Pitching Mechanics and the Relationship to Accuracy in Professional Baseball Pitchers

2022 ◽  
pp. 036354652110678
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Manzi ◽  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Zhaorui Wang ◽  
Andrew Luzzi ◽  
Ryan Thacher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

Background: Biomechanical predictors of pitching accuracy are underevaluated in baseball research. It is unclear how pitchers with higher accuracy differ in terms of kinematics and upper extremity kinetics. Purpose: To differentiate high- and low-accuracy professional pitchers by full-body kinematic and upper extremity kinetic parameters. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: In total, 121 professional baseball pitchers threw 8 to 12 fastballs while assessed with motion-capture technology (480 Hz). Pitchers were divided into high-accuracy (n = 33), moderate-accuracy (n = 52), and low-accuracy (n = 36) groups based on the absolute center deviation of each pitcher’s average pitch to the center of the pitching chart by greater or less than 0.5 SD from the mean, respectively. The 95% confidence ellipses with comparisons of major and minor radii and pitching probability density grids were constructed. Analysis of variance was used to compare kinematic and kinetic values between groups. Results: The absolute center deviation (14.5% ± 6.7% vs 33.5% ± 3.7% grid width; P < .001) was significantly lower in the high-accuracy compared with the low-accuracy group, with no significant difference in ball velocity (38.0 ± 1.7 vs 38.5 ± 2.0 m/s; P = .222). Lead knee flexion at ball release (30.6°± 17.8° vs 40.1°± 16.3°; P = .023) was significantly less for the high-accuracy pitchers. Peak normalized shoulder internal rotation torque (5.5% ± 1.0% vs 4.9% ± 0.7% body weight [BW] × body height [BH]; P = .008), normalized elbow varus torque (5.4% ± 1.0% vs 4.8% ± 0.7% BW × BH; P = .008), and normalized elbow medial force (42.9% ± 7.3% vs 38.6% ± 6.2% BW; P = .024) were significantly greater for the low-accuracy group compared with the high-accuracy group. Conclusion: Professional pitchers with increased accuracy experienced decreased throwing arm kinetics. These pitchers had increased lead knee extension at later stages of the pitch, potentially providing more stable engagement with the ground and transference of kinetic energy to the upper extremities. Professional pitchers can consider increasing lead knee extension at the final stages of the pitch to improve the accuracy of their throws and mitigate elbow varus torque. Clinical Relevance: Increased elbow varus torque, shoulder internal rotation torque, and elbow medial force in less accurate pitchers may contribute to increased injury risk in this group.

Increased Shoulder Distraction Force and Shoulder Horizontal Abduction in Professional Baseball Pitchers With Discordant Torso Rotation Order

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110413
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Manzi ◽  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Joshua S. Dines ◽  
Alexander Richardson ◽  
Kathryn L. McElheny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Rotation Velocity ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Pelvic Rotation ◽  
Shoulder External Rotation ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Distraction Force

Background: Inefficient energy transfer from the pelvis and trunk has been shown to increase compensation at the level of the shoulder. Kinetic chain sequencing of the core segments is underexamined in professional baseball pitchers, especially as it relates to changes in upper extremity kinetics. Purpose: To evaluate elbow and shoulder kinetics in a cohort of professional pitchers differentiated by instances of discordant pelvic to upper torso sequencing during the pitch. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: 285 professional baseball pitchers were evaluated using 3D motion capture (480 Hz). Pitchers were divided into “chronological” and “discordant” groups based on whether maximum pelvic rotation velocity occurred before (chronological) or after (discordant) maximum upper torso rotation velocity during the pitch motion. Pelvic, upper torso, and shoulder kinematic parameters, shoulder distraction force, shoulder internal rotation torque, and pitch efficiency (PE) were compared between groups. Results: Pitchers with discordant torso sequencing (n = 30; 110 pitches) had greater shoulder horizontal adduction at maximum external rotation (mean difference, 3.6°; 95% CI, −5.2° to −2.0°; t = −4.5; P < .001) and greater maximum shoulder external rotation (mean difference, 3.7°; 95% CI, 5.7° to 1.5°; t = −3.5; P < .001) than chronological pitchers (n = 255; 2974 pitches). PE did not differ between groups ( P = .856), whereas ball velocity was significantly faster in the discordant group (mean difference, 0.6 m/s; 95% CI, −1.1 to −0.3 m/s; t = −3.3; P = .0012). Chronological pitchers had significantly reduced shoulder distraction force (mean difference, −4.7% body weight (BW); 95% CI, −7.9% to −1.5% BW; t = −2.9; P = .004) with no difference in shoulder internal rotation torque ( P = .160). These kinematic and kinetic differences were not observed when accounting for interpitcher variability. Conclusion: Between pitchers, those who had a discordant pelvic to upper torso sequence experienced significantly greater shoulder distraction forces, potentially compensating by increasing maximum shoulder external rotation and horizontal abduction. Achieving maximal pelvic rotation velocity before maximal rotation velocity may be advantageous in preventing compensation at the upper extremity and excessive throwing arm loading. Clinical Relevance: Identifying risk factors for increased upper extremity forces has potential implications in injury prevention. Specifically, mitigating shoulder distraction forces may be beneficial in reducing risk of injury.

Lumbopelvic Control and the Development of Upper Extremity Injury in Professional Baseball Pitchers

2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652098812
Author(s):  
Kevin Laudner ◽  
Regan Wong ◽  
Daniel Evans ◽  
Keith Meister
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Extremity Injury ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Balance Task ◽  
Upper Extremity Injury ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Extremity Injuries

Background: The baseball-throwing motion requires a sequential order of motions and forces initiating in the lower limbs and transferring through the trunk and ultimately to the upper extremity. Any disruption in this sequence can increase the forces placed on subsequent segments. No research has examined if baseball pitchers with less lumbopelvic control are more likely to develop upper extremity injury than pitchers with more control. Purpose: To determine if baseball pitchers who sustain a chronic upper extremity injury have less lumbopelvic control before their injury compared with a group of pitchers who do not sustain an injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 49 asymptomatic, professional baseball pitchers from a single Major League Baseball organization participated. Lumbopelvic control was measured using an iPod-based digital level secured to a Velcro belt around each player’s waist to measure anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) deviations (degrees) during single-leg balance with movement and static bridge maneuvers. During a competitive season, 22 of these pitchers developed upper extremity injuries, while the remaining 27 sustained no injuries. Separate 2-tailed t-tests were run to determine if there were significant differences in lumbopelvic control between groups ( P < .05). Results: There were no significant between-group differences for the stride leg (nondominant) during the bridge test in either the AP ( P = .79) or the ML ( P = .42) directions, or either direction during the drive leg bridge test ( P > .68). However, the injured group had significantly less lumbopelvic control than the noninjured group during stride leg balance in both the AP ( P = .03) and the ML ( P = .001) directions and for drive leg balance in both the AP ( P = .01) and the ML ( P = .04) directions. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that baseball pitchers with diminished lumbopelvic control, particularly during stride leg and drive leg single-leg balance with movement, had more upper extremity injuries than those with more control. Clinicians should consider evaluating lumbopelvic control in injury prevention protocols and provide appropriate exercises for restoring lumbopelvic control before returning athletes to competition after injury. Specific attention should be given to testing and exercises that mimic a single-limb balance task.

What Can a Jump Tell Us About Elbow Injuries in Professional Baseball Pitchers?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 1220-1225
Author(s):  
John Mayberry ◽  
Scott Mullen ◽  
Scott Murayama
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Shoulder Injury ◽  
Injury Rates ◽  
Elbow Injury ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

Background: The incidence rate of elbow injuries has been rising in recent years among professional baseball pitchers. Determining valid screening procedures that allow practitioners to identify pitchers at an increased risk of such injuries is therefore of critical importance. Purpose: To validate the use of countermovement jump (CMJ) tests as a diagnostic tool for pitcher conditioning. Study Design: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: More than 500 pitchers at a single professional baseball organization performed preseason CMJ assessments on a force plate before the 2013 to 2018 seasons. Three measurements were extracted from ground-reaction force data during the test: eccentric rate of force development (ERFD), average vertical concentric force (AVCF), and concentric vertical impulse (CVI). Athletic trainers at the organization collected detailed information on elbow and shoulder injury rates as well as workload (pitch count) throughout the rest of the season. Poisson regression models were fit to investigate the dependency of injury rates on CMJ test performance. Results: ERFD, CVI, and AVCF were all significant predictors of elbow injury risk after accounting for pitcher age, weight, and workload. The analysis identified 3 specific indicators of heightened risk based on the results of a CMJ scan: low ERFD, a combination of low AVCF and high CVI, and a combination of high AVCF and low CVI. In contrast, shoulder injury risk was roughly independent of all 3 CMJ test measurements. Conclusion: This study supports the hypothesis of the entire kinetic chain’s involvement in pitching by establishing a link between CMJ test performance and elbow injury risk in professional baseball pitchers. CMJ assessment may be a powerful addition to injury risk alert and prevention protocols. Pitchers in high-risk groups can be prescribed specific exercise plans to improve movement imbalances.

Descriptive Profile of Hip Rotation Range of Motion in Elite Tennis Players and Professional Baseball Pitchers

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1371-1376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd S. Ellenbecker ◽  
Gail A. Ellenbecker ◽  
E. Paul Roetert ◽  
Rogerio Teixeira Silva ◽  
Greg Keuter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Hip Joint ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Hip Rotation ◽  
Bilateral Difference

Background Repetitive loading to the hip joint in athletes has been reported as a factor in the development of degenerative joint disease and intra-articular injury. Little information is available on the bilateral symmetry of hip rotational measures in unilaterally dominant upper extremity athletes. Hypothesis Side-to-side differences in hip joint range of motion may be present because of asymmetrical loading in the lower extremities of elite tennis players and professional baseball pitchers. Study Design Cohort (cross-sectional) study (prevalence); Level of evidence, 1. Methods Descriptive measures of hip internal and external rotation active range of motion were taken in the prone position of 64 male and 83 female elite tennis players and 101 male professional baseball pitchers using digital photos and computerized angle calculation software. Bilateral differences in active range of motion between the dominant and nondominant hip were compared using paired t tests and Bonferroni correction for hip internal, external, and total rotation range of motion. A Pearson correlation test was used to test the relationship between years of competition and hip rotation active range of motion. Results No significant bilateral difference (P > .005) was measured for mean hip internal or external rotation for the elite tennis players or the professional baseball pitchers. An analysis of the number of subjects in each group with a bilateral difference in hip rotation greater than 10° identified 17% of the professional baseball pitchers with internal rotation differences and 42% with external rotation differences. Differences in the elite male tennis players occurred in only 15% of the players for internal rotation and 9% in external rotation. Female subjects had differences in 8% and 12% of the players for internal and external rotation, respectively. Statistical differences were found between the mean total arc of hip range of internal and external rotation in the elite tennis players with the dominant side being greater by a clinically insignificant mean value of 2.5°. Significantly less (P < .005) dominant hip internal rotation and less dominant and nondominant hip total rotation range of motion were found in the professional baseball pitchers compared with the elite male tennis players. Conclusion This study established typical range of motion patterns and identified bilaterally symmetric hip active range of motion rotation values in elite tennis players and professional baseball pitchers. Asymmetric hip joint rotational active range of motion encountered during clinical examination and screening may indicate abnormalities and would indicate the application of flexibility training, rehabilitation, and further evaluation.

scholarly journals Decreased Shoulder and Elbow Joint Loads During the Changeup Compared With the Fastball and Curveball in NCAA Division I Collegiate Softball Pitchers

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 232596712110266
Author(s):  
Gretchen D. Oliver ◽  
Jessica L. Downs Talmage ◽  
Kenzie B. Friesen ◽  
Michael G. Saper ◽  
Jeffrey R. Dugas
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Ncaa Division I ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
Division I ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Baseball leagues have implemented pitch count and pitch type restrictions based on biomechanical concepts associated with pitch type. Softball has not yet adopted these practices, although softball pitchers continue to pitch at a high volume and learn multiple pitches at a young age. Purpose: To examine shoulder and elbow kinetics between the fastball, curveball, and changeup, as well as to provide descriptive upper extremity pain data in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) softball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Study participants consisted of 27 female NCAA Division I softball pitchers (age, 20.2 ± 1.9 years; height, 175.7 ± 5.7 cm; weight, 83.6 ± 12.7 kg). The participants pitched 3 balls of each pitch type, and kinetic data were recorded. A one-way within-participants repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine significant differences in kinetics and pitch speed between pitch types. Results: Results revealed a statistically significant main effect for pitch type (Wilks λ = .087; F = 36.523; P < .001). Post hoc testing showed that the changeup produced less anterior elbow force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .012). In addition, the changeup produced less shoulder distraction force compared with the fastball ( P < .001) and the curveball ( P = .001). Additionally, there was a significant difference in pitch speed between all 3 pitch types ( P = .006). The curveball revealed no statistically significant kinetic differences compared with the fastball. Conclusion: The fastball and curveball placed similar stress on the upper extremity in collegiate softball pitchers. However, in comparison with the changeup, the fastball and curveball placed increased stress on the upper extremity. More research is needed to fully explain the differences seen between pitch type and injury risk. Clinical Relevance: Sports medicine professionals, coaches, and athletes should use the current study results to note these differences in shoulder distraction and elbow anterior forces between softball pitch types. The study results can be used as a reference and basis for future research investigating kinetic differences across varying pitch types.

scholarly journals Do Professional Baseball Players With a Higher Valgus Carrying Angle Have an Increased Risk of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries?

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596711986673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Peter N. Chalmers ◽  
John Zajac ◽  
Terrance Sgroi ◽  
Jonathan James Eno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Hand Dominance ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Minor League ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Carrying Angle

Background: There are many risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. The elbow carrying angle has not been studied as a potential risk factor. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to determine whether elbow carrying angle is a risk factor for shoulder or elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. We hypothesized that pitchers with a higher elbow carrying angle would be less likely to sustain an injury during the season than pitchers with a lower elbow carrying angle. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: All professional pitchers for a single baseball club during the 2018 season had the carrying angle of both elbows measured at spring training by a single examiner. The pitchers were followed prospectively throughout the season. Shoulder and elbow injuries were recorded prospectively. Results: A total of 52 pitchers (21 [40%] Major League Baseball and 31 [60%] Minor League Baseball) were included. During the season, 23 (44%) pitchers became injured. The mean carrying angle in the throwing arm was 12.5° ± 4.2° versus 9.9° ± 2.8° in the nonthrowing arm ( P < .001). Comparing the injured and noninjured groups, there were no differences in level of play ( P = .870), throwing hand dominance ( P = .683), batting hand dominance ( P = .554), throwing-side carrying angle ( P = .373), nonthrowing-side carrying angle ( P = .773), or side-to-side difference in carrying angle ( P = .481). Conclusion: The elbow carrying angle was not associated with an injury risk during a single season in professional baseball pitchers.

Relationship of The Knee Extensor Strength But Not The Quadriceps Femoris Muscularity With Sprint Performance in Sprinters: A Reexamination and Extension

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miyuki Hori ◽  
Tadashi Suga ◽  
Masafumi Terada ◽  
Takahiro Tanaka ◽  
Yuki Kusagawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knee Extensor ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Quadriceps Femoris ◽  
Sprint Performance ◽  
Sprint Time ◽  
Knee Extensor Strength ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Purpose: This study examined the relationships of the knee extensor strength and quadriceps femoris size with sprint performance in sprinters. Methods: Fifty-eight male sprinters and 40 body size-matched male non-sprinters participated in this study. The knee extensor isometric and isokinetic strengths were measured using a dynamometer. The isokinetic strength measurements were performed with slow and fast velocities at 60°/s and 180°/s, respectively. The quadriceps femoris muscle volume (MV) was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The relative values of the knee extensor strengths and quadriceps femoris MV were normalized to body mass.Results: The absolute and relative values of the two velocity isokinetic strengths, but not of isometric strength, of the knee extension were significantly higher in sprinters than in non-sprinters (both Ps < 0.05). Such a significant difference was also observed for the relative quadriceps femoris MV (P = 0.018). In sprinters, there were significant correlations between all three knee extensor strengths and quadriceps femoris MV (r = 0.421 to 0.531, all Ps £ 0.001). The absolute and relative strengths of the fast-velocity isokinetic knee extension correlated with personal best 100-m sprint time (r = -0.477 and -0.409, respectively, both Ps £ 0.001). By contrast, no significant correlations were observed between absolute and relative quadriceps femoris MVs and personal best 100-m sprint time. Conclusions: These findings suggest that despite the presence of the relationship between muscle strength and size, the knee extensor strength may be related to superior sprint performance in sprinters independently of the quadriceps femoris muscularity.

scholarly journals The Effect of Straight-Line Long-Toss Versus Ultra-Long-Toss Throwing on Passive Glenohumeral Range of Motion Recovery After Pitching

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812098001
Author(s):  
T. David Luo ◽  
Aaron D. Sciascia ◽  
Austin V. Stone ◽  
Chukwuweike U. Gwam ◽  
Christopher A. Grimes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
National Collegiate Athletic Association ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
Right Hand ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

Background: Repetitive throwing in baseball pitchers can lead to pathologic changes in shoulder anatomy, range of motion (notably glenohumeral internal rotation deficit), and subsequent injury; however, the ideal strengthening, recovery, and maintenance protocol of the throwing shoulder in baseball remains unclear. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are straight-line long-toss (SLT) throwing and ultra-long-toss (ULT) throwing, although neither is preferentially supported by empirical data. Hypothesis: ULT will be more effective in returning baseline internal rotation as compared with SLT in collegiate pitchers after a pitching session. Study Design: Cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 24 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball pitchers with mean age 20.0 ± 1.1 years were randomized to either the ULT group (n = 13; 9 right-hand dominant, 4 left-hand dominant) or SLT group (n = 11; 10 right-hand dominant, 1 left-hand dominant). Measurements (dominant and nondominant, 90° abducted external rotation [ER], internal rotation [IR], and total range of motion [TROM]) were taken at 5 time points across 3 days: before and immediately after a standardized bullpen session on day 1; before and immediately after a randomized standardized ULT or SLT session on day 2; and before practice on Day 3. Results: ULT demonstrated significantly greater final ER compared with baseline (+10°; P = 0.05), but did not demonstrate significant IR changes. Similarly, SLT demonstrated significantly greater post-SLT ER (+12°; P = 0.02) and TROM (+12°; P = 0.01) compared with baseline, but no significant IR changes. Final ER measurements were similar between ULT (135° ± 14°) and SLT (138° ± 10°) ( P = 0.59). There was also no statistically significant difference in final IR between ULT (51° ± 14°) and SLT (56° ± 8°) ( P = 0.27). Conclusion: The routine use of postperformance, ULT throwing to recover from range of motion alterations, specifically IR loss, after a pitching session is not superior to standard, SLT throwing. Based on these findings, the choice of postpitching recovery throwing could be player specific based on experience and comfort. Clinical Relevance: The most effective throwing regimens for enhancing performance and reducing residual impairment are unclear, and ideal recovery and maintenance protocols are frequently debated with little supporting data. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are SLT and ULT throwing. These are employed to help maintain range of motion and limit IR loss in pitchers. The routine use of ULT throwing for recovery and to limit range of motion alterations after a pitching session is not superior to SLT throwing.

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