THE INTERVAL THROWING PROGRAM

Flat ground throwing and partial effort pitching are often used in rehabilitation programs like the "Interval Throwing Program." The purpose of these programs is to reinforce proper mechanics while systematically increasing joint loads. To investigate this claim, 27 healthy pitchers were tested performing six different types of throws: full-, ¾-, and half-effort pitching from a mound; and 60-ft, 120-ft, and 180-ft full-effort throwing from flat ground.

Compared to full-effort pitching, throwing from flat ground produced a shorter stride and less shoulder external rotation at foot contact, more elbow varustorque during arm cocking, a more upright trunk at ball release, and less shoulder and elbow compressive forces during deceleration. Compared to full-effort pitching, ¾-effort pitching produced slower ball and joint speed (approximately 91%), and decreased kinetics (85%). Half-effort pitching produced 85% ball and joint speed, and 77% kinetics.

Partial effort throwing also correlated with reduced arm rotation and a more upright trunk.