Individualised Ball Speed Prediction in Baseball Pitching Based on IMU Data.

Larisa Gomaz,Frank Van Der Meulen,Erik Van Der Graaff,Bart Van Trigt,Dirkjan Veeger

doi:10.3390/s21227442

Larisa Gomaz, Frank Van Der Meulen + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s21227442

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Abstract

Ball velocity is considered an important performance measure in baseball pitching. Proper pitching mechanics play an important role in both maximising ball velocity and injury-free participation of baseball pitchers. However, an individual pitcher’s characteristics display individuality and may contribute to velocity imparted to the ball. The aim of this study is to predict ball velocity in baseball pitching, such that prediction is tailored to the individual pitcher, and to investigate the added value of the individuality to predictive performance. Twenty-five youth baseball pitchers, members of a national youth baseball team and six baseball academies in The Netherlands, performed ten baseball pitches with maximal effort. The angular velocity of pelvis and trunk were measured with IMU sensors placed on pelvis and sternum, while the ball velocity was measured with a radar gun. We develop three Bayesian regression models with different predictors which were subsequently evaluated based on predictive performance. We found that pitcher’s height adds value to ball velocity prediction based on body segment rotation. The developed method provides a feasible and affordable method for ball velocity prediction in baseball pitching.

Highlights

Proper pitching mechanics play an important role in both success and health of baseball pitchers
We developed three multilevel Bayesian regression models for ball velocity prediction using R 4.0.3 [17] and rstanarm [18,19]
Comparing the developed models determines the contribution of the kinematic parameters related to pitching mechanics and body height of a pitcher to accuracy of ball speed prediction

Summary

Introduction

Proper pitching mechanics play an important role in both success and health of baseball pitchers. The optimal sequential activation of body parts while pitching, known as the kinetic chain, can result in reduced elbow and shoulder stress and maximise pitching performance [1,2]. Injuries of the throwing arm, such as the ones to the shoulder and elbow, are common in the overhead pitching motion of baseball. Major League Baseball pitchers are especially prone to injury because of the throwing velocities commonly seen approaching and even exceeding 100 mph. To create such high ball velocities, high energy levels pass through the components of the kinetic chain that affect the weakest links among them, especially the elbow [3]. There is a need for assessment of the throwing technique that enables players to throw fast pitches in the strike zone without an overload

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