Screen Baseball Pitchers for Injury Risk Using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test
Here are some unfortunate statistics about pitchers:
· One study shows only 59% of 216 high school through pro-level pitchers returned to the same level of play or higher after a labrum (SLAP) repair1
· Overhead throwing athletes were at least two times less likely to return to their previous level of activity after a SLAP repair2
· Athletes without symptoms but showed signs of scapular dyskinesis increased their injury risk from 25% to 43% 3
The scapular dyskinesis test involves lowering both arms from an overhead position while observing the motion of the shoulder blades (scapula). Although not mandatory, weight cuffs are often added onto the wrists to add extra muscular demand of the scapular muscles. As shown in the photo above, the inside of the left shoulder blade “pops” during descent of the arm. This is an abnormal motion and represents a positive scapular dyskinesis test. This photo comes from a study, “Can the Scapular Dyskinesis Test be Associated with Throwing Related Injuries During the Course of Collegiate Baseball Seasons?” published in a recent issue of the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. In this study, 36 NCAA D1 pitchers were tested. Results of the study indicate that a positive of scapular dyskinesis test increases the risk of a throwing-related shoulder injury compared to those with a negative test.
If you’re a baseball pitcher, come see us for a shoulder in-season maintenance program! If you’ve had an injury or struggling with shoulder pain, our sports performance rehab can get you back to playing at your best!
References:
1) Gilliam BD, Douglas L, Fleisig GS, et al. Return to Play and Outcomes in Baseball Players After Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Repairs. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(1):109-115.
2) Sciascia A, Myers N, Kibler WB, Uhl TL. Return to preinjury levels of participation after superior labral repair in overhead athletes: a systematic review. J Athl Train. 2015;50(7):767-777.
3) Hickey D, Solvig V, Cavalheri V, Harrold M, Mckenna L. Scapular dyskinesis increases the risk of future shoulder pain by 43% in asymptomatic athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(2):102-110.
4) Tsuruike M, Mukaihara Y, Ellenbecker TS. Can the Scapular Dyskinesis Test be Associated with Throwing Related Injuries During the Course of Collegiate Baseball Seasons? Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2022 Jun 2;17(4):707-714.
