Open AccessBiomechanics of Pitching With Emphasis Upon Shoulder Kinematics
Author(s) -
Charles J. Dillman,
Glenn S. Fleisig,
James R. Andrews
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
the journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy/journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.367
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1938-1344
pISSN - 0190-6011
DOI - 10.2519/jospt.1993.18.2.402
Subject(s) - throwing , kinematics , biomechanics , flexibility (engineering) , medicine , physical medicine and rehabilitation , sports biomechanics , internal rotation , external rotation , motion (physics) , physical therapy , simulation , computer science , aeronautics , anatomy , surgery , engineering , mechanical engineering , mathematics , artificial intelligence , physics , statistics , classical mechanics
The American Sports Medicine Institute conducts research to increase understanding of mechanisms involved in upper extremity injuries to throwing athletes. This paper presents a qualitative overview of pitching and a detailed quantitative description of arm motion about the shoulder during this highly dynamic activity. Data on kinematics of arm motions about the shoulder are presented for 29 elite throwers. The major motion about the shoulder is external/internal rotation. Scapulothoracic and glenohumeral flexibility permit the arm to reach an externally rotated position of 175 degrees. Approximately 30 msec before release, the arm internally rotates 80 degrees, reaching peak angular velocities near 7,000 degrees/sec. In rehabilitation of injured throwers, there is a need to appreciate the highly dynamic nature of this skill and to attempt to simulate these dynamic motions and loads as part of the final phase of treatment before the athlete returns to competition.