Hitting movement patterns organized by different pitching movement speeds as advanced kinematic information

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Motor Control

Background:

• Hitting movements are typically analyzed by timing.
• Previous research has not examined how advanced visual information affects the entire hitting movement pattern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of manipulated advanced kinematic information on hitting movement pattern organization.
• To analyze hitting movements using kinematics, kinetics, and chronometric analysis.

Main Methods:

• Experienced batters' hitting movements were recorded using optical motion capture and foot force sensors.
• Responses to visual stimuli with varying pitching speeds but consistent ball trajectory were compared.
• Movement initiation timing, kinematic parameters (shoulder/hip rotation), and ground reaction force distribution were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Faster pitching speeds led to reduced preparatory movements (weight shift, shoulder rotation) and increased rear-foot loading during the swing.
• Slower pitching speeds resulted in the opposite pattern.
• Significant differences in movement patterns were observed based on pitching speed.

Conclusions:

• Advanced kinematic information affects not only the timing but also the whole-body kinematics and lower-body kinetics of hitting.
• Hitting movement patterns in experienced batters are highly adaptable and dependent on predictive visual information.