A Clinician’s Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion

Abstract

Purpose of review This review examines recent literature regarding analysis of the throwing motion in baseball players and how modern technology may be used to predict or prevent injury. Recent findings Proper throwing technique is vitally important to prevent injury and it is easier to correct poor mechanics prior to foot strike. Recent findings suggest that the inverted-W position may not lead to an increased risk of injury, but incorrect trunk or pelvis rotation does. Three-dimensional motion analysis in a laboratory setting is most commonly used to evaluate the throwing motion, but it does not allow for assessment in real game scenarios. Wearable monitors allow for this and have proven to reliably assess pitching workload, kinematics, and kinetics. Summary Injuries in youth baseball pitchers have increased along with the trend towards more single sport specialization. To prevent injury, assessment of a pitcher's throwing motion should be performed early to prevent development of poor mechanics. Classically, three-dimensional motion analysis has been used to evaluate throwing mechanics and is considered the gold standard. Newer technology, such as wearable monitors, may provide an alternative and allow for assessment during actual competition. Keywords Pitching motion. Video analysis. Kinematics of pitching. Kinetics of pitching. Pitching flaws. Wearables This article is part of the Topical Collection on Injuries in Overhead Athletes

Feasibility of the pitch efficiency rating: A novel tool for systematic assessment of pitching mechanics in developing throwing athletes

“…3 Commonly, the motion is broken down into six phases, interconnected by a series of kinematic events, beginning with windup and ending with ball release (Figure 1). 2,[4][5][6][7][8] Limitations in strength, range of motion, and suboptimal mechanics can affect each phase of the throwing motion. Physical and mechanical deficits can therefore place increased stress across the shoulder and elbow leading to elevated injury risk.…”

“…At the Division I collegiate and professional ranks, 3Dmotion analyses along with novel wearable technologies are increasingly used to assess performance and injury risk. 2 However, such resources are not typically available for real-time analysis in young athletes when they may be at the greatest risk for overuse injuries. 11 In recent years, high-quality 2D-cameras are increasingly available within the average smartphone.…”

“…However, 3D‐motion analysis is often inaccessible to medical professionals, coaches, and athletes at the community level. The availability of reliable biomechanical assessments is limited due to the cost of technology and specialized training needed to accurately collect and interpret vast amounts of data relating to the kinetic chain 2 . Given this disparity, there is a gap between the current biomechanics literature and its practical application with young athletes.…”