Effects of a Disturbed Kinetic Chain in the Fastball Pitch on Elbow Kinetics and Ball Speed

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of an experimentally imposed kinetic chain disturbance in baseball pitching on ball speed and elbow kinetics. The experimental design consisted of two (within-subject) conditions. In one condition there was no manipulation (control condition). The other condition involved a manipulation of the kinetic chain by taping the pelvis and trunk. In both conditions, pitchers were instructed to throw fastballs until a minimum of 15 pitches were captured. Inverse dynamic solutions were used calculate the internal elbow moments of six elite youth baseball pitchers. The pitchers that were hampered in throwing fastballs, by the taped pelvis and trunk, showed significant lower ball speeds and peak internal varus moments compared to the pitchers that were allowed to throw without any hindrance.

Are UCL Injuries a Matter of Bad Luck? The Role of Variability and Fatigue Quantified

“…To determine the influence of this assumption, the varus-valgus torque was estimated by inverse dynamics with three different simulated rotation centers during a baseball pitch: in the middle between both epicondyles, 90% in the direction of the lateral epicondyle, and 90% in the direction of the medial epicondyle (Figure 3a). Details of the inverse dynamic method can be found in the study of Leenen et al [15]. The results show small differences over time; however, at the instant of the peak external valgus torque it is negligible, which does not explain the torque differences between in-vitro and inverse dynamics.…”

Using a Sensor-Embedded Baseball to Identify Finger Characteristics Related to Spin Rate and Pitching Velocity in Pitchers

“…Spin rate [ 5 ] and fastball velocity [ 6 ] are two pitching metrics to evaluate a pitcher’s performance level. Studies have shown that the mechanics of pitching may affect fastball pitching performance including fastball velocity [ 7 , 8 ], while findings related to spin rate remain scarce, which may partly be due to pitching capture technologies not being available until most recently, with Ropsodo first released in 2016. The relationship between fastball pitching performance and big muscle groups (e.g., quadriceps, hamstrings, hip rotators, core musculature, and shoulders) involved in the kinetic chain was evaluated via dynamometers and force plates and showed positive correlations because the energy is transferred from the lower limbs to the torso to the upper extremities [ 9 , 10 ].…”