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Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 2/2019

01-06-2019 | Injuries in Overhead Athletes (J Dines and C Camp, Section Editors)

A Clinician’s Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion

Authors: Daniel J. Christoffer, Heath P. Melugin, Chad E. Cherny

Published in: Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of review

This review examines recent literature regarding analysis of the throwing motion in baseball players and how modern technology may be used to predict or prevent injury.

Recent findings

Proper throwing technique is vitally important to prevent injury and it is easier to correct poor mechanics prior to foot strike. Recent findings suggest that the inverted-W position may not lead to an increased risk of injury, but incorrect trunk or pelvis rotation does. Three-dimensional motion analysis in a laboratory setting is most commonly used to evaluate the throwing motion, but it does not allow for assessment in real game scenarios. Wearable monitors allow for this and have proven to reliably assess pitching workload, kinematics, and kinetics.

Summary

Injuries in youth baseball pitchers have increased along with the trend towards more single sport specialization. To prevent injury, assessment of a pitcher’s throwing motion should be performed early to prevent development of poor mechanics. Classically, three-dimensional motion analysis has been used to evaluate throwing mechanics and is considered the gold standard. Newer technology, such as wearable monitors, may provide an alternative and allow for assessment during actual competition.
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Metadata
Title
A Clinician’s Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion
Authors
Daniel J. Christoffer
Heath P. Melugin
Chad E. Cherny
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine / Issue 2/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1935-9748
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09556-4

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