BIOMECHANICS

     Overuse injuries in baseball result most often from pitching. To investigate this problem, the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) has focused on pitching biomechanics. Kinematics (motions) and kinetics (forces and torques) are computed with a four-camera 200 Hz automated motion analysis system. Since 1989, ASMI has conducted 600 throwing tests. Because of its high risk of injury, baseball pitching has been the focus of much of the research. Kinematic and kinetic data from the 26 fastest healthy pitchers were analyzed to determine a model for proper pitching mechanics.

BASEBALL BIOMECHANICS
How Elbow injuries develop in Pitchers

     It is an unfortunate reality that most baseball coaches have had pitchers injure their elbow. Some injuries only require a little rest while others are career-ending or require surgery. By learning how elbow injuries occur, coaches might be able to identify signs of serious injuries sooner, fix stressful mechanics before they become a problem, and become more knowledgeable about strength training and rehab for pitchers.

At the American Sports Medicine Institute, "biomechanical" studies have been conducted to learn about various types of pitching mechanics. Results from these studies have improved how physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers take care of pitchers. But the results can also help coaches and pitchers directly.

Elbow injuries in pitchers can be divided into three types, based upon their location within the joint. All three types of elbow injuries are related to the large rotational force - called "torque" - needed to slow down the cocking of the arm and accelerate the forearm, hand, and ball forward. Elbow torque is greatest when the arm is in its maximum cocked position.