Thoracic Mobility and Athletic Performance
by Ryan DiPanfilo, ATC/L, CSCS, Steven Candelaria, CSCS, RSCC, Daniel Fifer, CSCS, Michael Locasto, CSCS, RSCC, Derek Somerville, CSCS, Matthew Tenney, CSCS, RSCC, and Nate Shaw, CSCS, RSCC
NSCA Coach
August 2019
Vol 6, Issue 2
Gain a thorough understanding of thoracic spine anatomy, the causes and effects of limited thoracic mobility, and the diverse strategies that may enhance thoracic mobility from the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball (MLB) Strength and Conditioning Team.
All performance training methods within Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball (MLB) Strength and Conditioning Team’s philosophy share the commonality of aiming to maximize the baseball athlete’s ability to function at their peak capacity and enabling the highest possibility of succeeding in competition. Of the many variables directly impacting the baseball athlete’s performance, thoracic mobility exists as one area deserving special attention. Although targeting mobility seems to be most commonly referenced for the extremities in the performance training world, the thoracic spine is considered a particularly important location due to the wide-ranging effects a freely moving thoracic spine can have on the body’s performance, potentially impacting such critical areas as scapular positioning, shoulder health, rib cage mobility, and diaphragm function. Gaining a thorough understanding of thoracic spine anatomy, the causes and effects of limited thoracic mobility, and the diverse strategies that may enhance thoracic mobility are critical to successfully maximizing the performance potential of the thoracic complex.
This article originally appeared in NSCA Coach, a quarterly publication for NSCA Members that provides valuable takeaways for every level of strength and conditioning coach. You can find scientifically based articles specific to a wide variety of your athletes’ needs with Nutrition, Programming, and Youth columns. Read more articles from NSCA Coach »
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