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