The American journal of sports medicine
-
Comparative Study
Use of the Hollywood Impact Base and standard stationary base to reduce sliding and base-running injuries in baseball and softball.
To determine if the use of the Hollywood Impact Base would significantly reduce the frequency of sliding and base-running injuries to baseball and softball players, we recorded injury information for several teams who used these bases and standard stationary bases. The investigators, under the direction of the Central Michigan University team physician, verified each recorded incident by contacting the injured participant. The sample included interscholastic, intercollegiate, recreational, and intramural softball and baseball teams. ⋯ The results (t = -1.94, P < 0.05) verify that using the Hollywood Impact Base significantly reduced the frequency of sliding and base-running injuries. The Hollywood Impact Base injury rate of 0.08% per game compares favorably with the reported breakaway base injury rate. The results of our study verify that the Hollywood Impact Base is similarly effective in reducing the risk of base-related injuries.