Changes in baseball pitching biomechanics

Baseball - Throwing Mechanics

Changes in Baseball Pitching Biomechanics During a Game

Escamilla RF, Barrentine SW, Fleisig GS, Zheng N, Takada Y, Kingsley D, Andrews JR. Pitching biomechanics as a pitcher approaches muscular fatigue during a simulated baseball game. Am J Sports Med 35:23-33, 2007.

A common interest of coaches and sports medicine clinicians is the effect of fatigue on pitching mechanics. This interest is based on the belief that changes in pitching mechanics may decrease performance and increase the risk of injury. However, kinematic changes, if any, that occur with repetitive pitching have not been previously quantified. The purpose of this study was to investigate kinematic changes in baseball pitching during a simulated game. Ten male collegiate pitchers were tested with a three-dimensional motion analysis system during a simulated game. Significant changes were observed for three of eleven kinematic parameters that were analyzed. Ball velocity, lead knee flexion at the instant of ball release, and forward trunk tilt at ball release all decreased. These changes may be observed qualitatively by coaches or clinicians. With focus on specific mechanics, the onset of changes may indicate potentially injurious conditions prior to any acute injury.