Effect of Repetitive Pitching on the Control of Lower Extremity Joints and Center of Mass in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers
Journal
Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach
ISSN
1941-7381
1941-0921
Date Issued
2024-09-04
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Repetitive motion can alter joint angles and subsequently affect the control of the center of mass (CoM). While the CoM has been studied as a fatigue indicator in various sports, the control of the whole-body CoM during repetitive pitching in baseball pitchers has not been examined. This study aimed to investigate changes in lower-extremity joint angles and CoM control in collegiate baseball pitchers after repetitive pitching. Hypothesis: Baseball pitchers would exhibit significant increase in lower-extremity flexion angles, CoM position, and CoM variability after repetitive pitching. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 23 pitchers from the Collegiate Baseball League were recruited. A motion analysis system was employed to assess lower-extremity joint angles and CoM position during the simulated game, while pitching accuracy and velocity were also recorded. Results: The results revealed a significant forward and downward shift in CoM position ( P < 0.05), along with increased CoM variability in all directions ( P < 0.05) after the simulated game. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in flexion angles of the knee and hip ( P < 0.05); however, pitching velocity and accuracy did not demonstrate significant changes. Conclusion: Repetitive pitching leads to kinematic changes that should be monitored to prevent sports injuries. Clinical Relevance: Baseball pitchers have the ability to modify the control of their CoM and angles of their lower-extremity joints to sustain their pitching performance. It is crucial to monitor compensatory strategies closely to avoid shoulder and elbow injuries among these pitchers.
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Type
journal article