PEAK RATE OF TRUNK ENERGY OUTFLOW DIFFERS BETWEEN PITCH TYPES IN SOFTBALL PITCHERS

Authors

Jessica Downs Talmage, Northern State UniversityFollow
Nicole M. Bordelon, Auburn UniversityFollow
Anthony W. Fava, Auburn UniversityFollow
Gretchen Oliver, Auburn UniversityFollow

Category

Injury

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

In softball players, it is unclear how certain pitch types may increase the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to determine energy flow differences in the trunk and upper-arm segments between pitch types. Twenty-three softball pitchers participated. Absolute values of trunk energy inflow (IF) and outflow (OF), and upper arm IF, as well as segment energy flow when normalized to pitch speed were assessed in three pitch types. Differences between trunk energy OF were found between fastballs compared to curveballs and dropballs. When normalized to pitch speed, trunk energy OF only differed between fastballs and dropballs. For the upper arm, absolute differences were found between the fastball and curveball. Similar rates of humerus IF between the fastball and dropball and less trunk outflow in the dropball may indicate increased upper extremity demands in the dropball.

Recommended Citation

Downs Talmage, Jessica; Bordelon, Nicole M.; Fava, Anthony W.; and Oliver, Gretchen (2023) "PEAK RATE OF TRUNK ENERGY OUTFLOW DIFFERS BETWEEN PITCH TYPES IN SOFTBALL PITCHERS," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 41: Iss. 1, Article 104.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol41/iss1/104