Peak Lower-Extremity Power Unadjusted for Body Mass Predicts Fastball Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Baseball Performance Analysis

Background:

• The relationship between lower-extremity power and fastball velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers is not fully understood.
• Understanding these biomechanical factors can inform training and performance enhancement strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between lower-extremity power production and throwing velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers.
• To determine if absolute or relative lower-extremity power is a better predictor of fastball velocity.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-three NCAA Division I baseball pitchers participated in the study.
• Lower-extremity power was measured using countermovement jump (CMJ) and Wingate anaerobic cycling tests.
• Fastball velocity was recorded using TrackMan technology, with data analyzed via Pearson correlations and linear regressions.

Main Results:

• Body mass (r = 0.58) and lean mass (r = 0.52) were the strongest predictors of fastball velocity.
• Peak power (W) from both Wingate (r = 0.44) and CMJ (r = 0.43) tests significantly predicted velocity.
• Lower-extremity power measures adjusted for body mass, such as CMJ power relative to body mass (r = 0.19), did not significantly predict velocity.

Conclusions:

• Absolute lower-extremity power, as measured by peak power output in the Wingate and CMJ tests, is a significant predictor of fastball velocity in collegiate pitchers.
• Body mass is a primary determinant of pitching velocity, and absolute power output is more relevant than body mass-normalized power for predicting performance.