Weighted Ball Velocity Throwing Programs with Dr. Jason Zaremski

Jul 16, 2021

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What is a weighted ball velocity throwing program? Do they work, and what is the evidence of benefit? What are the risks involved and common injury patterns seen?

Host Dr. Devin McFadden, MD, is joined by Dr. Jason Zaremski, MD, to explore these topics and more on the AMSSM Sports Medcast.

Dr. Zaremski is a clinical associate professor holding a joint appointment from the Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation at the University of Florida. In addition, he is the Co-Medical Director of the Adolescent and High School Outreach Program at the University of Florida. He is a past participant in the AMSSM International Travelling Fellowship program, is a Co-Chair of the AMSSM Fellowship Committee and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the AMSSM.

In this 17 minute conversation. Dr. Zaremski addressed the following topics:

Defining a weighted ball velocity program.
Considering the risks and benefits of their use.
Determining what populations should not use these programs and how to safely implement them if athletes decide to pursue one.

References and Resources:

Zaremski JL. Weighted Ball Velocity Throwing Programs Are Effective. Are the Benefits Worth the Risk? Clin J Sport Med. 2020 Mar 11. doi: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000000822. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33914497.

Caldwell JE, Alexander FJ, Ahmad CS. Weighted-Ball Velocity Enhancement Programs for Baseball Pitchers: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019 Feb 12;7(2):2325967118825469. doi: 10.1177/2325967118825469. PMID: 30800693; PMCID: PMC6378453.

Melugin HP, Smart A, Verhoeven M, Dines JS, Camp CL. The Evidence Behind Weighted Ball Throwing Programs for the Baseball Player: Do They Work and Are They Safe? Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2021 Feb;14(1):88-94. doi: 10.1007/s12178-020-09686-0. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33403626; PMCID: PMC7930148.

Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Fleisig GS, Aune K, Andrews JR. Effect of a 6-Week Weighted Baseball Throwing Program on Pitch Velocity, Pitching Arm Biomechanics, Passive Range of Motion, and Injury Rates. Sports Health. 2018 Jul-Aug;10(4):327-333. doi: 10.1177/1941738118779909. Epub 2018 Jun 8. PMID: 29882722; PMCID: PMC6044122.

Reinold MM, Macrina LC, Fleisig GS, Drogosz M, Andrews JR. Acute Effects of Weighted Baseball Throwing Programs on Shoulder Range of Motion. Sports Health. 2020 Sep/Oct;12(5):488-494. doi: 10.1177/1941738120925728. Epub 2020 Jun 29. PMID: 32598234; PMCID: PMC7485027.

Erickson BJ, Atlee TR, Chalmers PN, Bassora R, Inzerillo C, Beharrie A, Romeo AA. Training With Lighter Baseballs Increases Velocity Without Increasing the Injury Risk. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Mar 26;8(3):2325967120910503. doi: 10.1177/2325967120910503. PMID: 32258183; PMCID: PMC710359