Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the pitching performance of subjects wearing a wrist extension inhibition brace, specifically the velocity and accuracy of the pitch. Background: A wrist brace has been proposed as having potential for teaching proper pitching technique and thereby preventing elbow and shoulder injury in youth baseball. A dynamic extensor wrist has been demonstrated to have an effect on wrist proprioception, a necessary component of an effective pitch. Thus, an objective assessment of the brace is warranted in youth baseball pitchers. Study Design: A randomized pretest-posttest two-group design was used to study the effect of a wrist extension inhibition brace on pitching a baseball for boys, ages 9 to 17. Throw velocity and pitch accuracy were measured in pitchers who were trained with or without a wrist brace. Methods: Throw velocity was assessed with a jugs radar gun. Target pitch accuracy, and pitching technique were recorded with a camcorder and evaluated by two coach raters. Measurements were made at baseline and at 4 weeks posttest. Pitchers also filled out a pain questionnaire weekly. Results: The throw velocity increase was significantly greater for pitchers wearing the brace. There was a mean increase of 2.39 mph for the brace group; there was a mean decrease of 0.46 mph for the non-brace group. Conclusion: This randomized control group study suggests that there are potential performance benefits of a wrist extension inhibition brace for youth pitchers.
