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A Clinician’s Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion

  • Injuries in Overhead Athletes (J Dines and C Camp, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

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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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, Charlton LC 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Daniel J. Christoffer, Heath P. Melugin & Chad E. Cherny

Authors
  1. Daniel J. Christoffer
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  2. Heath P. Melugin
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  3. Chad E. Cherny
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Correspondence to Daniel J. Christoffer.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Injuries in Overhead Athletes

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Christoffer, D.J., Melugin, H.P. & Cherny, C.E. A Clinician’s Guide to Analysis of the Pitching Motion. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 12, 98–104 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-019-09556-4

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