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Applequist, B.

Crain, M.

Perez, J.

Venezia, A.

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   Lower Body Kinematics Do Not Differ Between Flat Ground and Mound Baseball Throwing     Joshua P. Perez1, Maryellen M. Crain1, Andrew C. Venezia1, Bryon C. Applequist2  1The University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, 2The University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI    It is well known that a throwing program is essential for baseball pitchers to build up their arm strength and stamina. Many research studies have been conducted to determine the best way to perform a throwing program, but no definitive answer for how to properly conduct such a program has been determined. Many programs are designed and implemented on flat ground, however, a training program utilizing a mound enables a pitcher to push off and generate downward force prior to throwing the ball and provides a better transfer to real game situations. Long tossing from a mound has the potential to simulate in-game throwing and could better prepare a pitcher to pitch during a game. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if lower body kinematics differed between throwing off flat ground and throwing off a mound. METHODS: Six healthy individuals (20Y±1.26) with previous pitching experience were recruited for this study. Subjects had 38 retro-reflective markers placed in various anatomical locations to quantify lower extremity kinematics during the throwing motion using a motion capture system. Subjects completed 10 total throws, five from flat ground, and five from a mound at a throwing distance of 67 meters. Pelvic rotation angular velocity, trunk rotation angular velocity, and stride length were calculated and analyzed with PitchTrak software. A dependent t-test was used to compare the flat ground and mound conditions for each dependent variable. RESULTS: There were no differences between the flat ground and mound throwing conditions for pelvic rotation angular velocity (Flat Ground 715.17±306.88, Mound 640.97±155.80, p > .05), trunk rotation angular velocity (Flat Ground 888.63±84.57, Mound 857.33±120.45, p > .05), and stride length (Flat Ground 73.47±9.50, Mound 73.83±10.32, p > .05). CONCLUSION: Lower body kinematics did not differ between long tossing off a mound or flat ground. Due to this, coaches may implement flat ground throwing programs without any negative consequences to pitching mechanics. Consequently, they may also implement throwing programs from a mound to simulate pitching in a game without any increased risk of potential injury.    Supported by Research as a High Impact Practice Grant 841024 

Lower Body Kinematics Do Not Differ Between Flat Ground and Mound Baseball Throwing

https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4552&amp;context=ijesab

Lower Body Kinematics Do Not Differ Between Flat Ground and Mound Baseball Throwing

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