Improper pitching mechanics

Improper Pitching Mechanics Lead to Increased Loads on the Elbow and Shoulder

Proper pitching mechanics are believed to help minimize the risk of injury. Conversely, improper mechanics are believed to increase the force and torque on the shoulder and elbow and therefore increase the risk of injury. However, these relationships have not been studied previously. In this study, eight mechanisms of improper pitching were defined and evaluated. High-speed motion analysis of 72 healthy college and professional pitchers was used to investigate correlations between improper kinematics and increased elbow and shoulder joint kinetics.

Three different kinematic parameters correlated with increased anterior force applied to the arm at the shoulder during arm cocking: placement of the lead foot to the open side, pointing of the lead foot towards the open side, and increased shoulder external rotation at the instant of foot contact. Increased shoulder proximal force correlated with decreased shoulder external rotation at the instant of foot contact. At the elbow, a significant correlation was seen between increased medial force exerted onto the forearm and two kinematic parameters: increased shoulder external rotation at the instant of foot contact, and increased horizontal adduction. Since these kinematic patterns increase the loads generated by the throwing arm, they should probably be avoided.