scholarly journals Biomechanical comparison of pitching a fastball from the wind-up and the set positions: Focusing on ball velocity and motion of the lower limbs and trunk during pitching in high school baseball pitchers

2015 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 737-757
Author(s):  
Masahiro Kageyama ◽  
Chiharu Suzuki ◽  
Mineaki Iwamoto ◽  
Hajime Nakashima ◽  
Akira Maeda
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Biomechanical Comparison

scholarly journals Effects of Mound Versus Flat-Ground Pitching and Distance on Arm Mechanics and Elbow Torque in High School Pitchers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 232596712096924
Author(s):  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Kathryn D. McElheny ◽  
Christopher L. Camp ◽  
Daphne I. Ling ◽  
Joshua S. Dines
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Mixed Effects Models ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Effects ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Surrogate Measure ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Flat Ground

Background: Although the monitoring of a pitcher’s throwing arm workload has become a hot topic in both research and the pitching world, the impact of mound height and distance still remains unclear. Purpose: To compare the kinetics and kinematics between pitches from a mound and flat ground at 2 different distances. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: A total of 21 healthy high school varsity baseball pitchers (age, 16.2 ± 1.3 years; weight, 73.6 ± 11.0 kg; height, 181.3 ± 6.4 cm) participated in this study. Players were fitted with a motusBASEBALL sensor and sleeve. Each pitcher was instructed to pitch 5 fastballs under 4 conditions: mound at 60.5 ft (regulation distance), flat ground at 60.5 ft, mound at 50.5 ft, and flat ground at 50.5 ft. Linear mixed-effects models were used to account for both intra- and interplayer variability. A multivariable model was used to evaluate the association of mound pitching, flat-ground pitching, and their distances (50.5 ft and 60.5 ft), and their interaction to arm speed, arm slot, arm rotation, elbow varus torque, and ball velocity. Results: There were no statistically significant effects of mound, flat-ground, or distance variation on arm speed or shoulder rotation. Arm slot was significantly higher (+3.0°; P = .02) on pitches from the mound at 60.5 ft compared with 50.5 ft. Elbow varus torque was lower (–1.5 N·m; P = .02) on mound pitches at 60.5 ft compared with 50.5 ft. Pitches thrown from the mound displayed significantly faster ball velocity compared with flat-ground pitches at both distances ( P < .01 for both), with pitches at 60.5 ft having higher velocity (+0.7 m/s; P < .01). Conclusion: Contrary to long-standing notions, the study results suggest that pitching from the mound does not significantly increase stress on the elbow compared with flat-ground pitching. Lower elbow varus torque and faster ball velocity at the regulation distance compared with the reduced distance indicate that elbow stress and ball velocity may not correlate perfectly, and radar guns may not be an appropriate surrogate measure of elbow varus torque. Clinical Relevance: A better understanding of the kinetic and kinematic implications of various throwing programs will allow for the designing of programs that are driven by objective data with aims directed toward injury prevention and rehabilitation in baseball pitchers.

scholarly journals Association of Pitch Timing and Throwing Arm Kinetics in High School and Professional Pitchers

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 3386-3394
Author(s):  
Joseph E. Manzi ◽  
Brittany Dowling ◽  
Zhaorui Wang ◽  
Kyle N. Kunze ◽  
Jennifer Estrada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Significant Loss ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Pitching Motion ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Angular Velocities ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Distraction Force

Background: Understanding the relationship between the temporal phases of the baseball pitch and subsequent joint loading may improve our understanding of optimal pitching mechanics and contribute to injury prevention in baseball pitchers. Purpose: To investigate the temporal phases of the pitching motion and their associations with ball velocity and throwing arm kinetics in high school (HS) and professional (PRO) baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: PRO (n = 317) and HS (n = 54) baseball pitchers were evaluated throwing 8 to 12 fastball pitches using 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). Four distinct phases of the pitching motion were evaluated based on timing of angular velocities: (1) Foot-Pelvis, (2) Pelvis-Torso, (3) Torso-Elbow, and (4) Elbow-Ball. Peak elbow varus torque, shoulder internal rotation torque, and shoulder distraction force were also calculated and compared between playing levels using 2-sample t tests. Linear mixed-effect models with compound symmetry covariance structures were used to correlate pitch velocity and throwing arm kinetics with the distinct temporal phases of the pitching motion. Results: PRO pitchers had greater weight and height, and faster ball velocities than HS pitchers ( P < .001). There was no difference in total pitch time between groups ( P = .670). PRO pitchers spent less time in the Foot-Pelvis ( P = .010) and more time in the Pelvis-Torso ( P < .001) phase comparatively. Shorter time spent in the earlier phases of the pitching motion was significantly associated with greater ball velocity for both PRO and HS pitchers (Foot-Pelvis: B = −6.4 and B = −11.06, respectively; Pelvis-Torso: B = −6.4 and B = −11.4, respectively), while also associated with increased shoulder proximal force (Pelvis-Torso: B = −76.4 and B = −77.5, respectively). Decreased time in the Elbow-Ball phase correlated with greater shoulder proximal force for both cohorts (B = −1150 and B = −645, respectively) with no significant correlation found for ball velocity. Conclusion: Significant differences in temporal phases exist between PRO and HS pitchers. For all pitchers, increased time spent in the final phase of the pitching motion has the potential to decrease shoulder distraction force with no significant loss in ball velocity. Clinical Relevance: Identifying risk factors for increased shoulder and elbow kinetics, acting as a surrogate for loading at the respective joints, has potential implications in injury prevention.

Relationship Between Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Medial Elbow Torque in High School Baseball Pitchers

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 2821-2826 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Grace Smith ◽  
Alexander J. Swantek ◽  
Caleb M. Gulledge ◽  
Vincent A. Lizzio ◽  
Angel Bermudez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Internal Rotation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Maximum Effort ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Relative Differences

Background: Alterations in throwing mechanics have been identified as a risk factor for overuse injuries in baseball players. Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) has been found to adversely affect throwing mechanics, but the effect of GIRD on medial elbow torque is unclear. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between GIRD and medial elbow torque in high school–aged baseball pitchers. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: High school baseball pitchers (14-18 years old) were recruited for participation in this study. Players’ height, weight, body mass index, and arm measurements were recorded as well as shoulder and elbow range of motion measurements. GIRD was calculated from the difference between dominant and nondominant shoulder internal rotation. Participants then pitched 5 fastballs at maximum effort while wearing a wireless sensor that recorded elbow torque, arm slot, arm speed, shoulder rotation, and ball velocity. Principal component analysis was performed to determine which variables were associated with elbow torque or ball velocity. Results: Twenty-three high school pitchers participated in this study; 35% (n = 8) of participants exhibited GIRD of at least 20°. The mean GIRD was 15.3°± 11.2° and was not a predictor of medial elbow torque ( P = .205) or ball velocity ( P = .333). Ball velocity, age, and height were predictors of medial elbow torque ( P = .012, P = .003, and P = .024, respectively). Conclusion: In high school baseball pitchers, GIRD was not associated with medial elbow torque during the pitching motion. Instead, ball velocity, player age, and player height carried greater significance. Clinical Relevance: This study suggests that high school pitchers with GIRD do not have an inherently greater risk for increased medial elbow torque during the throwing motion. It is recommended that pitchers instead assess their ball velocity to evaluate for relative differences in medial elbow torque.

Biomechanical Comparison between Elite Female and Male Baseball Pitchers

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yungchien Chu ◽  
Glenn S. Fleisig ◽  
Kathy J. Simpson ◽  
James R. Andrews
Keyword(s):  
Angular Velocity ◽  
Knee Extension ◽  
Elbow Extension ◽  
Ball Release ◽  
Ball Velocity ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Biomechanical Features ◽  
Biomechanical Comparison ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Kinematics And Kinetics

The purpose of the current study was to identify the biomechanical features of elite female baseball pitching. Kinematics and kinetics of eleven elite female baseball pitchers were reported and compared with eleven elite male pitchers. Results suggested that females share many similarities with males in pitching kinematics, with a few significant differences. Specifically, at the instant of stride foot contact, a female pitcher had a shorter and more open stride and less separation between pelvis orientation and upper torso orientation. From foot contact to ball release, a female pitcher produced lower peak angular velocity for throwing elbow extension and stride knee extension. Ball velocity was lower for the female. Foot contact to ball release took more time for a female pitcher. Maximal proximal forces at the shoulder and elbow joints were less for a female pitcher.

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.

scholarly journals Four-year trend in shoulder and elbow injuries in competitive level high school baseball pitchers: A repeated cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tsuyoshi Sasaki ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

scholarly journals An analysis of pre-season risk factors for low back injury in high-school baseball pitchers: a prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kurumi Nakase ◽  
Hitoshi Shitara ◽  
Tsuyoshi Tajika ◽  
Takuro Kuboi ◽  
Tsuyoshi Ichinose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Back Injury ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Shoulder Range Of Motion ◽  
Low Back Injury ◽  
Significant Independent Risk Factor ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers

AbstractPitching motion requires whole-body coordination; therefore, poor control of the lower extremities, pelvis and trunk may cause shoulder and elbow injuries. However, few studies have described the relationship between the shoulder joint function and low back injury in high-school baseball pitchers. A total of 128 healthy high school pitchers underwent pre-season medical checkups, where their shoulder range of motion and shoulder strength were measured. The participants completed a self-recorded daily questionnaire regarding the presence of low back pain. Pitchers were divided into injured and non-injured groups. Low back injury was observed in 13 participants (13.4%). In the injured group, horizontal adduction on the dominant shoulder was significantly less than in the non-injured group. A logistic regression analysis showed that horizontal adduction on the dominant side was a significant independent risk factor for low back injury during the season. It is important to recognize that restriction of the shoulder function not only causes shoulder and elbow injuries but can also risk low back injury.

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