Influence of posture-cueing compression garment on overhead throwing kinematics

OBJECTIVE: Throwing is a dynamic and complex task, which requires sequential movement to sufficiently transfer energy from the lower extremity to the upper extremity. Due to the repetitive stress of the overhead throwing motion, sport medicine personnel have developed different methods to assist in alleviating pain an athlete may be experiencing. One method is the use of a posture-cueing compression garment. These garment designs aim to cue the individual in maintaining and improving alignment, specifically targeting the posterior shoulder to improve scapular positioning and therefore restore normal shoulder kinematics. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of a posture-cueing compression garment on overhead throwing kinematics. METHODS: A convenience sample of nine National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA] Division I Collegiate softball players [20.3 ± 1.5 years; 166.6 ± 6.3 cm; 68.0 ± 7.5 kg] volunteered to participate. Kinematic data were collected at 100 Hz using an electromagnetic tracking system synced with The Motion Monitor®. All kinematic variables of the overhead throw in both garment conditions were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Results revealed no statistically significant main effect of Garment or Garment by Throwing Event interaction of any kinematic variables for the overhead throw task. CONCLUSION: Although the current study did not reveal kinematic differences during the overhead throwing task while wearing a posturecueing compression garment further research should evaluate the use of posture-cueing compression garments, on overhead athletes suffering from upper extremity pathologies.