The Relationship Between Trunk Rotation, Upper Quarter Dynamic Stability, and Pitch Velocity

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics
• Baseball Performance Analysis

Background:

• Understanding factors influencing pitching velocity is crucial for baseball performance.
• Upper quarter mobility and dynamic stability are theorized to impact pitching velocity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between upper trunk rotation mobility and upper quarter dynamic stability with pitch velocity.
• To examine these relationships in NCAA Division I collegiate pitchers.

Main Methods:

• Measured trunk rotation and Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ) scores in 30 pitchers.
• Assessed fastball velocity during a 100% effort pitching session.
• Utilized Pearson's correlations to analyze relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant correlation was found between upper trunk rotation mobility and fastball velocity (throwing arm: r = 0.131; nonthrowing arm: r = 0.135).
• No significant correlation was observed between Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ) scores and fastball velocity.

Conclusions:

• In NCAA Division I pitchers, trunk rotational mobility and upper quarter dynamic stability are not directly related to fastball velocity.
• These findings suggest other factors may be more influential in determining pitching velocity.