A biomechanical comparison of different baseball batting training methods

Author(s):  
Wei-Han Chen ◽  
Yu-Cheng Chiu ◽  
Chiang Liu ◽  
Ming-Sheng Chan ◽  
Nicholas J Fiolo ◽  
...  

This study compared the kinematic parameters of swing mechanics under toss batting (TB), motor imagery (MI), video projection (VP), and virtual reality (VR) conditions during baseball batting. Nine college baseball players performed three swings to hit a tossed ball under TB conditions or a virtual ball under MI, VP, and VR conditions. The results revealed that upper trunk backward rotation was smaller in the loading phase under the VP and VR conditions than under the TB and MI conditions and lower under VR than under the VP condition ( p < 0.05) except at the load event. Pelvic backward rotation was smaller under the VR condition than under the TB, MI, and VP conditions ( p < 0.05). In the swing phase, TB demonstrated higher peak velocity at the head of the bat, lead elbow extension, and pelvis and upper trunk rotation than did MI, VP, and VR, whereas VP also demonstrated higher peak velocity in pelvic forward rotation than did VR ( p < 0.05). In summary, VR demonstrates a more realistic response in the loading phase and reduced pelvic backward rotation but lower movement velocities. Coaches should pay attention to movement differences between swing conditions when arranging a swing training plan.

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e7806
Author(s):  
Alba Roda-Sales ◽  
Margarita Vergara ◽  
Joaquín L. Sancho-Bru ◽  
Verónica Gracia-Ibáñez ◽  
Néstor J. Jarque-Bou

Assistive devices (ADs) are products intended to overcome the difficulties produced by the reduction in mobility and grip strength entailed by ageing and different pathologies. Nevertheless, there is little information about the effect that the use of these devices produces on hand kinematics. Thus, the aim of this work is to quantify this effect through the comparison of kinematic parameters (mean posture, ROM, median velocity and peak velocity) while performing activities of daily living (ADL) using normal products and ADs. Twelve healthy right-handed subjects performed 11 ADL with normal products and with 17 ADs wearing an instrumented glove on their right hand, 16 joint angles being recorded. ADs significantly affected hand kinematics, although the joints affected differed according to the AD. Furthermore, some pattern effects were identified depending on the characteristics of the handle of the ADs, namely, handle thickening, addition of a handle to products that initially did not have one, extension of existing handles or addition of handles to apply higher torques. An overview of the effects of these design characteristics on hand kinematics is presented as a basis for the selection of the most suitable AD depending on the patient’s impairments.


2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Serrien ◽  
Jean-Pierre Baeyens

Abstract The proximal-to-distal sequence has previously been discussed in the light of performance and injury prevention. Sports biomechanics literature in general, and in team handball in specific, has claimed to be of importance to inform coaches on what constitutes a ‘good’ technical performance. However, hitherto no prospective studies exist on how this information may be used and this may in part be due to the general small sample sizes. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of proximal-to-distal sequencing in team handball throwing motions. A total of fourteen articles were included in the systematic review. Meta-analyses were performed for the timing of maximal angles and angular velocities as well as initiation of joint angular velocities in the penalty throw, the standing throw with run-up and the jump shot of experienced team handball players. For the initiation of joint angular velocities, the overall sequence was estimated to start with pelvis rotation, followed by trunk rotation, trunk flexion, shoulder internal rotation and elbow extension. For maximal velocities, the sequence started with pelvis rotation, followed by trunk rotation, trunk flexion, elbow extension, and shoulder internal rotation (post ball release). The obtained results were discussed in the light of talent identification purposes. Limitations to individual study methodology and of the present meta-analysis were also discussed. Much more research will be necessary, but at the very least, this review can provide a starting point for evidence-based discussions between movement scientists and team handball coaches to include proximal-to-distal sequencing as a measure of coordination to gauge early onset of talent.


2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael F. Escamilla ◽  
Glenn S. Fleisig ◽  
Coop DeRenne ◽  
Marcus K. Taylor ◽  
Claude T. Moorman ◽  
...  

A motion system collected 120-Hz data from 14 baseball adult hitters using normal and choke-up bat grips. Six swings were digitized for each hitter, and temporal and kinematic parameters were calculated. Compared with a normal grip, the choke-up grip resulted in 1) less time during stride phase and swing; 2) the upper torso more opened at lead foot contact; 3) the pelvis more closed and less bat linear velocity at bat-ball contact; 4) less range of motion of the upper torso and pelvis during swing; 5) greater elbow flexion at lead foot contact; and 6) greater peak right elbow extension angular velocity. The decreased time during the stride phase when using a choke-up grip implies that hitters quicken their stride when they choke up. Less swing time duration and less upper torso and pelvis rotation range of motion using the choke-up grip supports the belief of many coaches and players that using a choke-up grip results in a “quicker” swing. However, the belief that using a choke-up grip leads to a faster moving bat was not supported by the results of this study.


2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2597-2603 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Craig Garrison ◽  
Mollie A. Cole ◽  
John E. Conway ◽  
Michael J. Macko ◽  
Charles Thigpen ◽  
...  

Background: Shoulder range of motion (ROM) deficits are associated with elbow injury in baseball players. Purpose: To compare the ROM characteristics of baseball players with a diagnosed ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear with those of a group of age-, activity-, and position-matched healthy controls. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Sixty male competitive high school and collegiate baseball players participated. Thirty athletes (age [mean ± standard deviation], 18.20 ± 1.56 years) with a diagnosed UCL tear were compared with 30 (age, 18.57 ± 0.86 years) age-, activity-, and position-matched players without a UCL injury. Of the 60 participants, there were 44 pitchers, 4 catchers, 5 infielders, and 7 outfielders. Participants were measured for shoulder internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), and horizontal adduction (HA) at 90° of shoulder elevation. Participants were also measured for elbow extension in a seated position. Group comparisons were made between participants with and without a UCL injury using independent t tests with an α level set at P < .05. All measurements were taken bilaterally, and the differences (involved to uninvolved) were used to calculate means for all variables, including glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD), total rotational motion (TRM), HA, and elbow extension. Results: Baseball players with a UCL tear (UCLInj) exhibited significantly greater deficits in TRM compared with the control group of healthy baseball players (NUCLInj) (UCLInj = −6.67° ± 11.82°, NUCLInj = 0.93° ± 9.91°; P = .009). No group differences were present for GIRD (UCLInj = −12.53° ± 5.98°, NUCLInj = −13.63° ± 5.90°; P = .476), HA (UCLInj = −3.00° ± 5.01°, NUCLInj = −3.23° ± 5.15°; P = .860), or elbow extension (UCLInj = −2.63° ± 7.86°, NUCLInj = −1.17° ± 2.76°; P = .339). Pitchers with a UCL tear had significantly greater deficits in TRM (UCLInjPitch = −6.96° ± 11.20°, NUCLInjPitch = 1.29° ± 8.33°; P = .0087) and dominant shoulder ER (UCLInjPitch = 112.04° ± 14.35°, NUCLInjPitch = 121.85° ± 9.46°; P = .011) than pitchers without a UCL tear. Conclusion: A deficit in TRM is associated with a UCL tear in baseball players. Although GIRD may be prevalent in throwers, it may not be associated with a UCL injury. When examining ROM in baseball players, it is important to assess both TRM and GIRD.


2005 ◽  
Vol 37 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. S118-S119
Author(s):  
Hirokazu Ito ◽  
Koichi Nakazato ◽  
Koji Watarai ◽  
Hiroyuki Nakajima

1994 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 678
Author(s):  
Tomohisa Miyanishi ◽  
Michiyoshi Ae ◽  
Morihiko Okada ◽  
Yasuo Kunugi

Abstract. The growing importance of physical preparation in the training plans of handball coaches must be the basis for consolidation and improvement during the specific training of junior handball players. The higher the motor indicators, the higher the difference between the technical and tactical skills of junior handball players in terms of achieving maximum efficiency. The research took place over an eight-month period. The research participants were 32 U17 junior handball players aged 15 and 16 years. They were divided into two groups as follows: the experimental group, consisting of 15 handball players from the Bucharest Municipal Sports Club, and the control group, consisting of 17 handball players from the Bucharest School Sports Club No. 2. The methods used for the experimental group included set training circuits performed in the corresponding part of basic training. Each training circuit was introduced systematically and quantifiably for 15 minutes, three times a week on successive days and according to the training period covered by the U17 male handball team. The training of the control group was based on traditional methods provided in the annual training plan. Throughout this period, the specific physical training parameters of the experimental group were influenced by the chosen training methods: for speed endurance in different directions and at different angles with forward, backward and lateral movements; for the ability to rotate in different directions and at different angles with an emphasis on execution speed, acceleration speed, speed endurance, agility and body control.


2021 ◽  

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of specific warm-up on squat and bench press resistance training. Methods: Thirty-four resistance-trained males (23.53 ± 2.35 years) participated in the current study. Among these, 12 were evaluated in the squat and 22 in the bench press. After determining the maximal strength load (1RM), each participant performed a training set (3 × 6 repetitions) with 80%1RM (training load) after completing a specific warm-up and without warming up, in random order. The warm-up comprised 2 × 6 repetitions with 40% and 80% of the training load, respectively. Mean propulsive velocity, velocity loss, peak velocity, mechanical power, work, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed. Results: The results showed that after the warm-up, the participants were able to perform the squat and bench press at a higher mean propulsive velocity in the first set (squat: 0.68 ± 0.05 vs. 0.64 ± 0.06 m·s−1, p = 0.009, ES = 0.91; bench press: 0.52 ± 0.06 vs. 0.47 ± 0.08 m·s−1, p = 0.02, ES = 0.56). The warm-up positively influenced the peak velocity (1.32 ± 0.12 vs. 1.20 ± 0.11 m·s−1, p = 0.001, ES = 1.23) and the time to reach peak velocity (593.75 ± 117.01 vs. 653.58 ± 156.53 ms, p = 0.009, ES = 0.91) during the squat set. Conclusion: The specific warm-up seems to enhance neuromuscular actions that enable a higher movement velocity during the first training repetitions and to allow greater peak velocities in less time.


2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 334-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirofumi Ida ◽  
Seiji Kusubori ◽  
Motonobu Ishii

The purposes of this study were to (a) describe the racket-arm kinematics and kinetics of the soft-tennis smash during match rallies, and (b) assess the characteristics of this smash vs. the laboratory-simulated smash of our previous study. In the current study we recorded soft-tennis smash motions during match play of the 3rd East Asian Games. Racket-arm anatomical joint angular velocity and anatomical joint torque were calculated from 3-D coordinate data of 13 collected motions obtained using the direct linear transformation procedure. The results showed that most of the maximum values of the anatomical joint torques were qualitatively smaller than those of the tennis serve. Peak elbow extension, shoulder internal rotation, and elbow varus torques in match play were significantly greater than values reported for laboratory-simulated conditions. The greater forward swing torques did not result in significantly different racket head velocity, possibly because there was a significantly shorter forward swing phase in match conditions. In particular, a clear peak of the elbow extension torque during the forward swing phase was the most characteristic pattern in the smashes under match conditions, for it was 160% greater than laboratory-simulated conditions. These results supported our hypothesis that racket-arm kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the smash under match conditions differ from those under laboratory-simulated conditions. Possible explanations include the time-pressure conditions of the competitive situation in a match, and the Hawthorne effect (Hudson et al., 1986), both of which alter performance between match conditions and laboratory-simulated conditions.


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