Stronger Hips May Help Pitchers Stay on the Mound

In this study, researchers measured lower extremity performance in 18 collegiate pitchers before and after a simulated game. While researchers observed no change in jump squat performance following the 117-pitch session, the participants did experience a decline in their hip abduction and adduction strength that may have affected their pitching velocity. The research team concludes, “Our findings suggest that hip abduction and adduction strength are susceptible to fatigue owing to repetitive throwing motions and that hip adduction strength, especially, is an important physical fitness factor for maintaining ball velocity during a game in baseball pitchers.” Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, June 2018