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Utility of Novel Rotational Load-Velocity Profiling Methods in Collegiate Softball Players
Chad H Herring1,2, Kyle S Beyer3, Michael J Redd1,2
1Physiology of Work and Exercise Response (POWER) Laboratory, Institute of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|December 12, 2023
Summary
Novel load-velocity profiling (LVP) methods using a swing sensor show reliability for assessing bat swing performance in collegiate softball players. However, correlations with in-game batting statistics require further investigation before practical application.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Performance Analysis
Background:
- Load-velocity profiling (LVP) is a valuable tool for assessing force-velocity characteristics in athletes.
- Novel rotational LVP methods using wearable technology require validation for specific sports movements.
- Understanding the reliability and validity of these methods is crucial for performance enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reliability of bat swing (BS) and rotational medicine ball throw (RMBT) load-velocity profiling (LVP) methods.
- To explore the relationships between LVP variables and batting performance in NCAA Division I softball players.
Main Methods:
- Bat velocity was tracked using a swing sensor during BS.
- Forearm velocity was tracked using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) during BS and RMBT.
- Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to assess reliability.
Main Results:
- The BS method with a swing sensor demonstrated acceptable reliability for bat loads and theoretical maximum velocity (V0) using peak velocity (PV) and average peak velocity (PVavg).
- The RMBT method and the IMU-tracked BS method showed poor reliability for most LVP variables.
- Significant correlations were found between PV and V0 with in-game batting statistics for the reliable BS method.
Conclusions:
- The bat swing (BS) method utilizing a swing sensor is a reliable rotational load-velocity profiling (LVP) assessment for collegiate softball players.
- While reliable, the direct application of these findings to improve in-game batting performance warrants caution and further research.
- Practitioners can consider the swing sensor BS method for LVP assessment, but should await additional studies before implementing it for performance enhancement strategies.
