A kinematic and kinetic biomechanical model for baseball pitching and its use in the examination and comparison of flat-ground and mound pitching: a preliminary report

Abstract

Baseball pitching activity is extremely skilled and complex. During the pitching motion, the lower extremities, trunk, and upper extremities work together to propel a ball forward at speeds of up to 44.7 m/s. However, during this time, the involved arm is forced through a broad range of motion where segment accelerations and muscles produce large, and often damaging, forces and torques on the elbow and shoulder. It has been reported that baseball pitchers often experience increased joint and muscle soreness when throwing off a mound compared to flat ground. However, the kinematic and kinetic differences between flat-ground and mound pitching has not been quantified. In this pilot study, an eight-camera high-speed motion system and biomechanical analysis method is presented for acquisition and analysis of shoulder and elbow kinematic and kinetic differences during flat-ground and mound baseball pitching. A kinematic and kinetic comparison of flat-ground and mound pitching may provide insight into the physiological benefits of pitching from flat ground, while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the pitcher's mound throwing motion.