Abstract
ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of lumbopelvic–hip complex (LPHC) instability on segmental sequencing and the maximum velocities during the overhead throw. Fifty softball athletes (164.0 ± 104.0 cm, 65.6 ± 11.3 kg, 16.3 ± 3.8 years) classified as either college, high school or youth performed three 60 ft overhead throws then executed bilateral single leg squats (SLS). Kinematics were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking system. Participants were classified as ‘unstable’ if they displayed knee valgus greater than 15° at 45° knee flexion in the descending phase of the SLS. One-way ANOVAs and Bonferonni post-hoc tests revealed no significant differences between stability groups in segmental sequencing and maximum velocities amongst the college, high school and youth participation level. When all athletes were grouped together regardless of age, there were still no significant differences observed between groups. These findings imply that segmental sequencing and maximum velocities are not a function of LPHC stability amongst this specific group of athletes. Additionally, the SLS may not accurately quantify LPHC stability in regards to throwing. The authors recommend that future studies repeat these methods amongst different athletic populations and continue to evaluate different clinical tests for LPHC stability.
Highlights
When performing dynamic activities such as overhead throwing, the body acts as a kinetic chain comprising independent links connected in series (Putnam 1993)
Efficient and effective utilization of mobility and stability along the kinetic chain is crucial in the overhead throw
The findings of the current study suggest that lumbopelvic–hip complex (LPHC) stability, as evident by knee valgus during the single leg squats (SLS), does not influence segmental sequencing or the maximum segmental velocities of the pelvis, trunk, humerus and forearm during an overhead throw
Summary
When performing dynamic activities such as overhead throwing, the body acts as a kinetic chain comprising independent links connected in series (Putnam 1993). The lumbopelvic–hip complex (LPHC) is the key component connecting the upper and lower extremities and serves as a direct link in the transfer of energy along the kinetic chain (Kibler et al 2006). LPHC stability is defined as the ability to maintain postural control; this means maintaining control of the pelvis over the stride leg and the trunk over the pelvis during overhead throwing (Wilson et al 2005; Kibler et al 2006)
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