According to a study from Australia, 'Cross-sectional study. To examine differences between arms in humeral torsion in adult and adolescent throwing and nonthrowing athletes, and nonathletic adults.'
'It is hypothesized that humeral retrotorsion develops by, and is beneficial for, throwing. Thus throwers should demonstrate greater retrotorsion in their dominant arm relative to their nondominant arm and have more side-to-side retrotorsion difference than nonthrowing groups. In addition, adult throwers should have a greater side-to-side retrotorsion difference than adolescent throwers, and swimmers should not demonstrate a retrotorsion difference. Using ultrasound to standardize the location of the bicipital groove, the amount of humeral torsion was measured in both arms of male baseball players (85 adult, 35 adolescent), female softball players (16 adult, 37 adolescent), 29 elite adolescent swimmers (19 female), and 16 nonathletic adults (8 female). More retrotorsion was found in the dominant arm of almost all throwing athletes, irrespective of their gender or whether they were adults or adolescents (mean +/- SD side-to-side difference, 11.9 degrees +/- 10.5 degrees). This difference was less for swimmers (6.4 degrees +/- 9.9 degrees) and nonathletic adults (1.3 degrees +/- 8.9). Greater dominant arm humeral retrotorsion is observed contingent with participation in throwing sports,' wrote R.J. Whiteley and colleagues (see also Sports Medicine).
The researchers concluded: 'J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2009;39(4):256-263. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.2821'.'
Whiteley and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (Sports Participation and Humeral Torsion. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2009;39(4):256-263).
For more information, contact R.J. Whiteley, 16 Spoon Bay Rd., Forresters Beach, NSW 2260, Australia.
Publisher contact information for the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy is: J O S P T, 1111 North Fairfax St., Ste. 100, Alexandria, VA 22314-1436, USA.
Keywords: Australia, Life Sciences, Treatment, Therapy, Orthopedics, Sports Medicine.
This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Health & Medicine Week via NewsRx.com.
