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Exploring the mechanism of skilled overarm throwing
Masaya Hirashima1, Tatsuyuki Ohtsuki
1Graduate School of Education, the University of Tokyo, Japan. hira@p.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews
|September 26, 2008
Summary
This review examines the mechanics of overarm throws, like baseball pitching. It clarifies how muscle, gravity, and velocity torques create joint acceleration for skilled throwing motions.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Human Movement Analysis
Background:
- Extensive research exists on the kinematics and dynamics of overarm throws.
- The interrelationships between these kinematic and dynamic measures are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanical underpinnings of skilled overarm throwing.
- To investigate the contributions of various torques to joint angular acceleration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three-dimensional analysis.
- Focused on the generation of joint angular acceleration through muscle, gravity, and velocity-dependent torques.
Main Results:
- Detailed characterization of the mechanical basis of skilled overarm throws.
- Identified the specific roles of different torque types in producing joint angular acceleration.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the interplay of torques is crucial for characterizing skilled throwing.
- This analysis provides a foundation for further research into throwing mechanics and injury prevention.
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