Search

The primary aims of the study were (1) to examine kinematics and kinetics of those pitching with and without lower extremity pain in collegiate softball pitchers, and (2) to determine if there was an association between the lower extremity pain and lower extremity kinematics, trunk kinematics, and shoulder kinetics in collegiate softball pitchers. Thirty-seven NCAA Division I female collegiate softball pitchers (19.8±1.3 yrs,173.7±7.7 cm, 79.0±12.4 kg) participated. Participants were divided into two groups, those who were currently experiencing lower extremity pain and those who were not. Participants threw three rise ball pitches. Kinematic data were collected at 100 Hz using an electromagnetic tracking system. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed no significant kinematic or kinetic differences between pitchers with and without lower extremity pain. Additionally, there were no significant correlations between pain and recorded kinematic and kinetic variables. Considering there were no biomechanical differences observed between pitchers, coaches and athletic trainers should take caution with athlete assessment since athletes may not display altered biomechanics. Further examination into the duration and degree of pain is needed in an attempt to fully understand the implication of pain and pitching mechanics.

Background:There is a paucity of research regarding the relationship between fastpitch softball pitching mechanics and reported pain. Thus, understanding the pitching mechanics of athletes pitching with upper extremity pain and those pain free is paramount.Purpose:To examine lower extremity pitching mechanics, upper extremity kinetics, and upper extremity pain in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I female softball pitchers.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:A total of 37 NCAA Division I female softball pitchers (mean age, 19.84 ± 1.28 years; mean height, 173.67 ± 7.77 cm; mean weight, 78.98 ± 12.40 kg) from across the United States were recruited to participate. Participants were divided into 2 groups: upper extremity pain (n = 13; mean age, 19.69 ± 1.18 years; mean height, 172.60 ± 11.49 cm; mean weight, 86.75 ± 13.02 kg) and pain free (n = 24; mean age, 19.91 ± 1.35 years; mean height, 174.26 ± 4.96 cm; mean weight, 74.78 ± 9.97 kg). An electromagnetic tracking system was used to obtain kinematic and kinetic data during the riseball softball pitch.Results:At foot contact ( F3,33= 7.01, P = .001), backward elimination regression revealed that stride length, trunk rotation, and center of mass (COM) significantly explained about 33% of variance with softball pitchers experiencing upper extremity pain (adjusted R2= 0.33).Conclusion:At foot contact, the kinematic variables of increased trunk rotation toward the pitching arm side, increased stride length, and a posteriorly shifted COM were associated with upper extremity pain in collegiate softball pitchers. Variables early in the pitching motion that do not set a working and constructive proximal kinetic chain foundation for the rest of the pitch to follow could be associated with breakdowns more distal in the kinetic chain, possibly increasing the susceptibility to upper extremity pain.Clinical Relevance:The identification of pitching mechanics associated with pain allows clinicians to develop exercises to avoid such mechanics. Avoiding mechanics associated with pain may help reduce the prevalence of pain in windmill softball pitchers as well as help coaches incorporate quantitative biomechanics into their instruction.

This chapter discusses the current practice of cesarean delivery, the indications for the operation, the performance of the surgery, and its potential complications. After forceps and vacuum extraction procedures, symphysiotomy is the principal alternative to the cesarean operation. Epidurals do prolong the second stage of labor and increase the use of oxytocin to maintain progress. As the morbidity associated with cesarean delivery remains low, and the risks associated with elective operations are better appreciated, indications for cesarean operations have progressively increased. The chapter reviews the operative technique for cesarean delivery, cesarean hysterectomy, and the surgical management of acute obstetric hemorrhage. Possible immediate post-operative complications of surgical sterilization include infection, bleeding, intraoperative bowel or bladder injury, thromboembolism, and rarely, death. Sterilization failures are often the result of either mistaken identification of some other intraabdominal structure for the fallopian tube, or of incomplete occlusion of the tubal lumina.

The process of placental delivery and the subsequent involution of the uterus during the puerperium are often described as the third and fourth stages of labor. This chapter presents a brief historical review concerning third- and fourth-stage events, followed by a discussion of the physiology of placental separation and uterine involution. The diagnosis and treatment of retained placenta and membranes (secundines), uterine inversion, postpartum hemorrhage and atony, and hematomas are considered. Important cultural and historical events in world history have been directly influenced by complications of involving the third stage of labor. Active management of the third stage of labor consists of the immediate administration of oxytocin after delivery of the infant, early cord clamping, and gentle traction on the cord, combined with gentle uterine massage to prompt placental separation. Periurethral lacerations, which often bleed freely, appear in the thin tissues on either side of the clitoris or urethra.