Abstract
Efficient throwing mechanics is predicated on a pitcher’s ability to perform a sequence of movements of body segments, which progresses from the legs, pelvis, and trunk to the smaller, distal arm segments. Each segment plays a vital role in achieving maximum ball velocity at ball release. The perturbation of one joint angle has an effect on the ball release speed. An eight-segment angle-driven simulation model of the trunk, upper limbs and ball was developed to determine which joint angle changes have the most influence on ball release speed in overarm throwing for an experienced pitcher. Fifteen overarm throwing trials were recorded, and the joint angle time histories of each trial were input into the simulation model. Systematically replacing each joint angle time history with a constant value showed that overarm throwing was sensitive (≥5 m/s effect on ball release speed) to trunk extension/flexion and upper arm external/internal rotation, and very sensitive (≥10 m/s effect) to forearm extension/flexion. Computer simulation allows detailed analysis and complete control to investigate contributions to performance, and the key joint angle changes for overarm throwing were identified in this analysis.
Highlights
Overarm throwing is a fast, three-dimensional movement with complex interactions between limb segments
The 15 trials performed by the male fastball pitcher were consistent in terms of both ball release speed (29.6 ± 0.9 m/s) and the joint angle time histories with each joint angle time history following the same overall shape (Figure 1)
Joint angle changes at the shoulder were clearly important to overarm throwing ball release speed, as all three joint angle time histories at the shoulder had a substantial effect on ball release speed, whilst the joint angle time history that had the largest effect on ball release speed was forearm extension/flexion at the elbow (Table 1)
Summary
Overarm throwing is a fast, three-dimensional movement with complex interactions between limb segments. Numerous studies have been carried out to understand the biomechanics of overarm throwing as well as to propose techniques to improve performance [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Most of the previous studies have focused on the kinematics [7,8,9] and kinetics including joint force and moment [8,10,11] analysis in the upper extremities. Computer simulation models are able to replicate the movement whilst safely investigating technical strategies to enhance performance [1,8,17,18,19,20,21,22]. A simulation model can be used to determine the influence of one variable on performance, which is difficult to do using
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