The Effects of a J-Band Warm-up on Muscle Activity of Colligate Baseball Players during Pitching

authors:

avatar Tyler J Giesige ORCID 1 , avatar Dr. Sarah Martinez-Sepanski ORCID 2 , * , avatar Kelton Mehls ORCID 3

Doctoral Student in Physical Therapy, Walsh University, Canton, Ohio, 44720, USA
Lecturer in Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 37132, USA
Assistant Professor in Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282
International Journal of Motor Control and Learning: Vol.4, issue 4; 1-5
published online: November 02, 2022
article type: Research Article
received: July 29, 2022
accepted: October 25, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52547/ijmcl.4.4.1

how to cite: Giesige T J, Martinez-Sepanski D S, Mehls K. The Effects of a J-Band Warm-up on Muscle Activity of Colligate Baseball Players during Pitching. J Motor Control Learn. 2022;4(4):e144156. https://doi.org/10.52547/ijmcl.4.4.1.

Abstract

Background: Baseball pitchers experience a high rate of injury to the elbow joint which may be prevented through proper warm-up techniques. However, few studies have investigated the effect of baseball specific warm-ups on muscle activity during pitching.  This study aimed to compare the muscle activity differences that occurred during pitching with and without the utilization of a J-Band warm-up.  
Methods: Fourteen male colligate baseball pitchers volunteered to complete two separate bull pen sessions; one following a standard warm-up and one following a J-Band warm-up. Muscle activity of the triceps brachii and serratus anterior was recorded and independent sample t-tests were run to compare peak and mean muscle activity differences between the two pitching sessions. 
Results: Average muscle activity was higher in the triceps brachii during pithing following the completion of a J-Band warm-up (p = 0.047, d = 0.336). There were no other statistically significant differences in the triceps brachii or serratus anterior.  
Conclusion: A J-band warm-up elicits higher average muscle activity in the triceps brachii in subsequent pitching. Given the stabilizing role of the triceps, this may lead to a reduction of pitching related injuries. 

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