The Effects of a J-Band Warm-up on Muscle Activity of Colligate Baseball Players during Pitching

Background: Baseball pitchers experience a high rate of injury to the elbow joint which may be prevented through proper warm-up techniques. However, few studies have investigated the effect of baseball-specific warm-ups on muscle activity during pitching.  This study aimed to compare the muscle activity differences that occurred during pitching with and without the utilization of a J-Band warm-up. Methods: Fourteen male colligate baseball pitchers volunteered to complete two separate bullpen sessions; one following a standard warm-up and one following a J-Band warm-up. Muscle activity of the triceps brachii and serratus anterior was recorded and independent sample t-tests were run to compare peak and mean muscle activity differences between the two pitching sessions. Results: Average muscle activity was higher in the triceps brachii during pithing following the completion of a J-Band warm-up (p = 0.047, d = 0.336). There were no other statistically significant differences in the triceps brachii or serratus anterior. Conclusion: A J-band warm-up elicits higher average muscle activity in the triceps brachii in subsequent pitching. Given the stabilizing role of the triceps, this may lead to a reduction in pitching-related injuries.