Throwing Events Research Articles

Sport Specialization and Overuse Injuries in Adolescent Throwing Athletes: A Narrative Review.

A significant number of adolescent athletes throughout the world participate in various throwing-dominant sports, including but not limited to baseball, cricket, handball, softball, track and field throwing events, and water polo. Due to the unique stresses placed on the throwing arm and entire body in these sports, a robust volume of literature has highlighted concerns about sport specialization in these athletes and an associated increased risk of injury, particularly to the dominant shoulder and elbow, with sport specialization. This review will highlight the evidence-based literature for this athletic niche, focusing on risk factors for injury, national and international organizations' recommendations for limiting overuse injuries, principles of conditioning and rehabilitative programs, and potential future areas of research to curb the growing incidence of throwing-related injuries among adolescent throwing athletes.

Comparison of force-velocity profiles of the leg-extensors for elite athletes in the throwing events relating to gender, age and event

ABSTRACT Strength capabilities of the leg-extending muscles play an important role in athletic throwing events, where a high momentum must be transferred to the throwing device. The objective of this study was to quantify the force-velocity profiles of the leg-extending muscles considering gender, age and event. The leg-extending forces of 143 elite-athletes (59 females, 84 males) of the athletic throwing events were measured during isokinetic leg press tasks at four speeds. The maxima of force, power and contraction velocity of a knee-extending model muscle could be determined by means of a scalable geometric model and linear fitting. This method makes different groups of athletes comparable. Furthermore, the individually achieved release speeds were measured in a field test. Female and male throwers showed a different development of force-velocity profiles during their maturation process. For the men the development is more speed-oriented. We identified shot putters and javelin throwers to be the athletes with the highest leg-extending power. The importance of leg-extending muscle strength for the complex field performance for the throwing events was confirmed. The presented approach allows to give support in controlling and guiding of leg-extension strength training for both different stages of maturing and varying throwing events.

Changes in Jumping and Throwing Performances in Age-Group Athletes Competing in the European Masters Athletics Championships between 1978 and 2017.

The results of master athletes have been used previously to examine the age-related differences in aerobic capacity, however, less research has been conducted on the variation of jumping and throwing performances with aging. Therefore, the aim of the present study of elite master athletes was to investigate (a) the age-related differences in throwing (i.e., discus, hammer, javelin, and shot put) and jumping events (i.e., high jump, long jump, pole vault, and triple jump) in 5-year age-group intervals from 35–39 to 95–99 years of elite master athletes, and (b) the trends in performance and sex differences. The top eight female and male finalists for each age group and in each event from 20 European Masters Athletics Championships held between 1978 and 2017 were considered. Overall, 13,673 observations from 4726 master athletes were analyzed. For each event separately, a mixed regression model was performed with sex, age group, calendar year, and interaction terms (sex-age group, sex-year) defined as fixed effects. Performances were improving over time with a linear trend overall for each event. Men had better performances as compared to women, (i.e., in triple jump the estimated difference was 2.58 m, p < 0.001). Performances declined with age for each event (i.e., in triple jump, compared with the age group 45–49 years, performance in the age group 35–39 years was 0.98 m better and performance in the age group 85–89 years was 6.24 m worse). The decline of male performances with age was either slower or faster than the decline of female performances depending on age groups and events.

Jumping and throwing performance in the World Masters’ Athletic Championships 1975-2016

ABSTRACTParticipation and performance of elite age group athletes from 35–39 to 95–99 years competing in World Masters Athletics (WMA) Championships 1975–2016 were examined for throwing (discus, hammer, javelin and shot put) and jumping (high jump, long jump, pole vault and triple jump) events. Overall, 21,723 observations from 8,974 master athletes were analysed. A mixed regression model with sex, age group, calendar year and interactions terms (sex-age group; sex-year) defined as fixed effects was performed for each event separately. Performances over time were increasing overall for each event, with a cubic trend. Compared with women, men had better performances (e.g. in triple jump the estimated difference was 3.378 meters, p < 0.001). However, women improved their performance more than men across calendar years. Performances declined with age for each event (e.g. in triple jump, compared with age group 45–49 years, performance in age group 35–39 years was 1.041 meter better and in age group 85–89 years was 5.342 meter worse). In summary, performance in jumping and throwing events of WMA Championships improved across calendar years, whereas the decline of performance with age was dependent on sex and event.

Elite national athletes reach their peak performance later than non-elite in sprints and throwing events

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe and analyse the performance career trajectories for Italian athletes that participated in sprint, hurdles, discus throw, and shot-put athletics events. DesignRetrospective study, data collected between 1994 and 2014. MethodsA total of 5929 athletes (female: n=2977, 50.2%) were included in the study. The age of entering competition and personal best performance was identified in the official competition records. Personal best performances were ranked in percentiles and top-level athletes were considered those in the highest 4% of the performance distribution. ResultsOverall, when controlling for the age of entering competition, top-level athletes reached their personal best later (i.e., around 23–25 years old) for all events compared to the rest of the athletes. Moreover, regression analysis showed that entering competitions later was linked to better performances during adulthood. Also, only 17%–26% [90% CI] of the top-level adult athletes were considered as such when they were 14–17 years old. ConclusionsTogether, these findings suggest that early sport success is not a strong predictor of top-level performance at senior level. Entering sport-specific competitions later and lengthening the sports career at beyond 23–25 years of age may be important factors to reach top-level performance in sprint and throwing events.

Excelling at youth level in competitive track and field athletics is not a prerequisite for later success

ABSTRACTEnhancing our understanding of athlete development would be valuable for coaches, parents and administrators to set realistic performance expectations and to advance youth sport policy. To this end, a database of track and field performances was examined. Records of 134,313 performances by athletes aged between 12 and 35 years in sprinting, throwing, jumping and middle distance events were analysed. Results revealed that a minority (Male, 9%; Female, 13%) of top 20 ranked senior athletes were also ranked in the top 20 at Under 13 (U13). These results were supported by the finding that a minority of athletes retained their top 20 ranking at subsequent age grades (36.3% U13-U15; 23% U13-U17; 13% U13-U20; 43.3% U15-U17; 22.1% U15-U20; 41.8% U17-U20). By U20, less than 30% of athletes who had been ranked in the top 20 at U13 were still listed on the national rankings. Examining a broader sample of athletes revealed weak to moderate correlations between performances at different age grades until at least Under 17-Under 20. These findings reinforce the message that excelling at youth level in competitive athletics is not a prerequisite for senior success.

The level of sports performance of people with intellectual disabilities in athletics competitions of Special Olympics

Background: The Special Olympics are dedicated to people with intellectual disability and multiple disabilities. The aim of the study was to define the level of athletics competition results for participants with intellectual disabilities. More over researchers tried to determine the impact of gender and age on the results obtained by people with mental disabilities. Material and methods: There were 1108 results (431 female, 677 male) achieved at Special Olympics events in 2016-2017. Competitors were divided into 4 age groups and competed in 8 track and field events. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the examined males and females in the 50 m sprint scores in all categories. In the 100, 200 and 400 m races, the males in groups III and IV were faster than the females in each group. In the long jump-standing competition, the results for the males were on average longer than the females in every category. The results of the long jump-running indicate that the women in the III and IV category had on average shorter lengths than men in the same groups. Only men in category III had higher scores than females in the ball throw. All categories showed higher results of men in the shot put. Among females there were differences between age groups in 100, 200 m races, long jump-standing and ball throw events. Among males age groups, the differences were observed in 100, 200 m races and long jump-running competitions. Conclusion: The results of people aged 8-11 and 12-15 indicated a similar level of athletics competition results for males and females. In the groups 16-21 and 22+ years, a higher level of athletics competition results for was observed in men.‪

The Role of Lumbopelvic-Hip Complex Stability in Softball Throwing Mechanics.

Studies have found that a 20% reduction in energy generation from the lumbopelvic-hip complex during overhead throws leads to a 34% increase in load on the shoulder. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lumbopelvic-hip complex stability, via the single leg squat assessment, on throwing mechanics of softball athletes. Prospective cohort study. Laboratory setting. A total of 50 softball athletes (164.0 [104.0]cm, 65.6 [11.3]kg, 16.3 [3.8]y, 8.61 [3.62]y of experience) performed 3 overhead throws and a single leg squat on each leg. Four stability groups were derived: (1)stable on both legs (bilateral stability), (2)unstable on the throwing side leg (TS instability) and stable on the nonthrowing side leg, (3)unstable on the nonthrowing side leg (NTS instability) and stable on the throwing side leg, and (4)unstable on both legs (bilateral instability). All throws were analyzed across 4 throwing events: foot contact (FC), maximum external shoulder rotation (MER), ball release (BR), and maximum internal shoulder rotation (MIR). Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant differences between the bilateral stability and the TS instability groups in trunk flexion at BR; the bilateral stability and the NTS instability groups in trunk flexion at BR, shoulder horizontal abduction at FC, shoulder rotation at FC, and pelvis flexion at MIR; the TS instability and the bilateral instability groups in trunk rotation at FC; and the NTS instability and the bilateral instability groups in trunk flexion at MER and shoulder rotation at FC. These findings demonstrate the different mechanisms in which energy can be lost through lumbopelvic-hip complex instability as evident in throwing mechanics. The findings from this study suggest that the current methods used for classification could act as a tool for coaches, physicians, and athletic trainers when assessing their athletes' injury susceptibility.

Track and Field Throwing Sports: Injuries and Prevention.

Throwing events in track and field are among the oldest sporting events in recorded history and include shot put, discus, hammer, and javelin. All throwing athletes use the kinetic chain to transfer energy from the lower extremities, through the pelvis, trunk, shoulder, arm, wrist, hand, and finally into the implement to generate maximum force. Throughout this sequential activation, mobilization, and stabilization of body segments, there is opportunity for breakdown in the chain, which can lead to injury. This review describes the biomechanics and kinetic chain components of each event and highlights injuries common among all throwers as well as injuries unique to each event. The cornerstone of prevention is practicing and competing with proper technique. It is important to understand the breadth of injuries that can affect these athletes to develop evidence based diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

Postural control in elite decathlon athletes: are various modes of dynamic assessment needed?

Decathlon consists of various track and field running, jumping and throwing events. This results in high physical demands and poor postural control may predispose athletes at a higher risk for injury. The purpose of this study was to measure and to show a relationship of different dynamic postural control tests in healthy professional decathlon athletes. The German top decathlon team (eight professional athletes, mean age±standard deviation (SD), 20.8±2.7 years; mean height±SD, 187.1±4.3 cm; mean weight±SD, 82.1±7.2 kg) was tested. Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and three different single-leg-hop tests (SLHT) (single hop for distance [SLH], crossover hop for distance [COH], triple hop for distance [TH] were measured and correlated. A significant correlation was evident between SLH and COH (r=0.861, P=0.003) and SLH and TH (r=0.908, P=0.001). The correlational analyses of SEBT revealed a significant relationship between the posteromedial and posterolateral direction of the SEBT (r=0.943, P<0.001). SEBT and SLHT showed no correlation. The results of this study demonstrated a relationship in performance of different single leg hop tests in professional decathletes. Adversely there is no correlation of the single leg hop tests and the performance in the star excursion balance test. To minimize the time effort of testing procedures, to avoid redundant testing and to determine overall postural control in decathletes, test-batteries should include the SEBT and at least one SLHT.

Storms, temperature maxima and the Eurasian spruce bark beetle Ips typographus—An infernal trio in Norway spruce forests of the Central European High Tatra Mountains

Norway spruce forests (Picea abies Karst.) of the Carpathian High Tatra Mountains have been subject to unprecedented tree mortality caused by attacks of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus L.) in recent decades. The outbreaks were preceded and accompanied by wind throw events and periods of increased seasonal temperature.We obtained climatic data and data on tree mortality due to storm throw and bark beetles by using a combination of direct dead tree inventory and remote sensing techniques, and examined annual tree loss change over a 26-year period in a forest district of the Slovak High Tatra National Park. In particular, we found that the combination of the previous year’s maximum daily temperature sum, tree mortality caused by wind, and bark beetle-caused tree mortality best explained the annual tree loss change in nonlinear regression models. The number of trees infested by bark beetles clearly increased with maximum air temperature sums ranging from 2850 to 3150° days, but declined below or above this thermal optimum. Annual tree mortality clearly increased subsequent to years associated with seasonal temperature sums allowing for the development of sister broods. Given consistently favourable future climatic conditions for development of I. typographus populations in the study area, a possible shift from the now predominantly uni-voltine to multi-voltine bark beetle populations might increase attack pressure also at high elevation sites.

Kinematic analyses of seated throwing activities with and without an assistive pole

In Paralympic seated throwing events, the athlete can throw with and without an assistive pole. This study aimed to identify and compare performance-related kinematic variables associated with both seated throwing techniques. Twenty-nine non-disabled males (21.9 ± 2.6 years) performed 12 maximal throws using a 1-kg ball in two conditions (no-pole and pole). Automatic 3D-kinematic tracking (150 Hz) and temporal data were acquired. There was no significant difference between ball speeds at the point of release between conditions (no-pole = 12.8 ± 1.6 m/s vs. pole = 12.9 ± 1.5 m/s). There were four kinematic variables that were strongly correlated with ball speed when throwing with or without an assistive pole. These variables were elbow flexion at the start phase (pole r = .39 and no-pole r = .41), maximum shoulder external rotation angular velocity during the arm cocking phase (pole r = .42), maximum shoulder internal rotation angular velocity during the arm acceleration phase (pole r = .47), and should internal rotation angular velocity at the instant of ball release (pole r = .40). The pole clearly influenced the throwing technique with all four strongly correlated variables identified in this condition, compared to only one during the no-pole condition. When using the pole, participants produced significantly higher shoulder internal rotation angular velocities during the arm acceleration phase (pole = 367 ± 183°/s vs. no-pole = 275 ± 178°/s, p < .05) and at the instant of ball release (pole = 355 ± 115°/s vs. no-pole = 264 ± 120°/s, p < .05), compared to throwing without the pole. These findings have implications for the development of evidence-based classification systems in Paralympic seated throwing, and facilitate research that investigates the impact of impairment on seated throwing performance.

Automatic Detection of Pitching and Throwing Events in Baseball With Inertial Measurement Sensors.

Throwing loads are known to be closely related to injury risk. However, for logistic reasons, typically only pitchers have their throws counted, and then only during innings. Accordingly, all other throws made are not counted, so estimates of throws made by players may be inaccurately recorded and underreported. A potential solution to this is the use of wearable microtechnology to automatically detect, quantify, and report pitch counts in baseball. This study investigated the accuracy of detection of baseball pitching and throwing in both practice and competition using a commercially available wearable microtechnology unit. Seventeen elite youth baseball players (mean ± SD age 16.5 ± 0.8 y, height 184.1 ± 5.5 cm, mass 78.3 ± 7.7 kg) participated in this study. Participants performed pitching, fielding, and throwing during practice and competition while wearing a microtechnology unit. Sensitivity and specificity of a pitching and throwing algorithm were determined by comparing automatic measures (ie, microtechnology unit) with direct measures (ie, manually recorded pitching counts). The pitching and throwing algorithm was sensitive during both practice (100%) and competition (100%). Specificity was poorer during both practice (79.8%) and competition (74.4%). These findings demonstrate that the microtechnology unit is sensitive to detect pitching and throwing events, but further development of the pitching algorithm is required to accurately and consistently quantify throwing loads using microtechnology.

The Effect of Functional Resistance Drills Using Elastic Band on Some of Physical and Kinematic Variables on Release Phase in Javelin Throw Event

The Effect of Functional Resistance Drills Using Elastic Band on Some of Physical and Kinematic Variables on Release Phase in Javelin Throw Event

Reliability and validity of a talent identification test battery for seated and standing Paralympic throws

Paralympic throwing events for athletes with physical impairments comprise seated and standing javelin, shot put, discus and seated club throwing. Identification of talented throwers would enable prediction of future success and promote participation; however, a valid and reliable talent identification battery for Paralympic throwing has not been reported. This study evaluates the reliability and validity of a talent identification battery for Paralympic throws. Participants were non-disabled so that impairment would not confound analyses, and results would provide an indication of normative performance. Twenty-eight non-disabled participants (13 M; 15 F) aged 23.6 years (±5.44) performed five kinematically distinct criterion throws (three seated, two standing) and nine talent identification tests (three anthropometric, six motor); 23 were tested a second time to evaluate test–retest reliability. Talent identification test–retest reliability was evaluated using Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots (Limits of Agreement). Spearman’s correlation assessed strength of association between criterion throws and talent identification tests. Reliability was generally acceptable (mean ICC = 0.89), but two seated talent identification tests require more extensive familiarisation. Correlation strength (mean rs = 0.76) indicated that the talent identification tests can be used to validly identify individuals with competitively advantageous attributes for each of the five kinematically distinct throwing activities. Results facilitate further research in this understudied area.

The Effect of Low Extremity Plyometric Training on Back Muscle Power of High School Throwing Event Athletes

[Purpose] The physical strength elements required for athletic throwing events include muscle strength, swiftness, agility, speed, flexibility, and physical balance. Although plyometric training and weight training are implemented as representative training methods for improving swiftness and agility, most studies of it have been conducted with players of other sports. [Subjects] The study subjects were 10 throwing event athletes attending K physical education high school. The subjects were randomly assigned to a control group of five subjects and an experimental group of five subjects. To analyze the body composition, an Inbody 3.0 instrument (Biospace, Korea) was used as experimental equipment to measure heights, weight, body fat percentages, and muscle masses and a Biodex system 4.0 (BIODEX, USA) was used to measure isokinetic muscle-joint and lumbar muscle strengths. The plyometric training consisted of 15 techniques out of the training methods introduced in the ‘Power up plyometric training’. The plyometric program was implemented without any training load three times per week during daybreak exercises for the experimental group. The number of times and the number of sets were changed over time as follows: three sets of 10 times in the 1st −4th weeks, three sets of 15 times in the 5th–8th weeks, and five sets of 15 times in the 9th−12th weeks. [Results] According to the ANCOVA results of lumbar extensor muscle strength at 60°/sec, the overall reliability of the model was significant. According to the ANCOVA results of lumbar flexor muscle strength at 60°/sec, the overall reliability of the model was significant. [Conclusion] Plyometric training positively affected high school throwing event athletes. To summarize the study findings, the application of plyometric training with high intensity and loads improved the results of athletes who perform highly intensive exercises at normal times.

Hydrological shifts and tree growth responses to river modification along the Apalachicola River, Florida

Shifts in the hydrologic regime of Florida’s Apalachicola River have been attributed to anthropogenic changes throughout its watershed, including local dam construction. To assess impacts of those shifts on floodplain forests, we reconstructed tree growth using dendrochronology and compared these trends with hydrological and climatic variables. Comparisons of stream-gage data before and after dam construction on the Apalachicola River revealed statistically significant mean declines in annual average stage. Mean minimum annual stages, rise rates, and fall rates also decreased, while hydrograph reversals increased. Growth in four tree species correlated strongly with site-specific inundation parameters. A wetter climate in the two decades following dam construction and fine-scale fluctuation of the hydrograph may have set the stage for positive growth releases. Logging and hurricane wind throw events may have also contributed. However, drier conditions in the last two decades are now exacerbated by stage-discharge declines that had been masked previously. Tree growth rates and recruitment have decreased and, in the absence of a major disturbance, the forest canopy is composed of an older cohort of individuals. Our findings highlight how hydrograph variability, climate change, and vegetation disturbance are all relevant for gaging and anticipating the range of impacts of river modification on floodplain forests.

Increased mortality rate and suicide in Swedish former elite male athletes in power sports

Physical training has been shown to reduce mortality in normal subjects, and athletes have a healthier lifestyle after their active career as compared with normal subjects. Since the 1950s, the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been frequent, especially in power sports. The aim of the present study was to investigate mortality, including causes of death, in former Swedish male elite athletes, active 1960-1979, in wrestling, powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and the throwing events in track and field when the suspicion of former AAS use was high. Results indicate that, during the age period of 20-50 years, there was an excess mortality of around 45%. However, when analyzing the total study period, the mortality was not increased. Mortality from suicide was increased 2-4 times among the former athletes during the period of 30-50 years of age compared with the general population of men. Mortality rate from malignancy was lower among the athletes. As the use of AAS was marked between 1960 and 1979 and was not doping-listed until 1975, it seems probable that the effect of AAS use might play a part in the observed increased mortality and suicide rate. The otherwise healthy lifestyle among the athletes might explain the low malignancy rates.

A retrospective 30-year follow-up study of former Swedish-elite male athletes in power sports with a past anabolic androgenic steroids use: a focus on mental health

BackgroundThe knowledge concerning the long-term effect of former anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS)-use on mental health is sparse.AimThis study aims to investigate whether previous AAS-use affects mental health, present sociodemographic data,...

Reliability and validity of a talent identification test battery for seated and standing Paralympic throwing

Introduction: Paralympic throwing events are contested by athletes with impairments of strength, range of movement and coordination of varying severity. The events contested comprise javelin, discus and shot put thrown from a seated or standing position, as well as the club throw. The club is unique to Paralympic sport, and is thrown from a seated position using one of three techniques: over-arm (similar to javelin); round-arm with a straight elbow (similar to the discus action); and a backwards overhead technique.