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Drive-Leg Kinematics During the Windup and Pushoff Is Associated With Pitching Kinetics at Later Phases of the Pitch

Journal Article · · American Journal of Sports Medicine
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [1]
  1. Sports Medicine and Movement Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
  2. United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, Alabama, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA

Background:Inconsistent findings exist between drive-leg ground-reaction forces (GRFs) and pitching mechanics. Previous literature has largely reported drive-leg mechanics and GRFs at the start of the pushoff phase for their role in initiating force development. Little research has assessed drive-leg kinematics that includes a pitcher’s windup motion to determine its effects on subsequent phases in the pitching motion. Purpose/Hypothesis:The primary aim was to analyze the relationship between drive-leg knee valgus angle during the windup and subsequent pitching mechanics. We hypothesized that the drive-leg knee valgus angle during the early portion of the pitching motion would alter later phases’ pitching mechanics. A secondary aim was to assess GRFs to determine if the drive-leg knee valgus angle was associated with changes in force. We hypothesized that an increased drive-leg knee valgus angle would increase GRFs during the pitching motion. Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study. Methods:A total of 17 high school baseball pitchers (mean age, 16.1 ± 0.9 years; mean height, 180.0 ± 4.8 cm; mean weight, 75.5 ± 7.5 kg) volunteered for the study. Kinematic data and GRFs were collected using an electromagnetic tracking system and force plates. Pitchers threw maximal-effort fastballs from a mound at regulation distance. The drive-leg knee valgus angle was analyzed during the windup and pushoff phases of the pitch to determine its effects on other biomechanical variables throughout the pitching motion. Results:There was a significant relationship between drive-leg knee valgus angle during the windup ( Fchange 1,12) = 16.13; P = .002; R2= 0.695) and lateral GRF in the arm-cocking phase. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between drive-leg knee valgus angle during pushoff ( Fchange(2,11) = 10.21; P = .003; R2= 0.716) and lateral GRF in the arm-cocking phase and pitching-elbow valgus moment in the acceleration phase. Conclusion:Drive-leg knee valgus angle during the windup and pushoff had a significant relationship with drive-leg GRF and pitching-elbow valgus moment at later stages of the pitching cycle. Clinical Relevance:Assessments of drive-leg kinematics during the windup and pushoff may be useful in identifying inefficient movement patterns that can have an effect on the direction of a pitcher’s drive-leg force contribution, which can lead to increased forces on the throwing elbow.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Inst. for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
DOE Contract Number:
SC0014664
OSTI ID:
1983027
Journal Information:
American Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol. 50, Issue 5; ISSN 0363-5465
Publisher:
SAGE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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