Ball Throwing May Benefit Kids' Shoulders

Ivanhoe Newswire
Monday, July 16, 2007; 12:00 AM

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Parents who are worried playing baseball might be damaging their children's shoulders can relax.

According to a new study out of the University of Kentucky, the throwing motion common among Little League players might actually be doing kids good.

The study followed 32 male baseball players between the ages of 13 and 21 over a six- year period. While changes in the arm bone and soft tissue of the shoulder were noted in the players, these were good changes that actually helped protect the kids from shoulder injury.

That said, however, the investigators are quick to point out everything has its limits, and kids should be given rest periods from playing to ensure optimal outcomes. "Throwing is fine as long as it is in moderation and the parents and child use common sense," study author Scott D. Mair, M.D., was quoted as saying. "A 10-year-old pitcher shouldn't be throwing through pain to win a Little League game."

He also believes year-round baseball leagues could be a problem for some youngsters, noting it would be better to take the traditional winter break from the sport.

"In the old days kids pitched in the summer and then played basketball or football in the winter. That was better for growing children."

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SOURCE: Presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine in Calgary, July 12-15, 2007