A 2022 study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (PMID: 35333195) explored the relationship between shoulder rotational strength, range of motion (ROM), pitching kinetics, and velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers. While the sample was small (n=13) and limited to uninjured athletes, the findings offer valuable insight—especially when viewed in context with what we see clinically and in training.

What the Study Looked At

Researchers assessed isometric internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) strength at varying speeds, measured passive shoulder ROM, and then captured pitching biomechanics using motion analysis. Their goal: determine whether these variables were associated with fastball velocity and key kinetic markers, like peak shoulder force.

What They Found

➡️ Isometric IR and ER strength had a strong positive correlation with pitch velocity.
➡️ Stronger shoulders produced higher peak compressive forces at the joint—something that’s both expected and worth monitoring.
➡️ External rotation strength, especially at 90°/s and 180°/s, was the most predictive of velocity gains.
➡️ ROM—whether IR or ER—showed no significant relationship to either velocity or joint kinetics.

These results affirm what we often emphasize in our programming at VeloU: rotational strength is not just an accessory metric—it’s a central driver of performance. ER strength, in particular, may play a critical role in both loading and accelerating the arm during the pitching motion.

A Few Considerations

The findings are compelling, but a few limitations should be noted:

• Sample Size & Level of Play: Thirteen pitchers is a modest sample, and collegiate-level performance may not generalize to professionals or younger populations.
• Snapshot vs. Timeline: The data was gathered in a single preseason session. That limits our ability to track strength decay, seasonal adaptation, or how persistent deficits in strength or ROM may influence late-season breakdowns.
• Static ROM vs. Dynamic Control: The lack of a correlation between passive ROM and velocity doesn't mean ROM doesn’t matter. It may suggest that static ROM is less important than how well athletes can control and sequence through those ranges dynamically under load.

Where This Fits in at VeloU

We train for velocity, but not at the expense of long-term health. This paper reinforces our focus on rotational strength profiling, especially ER development, as a key driver of velocity. But we also track ROM throughout the training cycle—not because it correlates directly to performance in isolation, but because changes in ROM often serve as early indicators of fatigue, workload imbalance, or mechanical compensation.

Would this study have looked different if athletes had been tracked across a competitive season? Probably. That’s why we continue to collect longitudinal data on our athletes to bridge the gap between short-term findings and real-world durability.