Softball Pitching - Biceps Injuries Rise During Windmill Pitching

Softball pitching requires much effort and energy especially from the biceps. Each time a softball pitcher swings the ball around and then releases it at full velocity, the biceps are bombarded with lofty forces and torques which may cause strain and discomfort – Rush University Medical Center Chicago.

The windmill style of pitching in softball which required underhand throws, according to the medical doctor Verma, Nikki N. promoted more cases of anterior or front pain of the shoulders or biceps of female softball pitchers.

A study was made using seven female softball pitchers as test subjects were conducted. It utilized electromyography in order to evaluate and determine the muscle firing power of the biceps during the whole of the windmill pitch… The study resulted in a conclusion that was very much intriguing; according to the press release done, the force exerted by the muscle of the biceps area was very high compared to the overhand pitches done. Also, when the arm reached its full swing where it is almost entirely stretched to the back then rapidly shifts to a stance that is completely at right angles with the ground was when the total muscle contraction and force was seen and experienced.

Female softball pitchers who frequently performed windmill pitches usually complained of pain and discomfort on the shoulder area. The Rush University with their advanced human motion technology and laboratory was able to pinpoint the exact location of the pain which was on the biceps of the players.

It has then been concluded that the biceps incurred most of the impact due to an application of such great acceleration then stopping immediately as soon as the force has been transferred to the ball.

Reference:  Rojas IL, Provencher MT, Bhatia S, et al. Biceps activity during windmill softball pitching. Am J Sports Med. 37;3:558-565.