The Effects Of Weighted Loads On Pitching Mechanics In Division 1 Pitchers

Abstract

An effective pitcher is both consistent and powerful; appropriate training optimizes these characteristics. In baseball, the overload principle is commonly employed with the use of cable devices and weighted balls. While this may elicit increases in velocity, the alteration of throwing mechanics is not well understood. PURPOSE: To evaluate acute performance and biomechanical responses to applied resistance in pitching. METHODS: 10 Division 1 collegiate baseball pitchers were tested using Proteus technology (Proteus Motion, USA). After a standardized warm-up, they completed 5 sets of 5 pitches against varying electromagnetic loads. Each successive set increased in resistance by 1 lb, ranging from 1 to 5 lbs. Repeated measures ANOVA examined the effect of load on throwing power (w), acceleration (m/s2), explosiveness (w/s), velocity (m/s2), deceleration (m/s2), endurance (score of power maintenance in serial repetitions), range of motion in three-dimensional space, and consistency (score of how well throw mechanics were replicated across all repetitions in a set). Power, acceleration, explosiveness, velocity, and deceleration were considered acute performance metrics. Endurance, range of motion, and consistency were considered biomechanical responses to increased load. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Pitchers were 73.0 ± 2.8 inches tall, were mostly right-handed (88%), and had a fastball velocity of 84.6 ± 3.9 mph. Repeated measures ANOVA detected differences in power (F = 306.443; p < 0.001), acceleration (F = 103.327; p < 0.001), explosiveness (F = 92.782; p < 0.001), velocity (F = 8.186; p < 0.001), and deceleration (F = 129.861; p < 0.001) in response to incremental load changes. However, increasing load did not affect consistency (F = 1.023; p = 0.415), endurance (F = 1.914, p = 0.111), or range of motion (F = 2.840, p = 0.100). CONCLUSIONS: Adjustments in load produced acute performance changes in pitching power, acceleration, explosiveness, velocity, and deceleration without influencing consistency, endurance, or range of motion. These findings provide preliminary evidence that pitch training against three-dimensional isotonic resistance may enhance throw velocity without significant compromise to kinematic parameters.