The Effects of Humeral Retroversion on Range of Motion in the Throwing Athlete

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between shoulder rotational range of motion once accounting for humeral retroversion (HR) and the Functional Arm Scale for Throwers (FAST). The following research questions guided the study: Is there a correlation between shoulder rotational range of motion (ROM) after HR is accounted for, and the total FAST pitcher’s subscale score? What specific questions on the FAST pitcher’s subscale can help sports medicine professionals predict the chance of rotational deficiencies in the throwing shoulder? Are pitchers with more years of college baseball more likely to see changes in total rotational ROM than pitchers with less years of college baseball? No relationship was found between rotational ROM and the FAST score or rotational ROM and total number of years playing college baseball. The findings suggest further research that needs to be performed on patient reported outcomes specific to changes in rotational ROM.