A comparison of trunk rotation flexibility and trunk rotation kinematics during throwing between Division I collegiate softball position players with and without a history of shoulder or elbow pain

Throwing is a whole body movement that requires the transfer of energy via the trunk from the lower extremity to the upper extremity. Ineffective transfer of energy is thought to cause abnormal stresses on the joints of the throwing arm, that lead to injury. The purpose of this study was to compare trunk kinematics during throwing and trunk flexibility between softball position players with and without a history of shoulder/elbow pain. Trunk rotation kinematics at three time points during throwing and trunk rotation flexibility measured with three clinical tests were compared between groups. Results revealed that limited trunk flexibility measured using the half kneeling rotation test with the bar in back was associated with a history of shoulder/elbow pain. Trunk rotation kinematics was not different between groups. The clinical test may be used by clinicians to identify softball players who may be at increased risk for developing shoulder/elbow pain.