Preventive strategy for rotator cuff injuries in youth pitchers
Keywords:
Baseball; youth pitchers; injuries; rotator cuff; preventionAbstract
The high incidence of shoulder injuries in youth baseball pitchers limits their performance and athletic careers. The objective was to develop a preventive strategy for rotator cuff injuries in youth baseball pitchers from Santiago de Cuba by integrating proprioceptive exercises, eccentric strengthening, and adjustments in training periodization. A pre-experimental study (pre-test/post-test without control group) was conducted with 12 youth pitchers from the Santiago de Cuba Baseball Academy (18-20 years, all males). Functional tests for range of motion (ROM) and rotator strength, preventive knowledge questionnaires, injury incidence records, and protocol adherence were applied. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare pre-post measurements. Significant improvements were observed: ROM (+11.3%, p<0.01, d=1.2), rotator strength (+31.0%, p<0.01, d=1.8), preventive knowledge (+178%, p<0.01), injury reduction (-75%, p<0.05), and protocol adherence (+232%, p<0.01). The preventive strategy is effective in reducing the risk of rotator cuff injuries in youth pitchers by promoting an active and sustainable prevention culture. Studies with control groups and long-term follow-up are required.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Asalia Danger Coureaux, Enrique Jacinto Mendoza Díaz, Jonathan González Pieras
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