On discretising continuous data for subgroup analysis in baseball pitching and alternative analytical methodologies.

There is a plethora of research attempting to contrast high- and low-velocity pitchers to identify traits to target for increasing velocity. However, pitch velocity exists on a continuum. Therefore, our purpose is to display the analytical discrepancies between creating velocity subgroups and leaving velocity as a continuous variable by examining the influence of ball velocity on elbow valgus torque.

Usage and acceptability of data normalization in baseball pitching.

In baseball pitching biomechanics, kinetic values are commonly ratio 'normalised' by dividing by mass or mass*height to allow for comparison between athletes of different sizes. However, creating a normalised ratio variable should meet certain statistical assumptions. Our purpose was to determine if elbow valgus torque predicted by pitching velocity is influenced by normalisation using regression model comparison with and without normalised torque values.

Ground reaction forces in baseball pitching: temporal associations with pitch velocity among high-velocity pitchers.

How baseball pitchers interact with the ground is an important aspect of pitching technique and performance. Previous studies on ground reaction forces in baseball pitching have largely been limited to pitchers at the youth or adolescent level, with only a few studies examining higher velocity pitchers. Additionally, previous studies have limited their analyses to only peak kinetic values, neglecting any temporal importance of when these peak values occur.

Pelvis and Trunk Energy Flow in Collegiate Softball Pitchers With and Without Upper Extremity Pain.

Background: The softball pitch is a full-body motion, where efficient proximal to distal energy flow through the kinetic chain is said to reduce stress at the upper extremity. Although altered trunk kinematic parameters are associated with upper extremity pain in softball pitchers, further research is needed to determine whether differences exist in proximal energy flow between softball pitchers with and without pain.

Hypothesis/purpose: To examine pelvis and trunk energy flow during the acceleration phase of the pitch in collegiate softball pitchers with and without upper extremity pain.

Preliminary Analysis of Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test Differences Between Healthy and Previously Injured/In-Pain Baseball Pitchers.

Background: A comprehensive examination of the kinetic chain during an overhead athlete's upper extremity assessment, such as the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST), may help clinicians identify potential upper extremity dysfunction.

Hypothesis: Body position observed on dominant and nondominant hand touch during a CKCUEST trial differs between players with previous injury/pain history compared with healthy counterparts.

Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Altered Cervical Spine Position Results in Decreased Shoulder Rotation Strength.

Background: Strength testing of shoulder rotation is commonly used in clinical examinations of the shoulder. People prone to shoulder injury, such as overhead athletes and manual trade workers, place their shoulders under tremendous amounts of stress when the cervical spine is in nonneutral positions. If these nonneutral cervical spine positions result in decreased shoulder strength, it may help explain the etiology of the high prevalence of shoulder injuries in these populations.

Segment power analysis of collegiate softball hitting.

The primary aim of this investigation was to describe the energy flow through the kinetic chain during softball hitting using a segmental power analysis. Twenty-three NCAA Division I collegiate softball athletes (20.4 ± 1.

Association Between Passive Hip Range of Motion and Pitching Kinematics in High School Baseball Pitchers.

Background: Limitations in passive hip range of motion (PROM) may negatively affect pitching mechanics in baseball pitchers. Understanding the relationships between PROM and mechanics can assist in the development of injury prevention protocols.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of hip rotational PROM with pelvis and trunk rotation during pitching in high school baseball pitchers.

Comparison of Pelvis and Trunk Kinematics Between Youth and Collegiate Windmill Softball Pitchers.

Background: The windmill softball pitch is a dynamic sporting movement that places softball pitchers at high risk of injury. Unlike baseball, there is limited research into the mechanical differences between softball pitchers of varying skill levels.

Purpose/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare pelvis and trunk kinematics between youth and collegiate softball pitchers.

Increased Upper Arm Length and Loading Rate Identified as Potential Risk Factors for Injury in Youth Baseball Pitchers.

Background: In the throwing elbow, increased elbow torque has been correlated with increased injury risk. Additional insight into the relationships between anthropometric factors and elbow joint loading is warranted.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship among physical limb length characteristics, elbow kinetics, and elbow kinematics in youth baseball pitchers and to examine the relationship between elbow varus loading rate and elbow kinetics.

Energy generation, absorption, and transfer at the shoulder and elbow in youth baseball pitchers.

Performance during the baseball pitch is dependent on the flow of mechanical energy through the kinetic chain. Little is known about energy flow during the pitching motion and it is not known whether patterns of energy flow are related to pitching performance and injury risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify energy generation, absorption, and transfer across the shoulder and elbow during the baseball pitch and explore the associations between these energetic measures, pitch speed, and traditional measures of upper extremity joint loading.

Relationship Between Humeral Energy Flow During the Baseball Pitch and Glenohumeral Stability.

Researchers suggest that motion deriving energy from the more proximal segments of the body is important to reduce injury susceptibility. However, limited clinical assessments have been associated with efficient energy flow within a complex movement such as the baseball pitch. This research aimed to determine the relationship between glenohumeral stability as determined by the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and energy transfer into and out of the humerus during the baseball pitching motion.

Glenohumeral external rotation weakness partially accounts for increased humeral rotation torque in youth baseball pitchers.

Objectives: To examine differences in shoulder internal rotation (IR) torque among youth pitchers of above and below average relative glenohumeral (GH) rotation strength levels. It was hypothesized that differences in IR torque during the pitching motion would could be explained by differences in relative IR and external rotation (ER) strength.

Design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex and Scapular Stabilizing Muscle Activations During Full-Body Exercises With and Without Resistance Bands.

Wasserberger, KW, Downs, JL, Barfield, JW, Williams, TK, and Oliver, GD. Lumbopelvic-hip complex and scapular stabilizing muscle activations during full-body exercises with and without resistance bands. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2840-2848, 2020-Inefficient sequencing in the kinetic chain has been linked to decreased performance and increased injury risk.