Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2025
15:00
The Impact of Motor Task Conditions on Goal-Directed Arm Reaching Kinematics and Trunk Compensation in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Published on: May 2, 2021
3.6K
Joint Coordination With a Change in Task Constraint During Accurate Overhead Throwing
Arata Kimura1,2, Shinsuke Yoshioka2, Senshi Fukashiro2,3
1Department of Sport Science and Research, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Tokyo,Japan.
Journal of Applied Biomechanics
|May 4, 2023
Summary
Skilled athletes adjust their joint coordination when throwing speed changes. This biomechanics study reveals how elbow and shoulder movements adapt to maintain accuracy in overhead throws.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Motor Control
Background:
- Accurate throwing in sports requires precise control.
- Previous studies suggest varied joint coordination strategies in throwing.
- The impact of changing throwing speed on joint coordination remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how throwing speed influences joint coordination during accurate overhead throws.
- To determine if joint coordination strategies adapt to different throwing speeds.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed overhead baseball throws at a target under slow and fast speed conditions.
- Trunk movement was restricted while participants were seated.
- Joint angles and angular velocities were analyzed to assess coordination patterns.
Main Results:
- In slow throws, elbow flexion/extension coordinated to minimize vertical hand velocity variability.
- In fast throws, shoulder internal/external rotation and horizontal flexion/extension angular velocity were key for reducing hand velocity variability.
- Joint coordination strategies differed significantly between slow and fast throwing conditions.
Conclusions:
- Throwing speed is a critical factor influencing joint coordination in overhead throwing.
- Joint coordination is adaptable and task-specific, not fixed.
- Understanding these adaptations can inform training and injury prevention strategies in sports.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Muscle Coordination and Action
1.6K
Muscle coordination is a complex and finely tuned process essential for smooth and purposeful movements like flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and rotation. The human body orchestrates the actions of various muscles working in concert, each with a specific role. Four functional types describe how muscles work together: agonist, antagonist, synergist, and fixator.
Agonists
Agonist muscles, often called prime movers, are the primary muscles responsible for producing a specific movement....
Agonists
Agonist muscles, often called prime movers, are the primary muscles responsible for producing a specific movement....
1.6K
01:20Projectile Motion
15.4K
An object thrown in the air follows a parabolic path under the influence of Earth's gravitational force. The motion of such an object is called projectile motion, and the object itself a projectile. The parabolic path followed by the projectile is called the trajectory. Some common examples of projectile motion are the launching of fireworks, a golf ball in the air, meteors entering the Earth's atmosphere, and the firing of bullets.
When an object falls under gravity and has no...
When an object falls under gravity and has no...
15.4K
01:18Projectile Motion: Example
9.8K
The theory of projectile motion is very useful for players of several sports to improve their performance. For example, a javelin thrower needs to throw their javelin in such a way that it travels as far as possible. The javelin thrower takes a short run-up to increase the initial speed of the javelin. The range of a projectile is at its maximum at a 45° angle so javelin throwers try to angle their throw as close to 45° as possible.
When we speak of the range (R) of a projectile on...
When we speak of the range (R) of a projectile on...
9.8K
01:26Projectile Motion: Equations
10.4K
Projectile motion is commonly observed in our day-to-day life. For example, a basketball thrown by a player, an arrow shot from a bow, and kids jumping into the pool, all undergo projectile motion.
Any projectile motion problem can be solved by using the following strategy:
Any projectile motion problem can be solved by using the following strategy:
10.4K
01:29Relative Motion Analysis using Rotating Axes-Problem Solving
428
Consider a crane whose telescopic boom rotates with an angular velocity of 0.04 rad/s and angular acceleration of 0.02 rad/s2. Along with the rotation, the boom also extends linearly with a uniform speed of 5 m/s. The extension of the boom is measured at point D, which is measured with respect to the fixed point C on the other end of the boom. For the given instant, the distance between points C and D is 60 meters.
Here, in order to determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration for point...
Here, in order to determine the magnitude of velocity and acceleration for point...
428
01:30Method of Joints: Problem Solving II
632
Consider a truss structure with frictionless joints fixed to a wall and roller support. If a force of 150 N is applied to joint A, the forces in each member of the truss can be determined using the method of joints.
632