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Do Pitching Biomechanics and Shoulder and Elbow Kinetics Differ Between Pitching on 2 Specific Dirt Surface and Turf
Rafael F Escamilla1, Jonathan S Slowik2, Rodney Imamura3
1Department of Physical Therapy, California State University, Sacramento, Sacramento, California, USA.
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine
|December 1, 2025
Summary
Pitching on turf mounds may reduce shoulder and elbow stress for baseball players compared to dirt mounds. This study found lower joint torques on turf, potentially decreasing injury risk for pitchers.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Medicine
- Baseball Performance Analysis
Background:
- Baseball pitching mounds are typically dirt, but turf mounds are used for practice and training.
- Metal cleats are permitted on dirt mounds but can damage turf surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare shoulder and elbow kinetics and pitching kinematics between college pitchers on dirt versus turf mounds.
- To assess the impact of mound surface and footwear on pitching mechanics and joint loading.
Main Methods:
- 18 college pitchers completed pitching trials on both dirt and turf mounds.
- A 12-camera motion analysis system captured kinematic and kinetic data.
- Statistical analysis used paired t-tests with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed in 10 of 35 kinematic and kinetic parameters.
- Maximal elbow varus and shoulder internal rotation torques were greater on dirt mounds.
- Certain kinematic parameters, like lead knee height and trunk-pelvis separation, also differed between mound types.
Conclusions:
- Pitching on turf mounds resulted in slightly lower elbow valgus and shoulder loading compared to dirt mounds with metal cleats.
- Kinematic differences were primarily in joint positions, not angular velocities.
- Turf mounds may reduce joint stress and injury risk for pitchers' shoulders and elbows.
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