.431, p = 0.67). The median number of KSs performed by each group was 2.5. The most frequently used Kinematic Sequences for both pitch types were due to alteration in the sequence of the distal segments. The total percentage of Kinematic Sequences with altered distal segment sequencing for the curveball pitches was 49% and 43% for fastball pitches. Identifying the frequency of Kinematic Sequences with altered timing of hand and forearm peak velocities across pitch types may lead to a better understanding of the stresses that individual pitchers incur.

Modeling of a controlled flow cup for improved transitional drinking development in children.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical observations of children with swallowing disorders using a traditional "sippy" or transitional drinking cup identified a need for a novel cup. Children with swallowing disorders are often unable to initiate the forces required to activate the cup and/or maintain suction pressure. Furthermore, fast flow rates can result in choking. METHODS: A new cup design tool is proposed using fluid-cup interactions to capture the changing geometry of the fluid during drinking. A Petri net formulation is integrated with standard fluid flow principles. A new parametric cup simulation provides visualization and direct implementation for microcontroller prototypes. A vent-based controller is developed and modeled for a novel transitional drinking cup design. A simulated pouring study is performed for water and a baseline liquid volume of 200 ml in the cup. The study varies rotation rates, initial volume, system control and desired flow rates. RESULTS: Volumetric flow rate curves over time are generated and compared in relation to a target flow rate. The simulation results show expected behavior for variations in cup parameters. CONCLUSION: The new simulation model facilitates future dysphagia research through rapid prototyping by tuning cup geometry, liquid parameters and control signals to meet the varying needs of the users.

The Association of Baseball Pitch Delivery and Kinematic Sequence on Stresses at the Shoulder and Elbow Joints.

Although there is a commonly held belief within the baseball community that delivery from the stretch confers more stress at the elbow and shoulder joints than delivery from the windup, there remains little evidence in the literature investigating this hypothesis. This study aimed to help address this gap in the literature by studying both intra-pitcher kinematic sequence variability, and intra-pitcher joint torque variability when throwing from the windup vs. the stretch. We hypothesized that 1) each pitchers' kinematic sequence would remain similar whether throwing from the windup or stretch, and 2) Kinematic sequence would influence peak arm torque more than delivery method. This cross-sectional 3D biomechanical study included 88 pitches thrown by ten (6 collegiate, 4 high school) pitchers with a mean age of 17.60 ± 2.63 years. Pitch velocity, throwing shoulder/elbow torques and the kinematic sequence of each pitch utilizing segmental peak angular velocities were captured. No statistically significant differences in ball velocity (p = 0.17), peak shoulder external rotation torque (p = 0.80), shoulder extension torque (p = 0.97), or elbow valgus torque (p = 0.83) were found between delivery approaches. Three primary kinematic sequences were identified. Shoulder external rotation torque [F(53,2) = 10.992, ɳ2 = .293, p < 0.00], shoulder extension torque [F(53,2) = 15.517, ɳ2 = .369, p < 0.00] and elbow valgus torque [F(53,2) = 9.994, ɳ2 = .274, p < 0.00] did vary significantly across these three kinematic sequence patterns. Our data suggest that the kinematic sequence influences shoulder and elbow torque more than the delivery approach. Instructing ideal kinematic sequence may be more influential for injury avoidance than delivery method.

A systematic review: The effects of frenotomy on breastfeeding and speech in children with ankyloglossia.

Purpose: The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine if frenotomy for ankyloglossia improves breastfeeding or speech outcomes in infants and children ages birth to 12.Method: Literature selection focussed on the presence of ankyloglossia, reported as either posterior or submucosal, and the impact of surgical treatment. The two populations that were included involve infants who were breastfeeding and children with speech delays. Six search engines were utilised (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Database, CINHAL Plus, ERIC and PsychINFO). The selected articles critically examined study characteristics, measurement tools, outcome measures, design, and summary of results, and bias.Result: Five articles met the inclusion criteria related to infants who had undergone a frenotomy and who were examining changes in breastfeeding outcomes and two articles met the inclusion criteria for changes in speech production following a frenotomy.Conclusion: Research supports the use of frenotomy in children with ankyloglossia to reduce nipple pain and improve maternal self-efficacy during breastfeeding. The classification of ankyloglossia, assessment tools used, age and timing of frenotomy, in terms of breastfeeding improvements were inconsistent across the studies. Ankyloglossia release for children with speech delays is currently inconclusive due to lack of objective data and research quality. Overall, the review also revealed inconsistent definitions of ankyloglossia severity, standardised outcome measures and research protocols.

The Relationship of Shoulder and Elbow Stresses and Upper Limb Contact Order During a Round-Off Back Handspring.

INTRODUCTION: Despite high injury incidence rates in gymnastics, there is a paucity of data characterizing upper extremity injury causation and biomechanical risk factors. This study investigated contact forces across multiple joints in both upper extremities during a round-off back handspring (ROBHS), a fundamental gymnastics tumbling maneuver. OBJECTIVE: (1) To characterize the three-dimensional (3-D) biomechanics of the sequential, asynchronous contact of each upper extremity with the ground during a ROBHS using 3-D motion capture, and (2) to evaluate potential correlations to upper extremity injury risk. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. SETTING: Controlled laboratory environment. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen competitive female gymnasts aged 10-21 years (mean age: 16.6 ± 3.1 years) (1) participating on a competitive gymnastics team; (2) capable of successfully completing a ROBHS; and (3) free of reported injury at enrollment. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Variables evaluated include joint angle, torque, compression force, ground reaction force (GRF), time to peak GRF, and limb loading rates. Variables were analyzed at the wrist, elbow, and shoulder of both limbs at ground contact. The hypothesis that these dependent variables would differ by ROBHS upper extremity contact order was formulated retrospectively after data collection. RESULTS: The first contact limb experienced significantly greater extension torque at the elbow (first: 48.89 ± 18.01 Nm, second: 22.49 ± 9.19 Nm; P = .014; CI 95% [14.83, 37.97]) and faster time to peak GRF (P < .001, CI 95% [-1.79, -0.99]). The second limb of contact experienced significantly greater abduction torque at the shoulder (P = .007; CI 95% [-21.58,-8.08]) and anterior-posterior GRF at contact (P = .007; CI 95% [-1.06,-0.26]). CONCLUSIONS: The biomechanical differences between contact limbs during the ROBHS may lead to different injury risk. Recognition of the stresses at the elbow and shoulder for both limbs also provides new insight for rehabilitation clinicians to consider when guiding patients to return to gymnastics activity after injury.

Return to Performance After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction in Major League Baseball Pitchers: A Case-Control Assessment of Advanced Analytics, Velocity, Spin Rates, and Pitch Movement.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the performance or pitching metrics of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers who returned to play after ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR). PURPOSE: To describe MLB pitcher performance after return from primary UCLR, compare the velocity and pitch characteristics against the preoperative season, and determine if performance analytics can predict successful return to pitching after UCLR. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study included 63 pitchers who underwent primary UCLR between 2015 and 2019. Publicly available advanced analytics and pitch metrics from the first 2 postoperative seasons were compared with the preoperative (index) season as well as with an uninjured control group. RESULTS: Overall, 57% of the pitchers successfully returned to the MLB level. Although they threw significantly fewer pitches (P = .012) and innings (P = .022) in postoperative year 1 as compared with the index season, there were no significant differences in pitch velocity, release extension, perceived velocity, or performance as measured by advanced analytics. Also, as compared with the index season, returners demonstrated increased postoperative spin rates on curveballs (P = .001) and sliders (P = .010), and curveball horizontal movement was significantly increased (P = .007); however, horizontal movement was significantly decreased for 4-seam fastballs (P = .026), changeups (P = .005), and sinkers (P = .019). The vertical movement on 4-seam fastballs was greater (P < .001) in postoperative year 1, and the vertical movement on curveballs (P = .031) and sinkers (P = .010) was greater in postoperative year 2 when compared with the index season. Pitchers who failed to return to the MLB level had a lower preoperative strikeout percentage (P = .047), fewer strikeouts per 9 innings pitched (P = .046), fewer wins above replacement ([WAR]; P = .026), and lower player value (P = .030) than the pitchers who returned. CONCLUSION: Pitchers returning to the MLB level after UCLR demonstrated changes in pitch movement profiles and spin rates postoperatively, but there were no differences in velocity or many advanced analytics upon return. Pitchers with lower strikeout metrics, fewer WAR, and less player value before surgery may have an elevated risk of failing to return to the MLB level.

Kinematic Sequence Classification and the Relationship to Pitching Limb Torques.

PURPOSE: The kinematic sequence (KS) during a baseball pitch provides insight into an athlete's ability to efficiently transfer energy and develop segmental velocities, to assess the quality of body segment position and control. Study purposes were 1) to introduce the four-category Kinematic Sequence Classification System and 2) to compare elbow and shoulder torques and shoulder distraction force across the KS categories performed during the fastball pitch. METHODS: Thirty baseball pitchers (20.0 ± 3.1 yr) underwent 3D biomechanical pitch analyses of 249 fastball pitches. Seventeen distinct KS patterns were identified and assigned into four categories: 1) The proximal-to-distal (PDS) group includes the KS closest to theoretical ideal order of the five body segments (pelvis → trunk → arm → forearm → hand). The other categories were defined based on the segment where the first out-of-sequence peak angular velocity occurred: 2) distal upper extremity (DUE), 3) proximal upper extremity, and 4) pelvis/trunk. Throwing limb shoulder distraction force and shoulder and elbow torques were calculated. Linear mixed model analyses compared variables across KS categories. RESULTS: Average elbow valgus torques differed significantly across all categories, P = 0.023, and were greater for the DUE (73.99 ± 20.84 N·m) than the PDS (61.35 ± 16.79 N·m), P = 0.006. Shoulder external rotation torques were significantly different, P = 0.033, across categories. CONCLUSION: The PDS group demonstrated less mechanical stresses on the throwing shoulder and elbow but was observed in only 12% of pitches. The DUE group was the most common and generated the greatest elbow valgus and shoulder external rotation torques. The KS can inform coaches and sports medicine clinicians where the greatest torques are incurred by a pitcher. A KS classification system may serve as a screening tool or target pitching instruction for injury avoidance.

Kinematic sequence patterns in the overhead baseball pitch.

Conceptually, an efficient baseball pitch demonstrates a proximal-to-distal transfer of segmental angular velocity. Such a timing pattern (or kinematic sequence) reduces stress on musculoskeletal structures of the throwing arm and maximises ball velocity. We evaluated the variability of kinematic sequences in 208 baseball pitches. 3D biomechanical pitch analyses were performed on 8-10 fastball pitches from 22 baseball pitchers (5 high school, 11 collegiate and 6 professional). The kinematic sequence patterns - time of peak angular velocity of five body segments: pelvis, trunk, arm, forearm and hand - were measured. None of the pitches analysed demonstrated an entirely proximal-to-distal kinematic sequence. Fourteen different kinematic sequence patterns were demonstrated, with the most prevalent sequence being pelvis â†’ trunk â†’ arm â†’ hand â†’ forearm. Fewer than 10% of the pitchers performed only one kinematic sequence pattern across the sampled pitches. The variability of the kinematic sequence was similar in high-school pitchers and professionals. Previous studies report that deviation from the proximal-to-distal kinematic sequence is associated with increased injury risk. As a method of evaluating the efficient transfer of energy to the hand, the kinematic sequence may provide insight to injury risk in the future. The ideal kinematic sequence and ideal variability of the sequence when throwing have yet to be determined.

A Wide-Range, Wireless Wearable Inertial Motion Sensing System for Capturing Fast Athletic Biomechanics in Overhead Pitching.

The standard technology used to capture motion for biomechanical analysis in sports has employed marker-based optical systems. While these systems are excellent at providing positional information, they suffer from a limited ability to accurately provide fundamental quantities such as velocity and acceleration (hence forces and torques) during high-speed motion typical of many sports. Conventional optical systems require considerable setup time, can exhibit sensitivity to extraneous light, and generally sample too slowly to accurately capture extreme bursts of athletic activity. In recent years, wireless wearable sensors have begun to penetrate devices used in sports performance assessment, offering potential solutions to these limitations. This article, after determining pressing problems in sports that such sensors could solve and surveying the state-of-the-art in wearable motion capture for sports, presents a wearable dual-range inertial and magnetic sensor platform that we developed to enable an end-to-end investigation of high-level, very wide dynamic-range biomechanical parameters. We tested our system on collegiate and elite baseball pitchers, and have derived and measured metrics to glean insight into performance-relevant motion. As this was, we believe, the first ultra-wide-range wireless multipoint and multimodal inertial and magnetic sensor array to be used on elite baseball pitchers, we trace its development, present some of our results, and discuss limitations in accuracy from factors such as soft-tissue artifacts encountered with extreme motion. In addition, we discuss new metric opportunities brought by our systems that may be relevant for the assessment of micro-trauma in baseball.

Neuromuscular Control of Vertical Jumps in Female Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Poor landing mechanics are considered deficits in neuromuscular control and risk factors for lower extremity injury. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) has been used to assess the neuromuscular control of landing mechanics for the first landing in a drop vertical jump (DVJ) task. However, the second DVJ landing may provide different results, warranting assessment. HYPOTHESES: (1) LESS scores will differ between first and second DVJ landings across all female participants with (2) greater intraparticipant variability among the second landing compared with the first landing scores. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: A total of 13 gymnasts and 31 softball players (N = 44) performed 3 DVJ trials. The mean ± SD age of 44 female athletes was 16.46 ± 2.59 years. The LESS was scored using 2-dimensional video of each trial. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the first and second DVJ landings (P < 0.01). All participants demonstrated higher LESS scores (worse landing mechanics) during the second DVJ landing (10.10 ± 2.25) than the first landing (6.97 ± 2.72). CONCLUSION: The initial landing in a DVJ has been the focus of neuromuscular control studies using the LESS. This study found worse neuromuscular control during the second DVJ landing, which highlights the importance of evaluating landing mechanics beyond the initial landing. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LESS analysis of both DVJ landings might improve neuromuscular control screening in female athletes and augment lower extremity and anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programs.

The Impact of a Novel Gaming Reinforcement System on Oral Intake Outcomes in Pediatric Feeding Therapy: A Single Case Study.

Purpose The aim of this study was to implement a novel reinforcement strategy into traditional dysphagia therapy with a school-age child diagnosed with a rare genetic syndrome, anxiety, and a hypersensitive gag reflex response. This clinical focus article evaluated the impact of a computer-based straw-drinking game on total liquid volume intake and the relationship between motivation and its role in feeding therapy. Method A longitudinal pilot study was used and required the development and implementation of a computer-based straw-drinking game as a novel reinforcement strategy. The gaming system was implemented to supplement ongoing dysphagia treatment in a single-subject case study design utilizing a client with pediatric dysphagia. Results The participant exhibited a trend of increased endurance during therapy sessions, allowing for increased volume per sip, increased trials per session, and decreased time between sequential trials. Average daily volume of oral intake remained less than 30 ml. Conclusions The gaming system maximized opportunities for orosensory desensitization of tactile input, resulting in increased comfort and endurance during therapy sessions, leading to more opportunities to practice the swallow. A novelty effect was observed as motivation and interest in the gaming system appeared greatest at the onset of the study. Generalized fatigue and anxiety continue to serve as barriers to more significant progress.

Strength and Motion in the Shoulder, Elbow, and Hip in Softball Windmill Pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Softball pitching is a ballistic, complex movement that requires an underhand windmill motion to create force and ball velocity. In addition to proper pitch biomechanics, upper and lower extremity strength and joint motion likely contribute to ball location accuracy and velocity. Yet, the number of studies reporting muscle strength and joint range of motion among softball pitchers is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To assess differences between throwing and nonthrowing shoulder, elbow, and hip (lead and trail leg) strength and range of motion (ROM) in high school and collegiate level softball windmill pitchers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three female softball pitchers (24 high school, 9 collegiate) were recruited from local teams. METHODS: Goniometric joint ROM and handheld dynamometer strength measurements of the bilateral shoulders, elbows, and hips were measured. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Goniometric joint ROM of the bilateral elbows (flexion, extension), shoulders, and hips (flexion, extension, internal rotation [IR], external rotation [ER]). Handheld dynamometer strength measurements of the bilateral shoulders (flexion, extension, abduction, IR, ER), elbows (flexion, extension), and hips (flexion, extension, IR, ER, abduction). RESULTS: Across all pitchers, there was greater shoulder flexion ROM in the nonthrowing limb than in the throwing limb (P = .004). There was greater hip extension in the lead leg than trail leg. Among high school pitchers, there was greater shoulder ER (x = 105.792 ± 7.11) than collegiate pitchers (x = 100.1 ± 6.92), P = .05. There was no difference in total arc of shoulder rotational motion (ER+ IR) between throwing and nonthrowing limbs across all pitchers, nor between high school and collegiate pitchers. Strength measures demonstrated greater throwing limb shoulder abduction (P = .006) and IR strength (P = .001) than the nonthrowing shoulder across all pitchers. Elbow flexion strength was significantly greater than the nonthrowing side (P = .001). No difference was noted in hip strength between lead and trail lower extremities. CONCLUSIONS: Developing normative data for softball pitchers upper and lower extremity strength and range of motion may allow providers to assess players more comprehensively and identify athletes out of the expected value range. This information may help in guiding strength and conditioning programs for softball pitchers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The relationship of elbow alignment and kinematics on shoulder torque during the softball pitch: a biomechanical analysis of female softball pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Female softball pitchers commonly throw more pitches per game and season than their baseball counterparts. The greatest stress to the shoulder during a softball windmill pitch is at ball release (BR). This study investigated shoulder torques at BR among female softball pitchers and identified relationships to the kinematics of the elbow and forearm and alignment of the elbow (carrying angle and elbow extension). METHODS: High-speed 3-dimensional biomechanical analyses were performed in 33 pitchers (25 high school, 8 collegiate). Elbow and shoulder biomechanics at BR during fastball pitches and goniometric measures of carrying angle and elbow extension were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Carrying angle correlated positively with shoulder extension torque at BR (rs = 0.371, P = .048) and forearm pronation at BR (rs = 0.370, P = .048). During the windmill pitch, the greater the elbow flexion, the greater shoulder adduction torque at BR (rs = -0.522, P = .007). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the carrying angle, passive elbow extension, and elbow flexion/extension angle at BR predicted shoulder flexion/extension torque at BR (F3,24 = 3.463, R2 = .302, P = .032.) CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that shoulder torques during the softball fastpitch are influenced by the carrying angle and the kinematic elbow flexion angle at BR. Sports medicine clinicians and coaches should consider the role that the elbow carrying angle plays in creating shoulder stress when treating and training fastpitch softball players.