University of Waterloo researchers have discovered a way to help pitchers reduce stress on their elbows without sacrificing velocity.
A study led by Cedric Attias, a graduate student in the mechanical engineering program, found that computer simulation revealed two main factors – a high arm slot, or angle and tilting the torso away from the pitching arm during delivery of the ball – that put the most demand on the UCL, ulnar collateral ligament, a band of tissue on the inner side of the elbow that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) to the ulna (forearm bone).
“A UCL sprain, shy of fully rupturing, is quite common,” said Ryan Wark, who is a partner and clinical director at Elmira’s SOS Physiotherapy.
