New Research Explores the Effects of Wearing Kinetic Arm on Collegiate Baseball Players
New Research Reveals Effects of Kinetic Arm Dynamic Arm Stabilizer on Elbow Torque, Arm Speed, and Throwing Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Players
At The Kinetic Arm, we’re committed to advancing the science of injury prevention and performance optimization. A recent pilot study has provided valuable insights into the effects of our dynamic arm stabilizer on key performance metrics for collegiate baseball players, including varus elbow torque, arm speed, and throwing velocity. The study, titled "Effects of a Dynamic Arm Stabilizer on Varus Elbow Torque, Arm Speed, and Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Players," was designed to explore how wearing our Kinetic Arm stabilizer influences throwing mechanics.
Study Overview and Purpose
This pilot study involved 8 collegiate baseball players (average age of 20 years), who were randomly assigned to throw with and without the dynamic arm stabilizer during two sets of 25 throws at 90 feet. The goal was to assess how the stabilizer impacted critical factors in throwing performance:
- Varus elbow torque (the inward stress on the elbow during the throwing motion).
- Arm speed (the velocity at which the arm moves during the throw).
- Throwing velocity (the speed at which the ball is thrown).
Methodology
The study used a wearable inertial measurement unit to measure elbow torque and arm speed, while a handheld radar gun tracked throwing velocity. After completing the first set of throws, the players performed a second set in the opposite condition (with or without the stabilizer). Researchers then analyzed the data to compare the performance with and without the dynamic arm stabilizer, using Pearson’s correlations and paired samples t-tests to determine statistical significance.
Key Findings: The Impact of the Dynamic Arm Stabilizer
The results of this study revealed several significant findings:
- Reduction in Varus Elbow Torque: The stabilizer led to a decrease in varus elbow torque. When wearing the stabilizer, players generated 45.80 ± 8.12 Nm of elbow torque, compared to 51.85 ± 8.87 Nm when not wearing it (p < .001). This suggests that the stabilizer helps to reduce the inward stress on the elbow during the throwing motion.
- Decrease in Arm Speed: Arm speed was significantly slower when wearing the stabilizer (857.39 ± 59.64 degrees per second) compared to throwing without it (876.58 ± 82.74 degrees per second, p < .001). While a decrease in arm speed might sound counterintuitive, it may indicate more controlled, less stressful motion during the throw.
- No Significant Change in Throwing Velocity: Interestingly, throwing velocity was also slightly lower with the stabilizer (70.95 ± 5.21 mph) compared to without it (71.77 ± 5.68 mph), though this difference was minimal and statistically significant (p < .001). The results suggest that while the stabilizer reduces stress on the elbow, it does not significantly compromise throwing performance in terms of velocity.
Implications and Next Steps
These findings point to a promising role for dynamic arm stabilizers in supporting the elbow during the throwing motion by reducing excessive strain, potentially reducing the risk of injuries over time. However, the reduction in arm speed and velocity, while minimal, suggests that the stabilizer may not entirely mimic the natural throwing mechanics of an unassisted throw.
Further research is necessary to:
- Explore the clinical significance of these findings.
- Determine whether the reduction in torque and speed translates to better long-term outcomes for elbow health and performance.
- Investigate how dynamic arm stabilizers could be integrated into training regimens to help prevent injuries in baseball players and other overhead athletes.
Conclusion
This pilot study provides valuable early evidence supporting the use of dynamic arm stabilizers in baseball, particularly for reducing harmful elbow torque during throwing. While the effects on arm speed and throwing velocity are minimal, the stabilizer’s ability to alleviate elbow stress offers potential for preventing overuse injuries and extending an athlete's career.
As we continue to innovate and research the benefits of our Kinetic Arm products, we are excited to explore how our technology can better support athletes in all sports. Stay tuned for more studies, and find out how the Kinetic Arm K2 Sleeve can help you or your athletes stay in the game longer and with greater peace of mind.
Click Here to Access Online Pilot Study