A New Method for Evaluating Pelvic and Trunk Rotational Pitching Mechanics: From Qualitative to Quantitative Approaches

Yu-Chuan Lin, Paul Pei-Hsi Chou, Hwai-Ting Lin, Chia-Lung Shih, Cheng-Chang Lu and Fong-Chin Su
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Yu-Chuan Lin: Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
Paul Pei-Hsi Chou: Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
Hwai-Ting Lin: Department of Sports Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
Chia-Lung Shih: Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan
Cheng-Chang Lu: Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
Fong-Chin Su: Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to build on existing qualitative to quantitative approaches to develop a new quantitative method for evaluating pelvic and trunk rotational pitching mechanics. Thirty pitchers were divided into two groups (“Pattern1”: closed “hip-to-shoulder separation”; “Pattern2”: open “hip-to-shoulder separation”). Several parameters were analyzed. Higher ball speeds were found in group of Pattern1, four key characteristics of which were identified. Based on the results, a new evaluation method was developed. Pelvic and trunk rotational mechanics were classified into four types. Type1 (proper mechanics) enabled significantly higher ball speed than the other three types and was thought to involve proper energy transfer from the stride foot to the throwing upper limb. Types 2–4, however, were regarded as “improper mechanics”, which could result in slower ball speeds and less efficient energy transfer. A qualitative approach, based on “expert opinion”, can specify optimal pelvis and trunk rotational mechanics. However, quantitative analysis is more precise in identifying three improper types of pelvis and trunk rotational mechanics. Furthermore, special programs, such as core strengthening and flexibility training, can be developed for various improper practices in order to improve pitching mechanics.

Keywords: baseball; pelvis; trunk; kinematics; performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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