Changes in Knowledge and Compliance with Pitch Count Recommendations Among Youth Baseball Coaches Over a Decade and Its Actual Conditions of Coaching

Abstract

Abstract Background: In Japan, pitch count recommendations were proposed to prevent throwing injuries. In our laboratory, 10 years ago, the knowledge and compliance with pitch count recommendations were assessed among coaches in Kyoto Prefecture and compared with those in the U.S. The environment surrounding youth baseball has changed over time, but there are no studies that survey changes in knowledge and compliance with pitch count recommendations among coaches, as a result of changes in the baseball environment. Although it is important for coaches to have prior knowledge of injuries in order to prevent the incidence of baseball elbow, few studies have assessed the actual experience of coaches. Methods: We conducted a paper-based survey among coaches of youth baseball teams in Kyoto Prefecture. The survey included the questions about basic information, knowledge about baseball elbow, compliance with the recommendations, and participation in seminars and workshops. Results: A total of 242 participants (84 teams) participated in this study, and data of 172 coaches were analyzed. Approximately 52.3% coaches had knowledge on pitch count recommendations, an increase from 39.8% conducted in our laboratory 10 years ago, but the compliance rate has not changed. There was a significant difference between the presence of knowledge about baseball elbow and participation in seminars and workshops regarding coaching experience. Conclusion: Knowledge retention rate increased compared to 10 years ago, but compliance rates did not change. Additionally, characteristics of the coaches were revealed regarding their coaching experience.