Overhead throwing in cricketers: A biomechanical description and playing level considerations

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe stationary overhead throwing biomechanics in South African cricketers, considering playing level, and relative to baseball. Kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected during throwing trials. Inverse dynamics was used to calculate joint kinetics. Inter-subject variability was calculated using the coefficient of variance. A one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping ANOVA was conducted to assess differences between the kinematic waveforms in elite and amateur cricketers (p < 0.05). Fifteen cricketers (elite = 8; amateur = 7) participated in this study. The basic parameters of a cricketer’s throwing action are described. Substantial inter-subject variability was noted for all variables, except lumbopelvic movement. Cricketers presented with 74.9 ± 27.3° glenohumeral external rotation and 94.8 ± 23.7° elbow flexion, at maximum external rotation (MER). Amateur cricketers displayed decreased elbow flexion range of motion between 2-14% of the throwing cycle (F = 9.365;p = 0.01); greater shoulder (121.0vs85.9 N; F = 0.36,p = 0.021) and elbow compression (105.6vs72.8 N;F = 0.007,p = 0.043), and superior shoulder force (203.1vs115.5 N;F = 2.43,p = 0.022) at MER, when compared with elite cricketers. Cricketers display similarities to baseball pitchers when throwing overhead from a stationary position. The “preparatory arc” utilised is different to the wind-up noted for baseball. The forces exerted on the shoulder and elbow, in amateur cricketers specifically, are substantially greater at MER and may indicate the potential risk for injury.