Stride-Phase Kinematic Parameters That Predict Peak Elbow Varus Torque.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics of baseball pitching
• Sports injury prevention
• Kinematic analysis of athletic performance

Background:

• High elbow varus torque during pitching is a risk factor for medial elbow pain and injury.
• The stride phase may prepare the arm for subsequent pitching motions, influencing injury risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify kinematic parameters during the stride phase that predict peak elbow varus torque.
• To understand how stride phase biomechanics contribute to elbow stress in pitchers.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive laboratory study analyzed 107 high school baseball pitchers using 3D motion capture.
• 26 kinematic parameters from the stride phase were extracted and analyzed using multiple regression.
• The study focused on the stride phase leading up to stride foot contact.

Main Results:

• Increased wrist extension, elbow pronation, leading knee flexion, trailing knee extension, and upward center of mass displacement were linked to decreased peak elbow varus torque.
• These five kinematic variables explained 38% of the variance in peak elbow varus torque.
• Significant correlations were found for all identified parameters (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• Five specific kinematic parameters during the stride phase are associated with peak elbow varus torque.
• The stride phase plays a crucial role in biomechanical preparation, impacting elbow torque in later pitching phases.
• Motion capture assessment of these parameters can help screen pitching mechanics to reduce elbow injury risk.