Context:
Throwing related injuries occur commonly in softball players. Preventative programs can be implemented to assist in identifying and correcting risk factors that could potentially lead to injury and therefore time missed from both practice and games.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if position-specific injury prevention programs have been developed to decrease the risk of throwing related injuries in softball players.



Data Sources & Extraction:
A systematic review was preformed using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, PMC, and EBSCO were searched for articles on injury prevention programs using the key terms: softball, injury Prevention, throwing injuries, pitcher, and shoulder.



Study Selection & Evidence Level:
Studies that involved fast-pitch softball and included female participants as well as rehabilitation programs were included. Articles that highlighted slow-pitch softball or did not include female participants were excluded. The level of evidence ranged from II-IV.


Data Extraction:
The initial search identified 1,605 articles. After implementing a filter, 131 articles remained. 13 articles were screened out as duplicates. After screening for inclusion criteria 7 articles remained.

Results

Decreased range of motion in both the upper and lower extremities, unbalanced muscular strength, and fatigue were identified as risk factors for throwing injuries in softball players. Within the upper extremity strength and ROM of the rotator cuff muscles, biceps, and extensors of the forearm were emphasized. The main focus of the lower extremity was the strength of the gluteal muscles and ROM of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex. Only one study detailed an injury prevention program, which was not position specific.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of information in the literature about injury prevention programs for softball players. Of the evidence analyzed, balanced strengthening of the upper and lower extremities while maintaining dynamic range of motion was frequently utilized in developing an injury prevention program. Future studies should aim to determine if comprehensive, position-specific injury prevention programs decrease the risk of throwing related injuries in softball players.