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Kusafuka A, Nishikawa K, Tsukamoto N, Kudo K. Positional relationship between ball and fingers for accurate baseball pitching. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290042. [PMID: 38113282 PMCID: PMC10729979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurately throwing an object to a target position repeatedly is one of the specific human motor skills. The final arrival position of a thrown ball can be determined by its physical state at release. In baseball pitching, reducing the variability of the velocity angle of the ball at release (release angle) is important for reducing the variability of the pitch location. Although previous studies have suggested that hand and finger movements are important for accurate throwing, their relationship with the release angle has not yet been investigated in detail. This study focused on the positional relationship between the ball and fingers, which is considered to be closely related to ball movement as an action point of the force, and examined its relationship with the variability of release angle. To obtain accurate finger positions relative to the ball without impeding movement or sensation, an automatic image recognition technology based on deep learning was employed. This approach revealed a noteworthy correlation between the lower middle finger positions prior to acceleration peaks and the reduced variability in release angle, emphasizing the importance of consistent finger positioning during the pre-release phase. This finger positioning of the pitchers with low variability in the release angle is suggested to be robust against the spatial variability of ball movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayane Kusafuka
- Department of Intermedia Art and Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Nishikawa
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Tsukamoto
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Kudo
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Thorne CM, Yildirim B, Tracci MC, Chhabra AB. Vascular Problems in Elite Throwing Athletes. J Hand Surg Am 2023; 48:68-75. [PMID: 36266148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
There are approximately 880 and 3,600 major league baseball and minor league baseball players who currently are active in their respective leagues, with thousands of players in the collegiate, high school, and little league ranks. Although relatively uncommon, vascular injuries, such as thoracic outlet syndrome, axillary artery compression, quadrilateral space syndrome, and direct vascular trauma, can afflict these players. These career- and limb-threatening injuries can mimic often seen muscular sprains and strains in their early stages with nonspecific symptoms, such as exertional fatigue, which can delay diagnosis with disastrous sequelae, including thrombus propagation, aneurysm rupture, and ischemia from distal embolization. The goal of this review is to discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of these injuries to increase awareness of sport-related vascular phenomena among the hand and upper-extremity surgery community because these players typically are seen first in the training room or a hand specialist's office.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Margaret C Tracci
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
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Hashimoto Y, Nagami T, Yoshitake S, Nakata H. The relationship between pitching parameters and release points of different pitch types in major league baseball players. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1113069. [PMID: 37168522 PMCID: PMC10164925 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1113069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study was to deepen our understanding of pitches and to obtain basic knowledge about pitches by comparing 4-seam and other pitches in Major League Baseball (MLB). Methods We analyzed big data for 1,820 professional baseball pitchers of MLB on release speed, spin rate, release point 3D coordinates (X, Y, and Z axes), amount of change for 4-seam, and seven changing ball types (sinker, slider, changeup, cutter, curve, split finger, and knuckle curve), using PITCHf/x and TrackMan. We also evaluated three relationships: (1) between the release points and the ball types of pitch; (2) between the amount of change in the ball and the release speed; and (3) between the release speed and the spin rate. Results The release speed was significantly slower in seven changing ball types than in the 4-seam (p < 0.01, respectively). The spin rate and the amount of change (ΔX and ΔZ) were significantly different between 4-seam and seven changing ball types (p < 0.01, respectively). Release point 3D coordinates (X, Y, and Z axes) were significantly different between 4-seam and slider, cutter, and curve (p < 0.01, respectively). Based on these findings, the eight pitch types were mainly divided into three groups: 4-seam, curve, and off-speed pitch types. Conclusion Seven changing ball types included specific characteristics for each parameter. The correspondence among the release speed, ΔX, and ΔZ at the 3D coordinates is an arch with 4-seam as the apex. Our results suggest an effective strategy for changing the release point and displacement of a ball's trajectory to improve the performance of baseball pitchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Hashimoto
- Faculty of Sustainable System Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Nagami
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Shinji Yoshitake
- Faculty of Sustainable System Sciences, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nakata
- Faculty of Engineering, Nara Women's University, Nara, Japan
- Correspondence: Hiroki Nakata
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Ultrasonographic digital blood flow measurement in professional baseball pitchers - A quantitative and comparative study with non-throwers. J Orthop Sci 2021; 26:1014-1017. [PMID: 33341354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2020.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular disorders in throwing athletes can occur from the thoracic outlet to the fingertips. The occurrence of these disorders around the shoulder is well known, and treatment options have been established for them. However, the occurrence of vascular pathology in the digital arteries in elite baseball pitchers is unclear, and treatment options have not yet been established. We hypothesized that asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers often have existing pathological changes in their digital blood flow; therefore, we quantitatively measured the blood flow in the index finger using ultrasonography and compared the results to those of non-baseball players. METHODS Seven asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers (pitcher group) and 11 healthy volunteers (control group) were included. The flow velocity, flow volume and vessel resistance index of the ulnar digital artery of the index finger were measured just distal to the proximal interphalangeal joint using pulsed wave Doppler in two positions: 1) with the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint relaxed (10-15° flexed) and 2) with the PIP joint passively extended (0-5°). RESULTS The mean flow velocity and flow volume were lower in the extended position than in the relaxed position in both groups. In the dominant hand, which was the throwing hand in the pitcher group, the mean flow velocity and the flow volume in the relaxed position were significantly lower in the pitcher group than in the control group. The vessel resistance index in the relaxed position of the dominant hand was significantly higher in the pitcher group than in the control group. In the nondominant hand, there was no significant difference in any parameter between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic professional baseball pitchers may have a pathological change in digital blood flow in the throwing hand. As treatment options for this condition have not yet been established, it is of utmost importance to carry out periodic examination and prevention before the condition progresses to the symptomatic end stage.
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Cheng IF, Lin CJ, Kuo LC, Hsue BJ, Su FC. Dynamic Anthropometrics of Preschool Children in Taiwan for Playground Equipment Designs. J Med Biol Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40846-021-00623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wong R, Laudner K, Evans D, Miller L, Blank T, Meister K. Relationships Between Clinically Measured Upper-Extremity Physical Characteristics and Ball Spin Rate in Professional Baseball Pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 2021; 35:1331-1337. [PMID: 33900265 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Wong, R, Laudner, K, Evans, D, Miller, L, Blank, T, and Meister, K. Relationships between clinically measured upper-extremity physical characteristics and ball spin rate in professional baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1331-1337, 2021-During baseball pitching, physical characteristics of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, and fingers have been hypothesized to be critical to creating ball spin. The purpose of this study was to determine if pitchers with greater shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger range of motion (ROM), arm and hand length, wrist strength, or grip and finger strength would produce greater ball spin than those with less physical characteristics. Ninety, asymptomatic, professional baseball pitchers participated (age = 24.5 ± 3.9 years; height = 189.9 ± 6.1 cm; body mass = 92.6 ± 10.6 kg). Goniometers and a digital level were used to measure shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger ROM, a tape measure was used to assess arm and hand lengths, and handheld dynamometers were used to measure wrist, grip, and finger strength. Ball spin was measured using a 3-dimensional Doppler radar and video system. Standard multiple regression analyses showed no significant relationships existed between ball spin and any of the upper-extremity ROM or limb length variables (R2 = 0.01-0.03; p = 0.40-0.94). However, there was a significant relationship for the summation of wrist strength (R2 = 0.24, p = 0.03). Both time to wrist extension strength {B = 0.50 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.76), p = 0.001} and radial deviation strength (B = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.15-0.66], p = 0.002) were significant predictors within this model. These results demonstrate that the rate of ball spin during a pitch may be partially altered by increasing wrist extension acceleration and radial deviation strength. However, the subsequent clinical measurements of shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger ROM, arm and hand length, and grip and finger strength were not associated with ball spin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan Wong
- Texas Rangers Baseball Club, Arlington, Texas
| | - Kevin Laudner
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and
| | - Daniel Evans
- Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Arlington, Texas
| | - Luke Miller
- Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Arlington, Texas
| | - Trent Blank
- Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Arlington, Texas
| | - Keith Meister
- Texas Metroplex Institute for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Arlington, Texas
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Shibata S, Kageyama M, Inaba Y, Yoshioka S, Fukashiro S. Kinetic analysis of the wrist and fingers during fastball and curveball pitches. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:136-145. [PMID: 33331246 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2020.1866080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study had two objectives: (a) revealing kinetic parameter differences at the fingers during a fastball and curveball, and (b) examining timing control between the wrist and finger torques. The participants were eight baseball pitchers. The kinetics of the wrist and fingers were calculated using an inverse dynamics method. The peak torque and work of finger adduction during the curveball was significantly larger than that during the fastball. During the fastball pitch, the maximal correlation coefficient between the wrist flexion torque and finger flexion torque was very high (r = 0.94 ± 0.05). The reasons for this result are twofold: (a) the extrinsic finger muscles cross the wrist (biarticular muscle) and (b) the wrist flexion torque during the fastball pitch acts in the direction of acceleration of the ball. During the curveball pitch, we found two typical types of wrist and finger torque control. Furthermore, the two pitchers exerted large wrist extension and radial torque, and finger adduction torque. Although the other six pitchers hardly exerted these torques, they exerted wrist flexion torque predominantly. It was considered that the six pitchers selected wrist flexion torque as the control for the fastball and curveball pitch to confuse the batter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Shibata
- Global Research & Development Department, Mizuno Corporation, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kageyama
- Department of Sport Science, Japan Institute of Sport Sciences, Japan High Performance Sport Center, Toyko, Japan.,Organization for Research and Development of Innovative Science and Technology, Kansai University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Inaba
- Organization for Research and Development of Innovative Science and Technology, Kansai University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Sport Science, Japan Institute of Sport Sciences, Japan High Performance Sport Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Yoshioka
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Tajika T, Oya N, Ichinose T, Shimoyama D, Sasaki T, Hamano T, Shitara H, Yamamoto A, Sakamoto M, Takagishi K, Chikuda H. Relation between grip and pinch strength and pitch type in high school pitchers with and without elbow symptoms. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) 2020; 28:2309499019890743. [PMID: 31986969 DOI: 10.1177/2309499019890743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gripping and pinching a ball is a fundamentally important part of the kinetic chain for throwing baseball pitches of various types. This study of high school pitchers was conducted to assess the association between grip and pinch strength, the pitch type, and the history of elbow symptoms. METHODS We examined 133 high school baseball pitchers, all of whom had completed a self-administered questionnaire including items related to pitch type throwing ratios, the age at starting each pitch type, and throwing-related elbow joint pain sustained during the prior 3 years. We measured grip strength and the bilateral side tip, key, and palmar pinch strengths. Comparisons were made between the participants with and without an elbow symptom history to assess the grip and each pinch strength, throwing ratio of pitch type, and the age at starting to throw each pitch type. RESULTS Pitchers with an elbow symptom history exhibited less difference between the grip strength on the throwing side than those with no elbow symptom history (p = 0.04). No difference was found between participants with and without an elbow symptom history in terms of pinch strength, the throwing ratios of pitch types, or the age at starting to throw pitches of each type. Positive significant association was found between pinch strength on the pitching side and the forkball and screwball throwing ratio (r = 0.27, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Grip strength might influence high school baseball pitcher elbow conditions. The frequency of certain pitch types might develop pinch strength in high school baseball pitchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Tajika
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Noboru Oya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Ichinose
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Daisuke Shimoyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Saint-Pierre Hospital, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Sasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takanori Hamano
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Shitara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
| | | | - Masaaki Sakamoto
- Department pf Physical therapy,Graduate School of Health Science, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kenji Takagishi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sada Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Chikuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma, Japan
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Sunagawa T, Nakashima Y, Shinomiya R, Adachi N. Digital Arterial Occlusion in the Throwing Hand of Elite Baseball Pitchers: A Report of 2 Cases Treated With Adventitial Stripping and Review of the Literature. Orthop J Sports Med 2020; 8:2325967120942064. [PMID: 32844102 PMCID: PMC7418254 DOI: 10.1177/2325967120942064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Toru Sunagawa
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuko Nakashima
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Rikuo Shinomiya
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuo Adachi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Finger forces in fastball baseball pitching. Hum Mov Sci 2017; 54:172-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Matsuo T, Jinji T, Hirayama D, Nasu D, Ozaki H, Kumagawa D. Middle finger and ball movements around ball release during baseball fastball pitching. Sports Biomech 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2016.1261932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Matsuo
- Health & Sports Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Jinji
- Faculty of Human Development, Kokugakuin University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Daiki Nasu
- Human Information Science Laboratory, NTT Communication Science Laboratories, Atsugi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ozaki
- Singapore Sports Institute, Sport Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Kumagawa
- Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, Japan Sport Council, Tokyo, Japan
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Wasser JG, Zaremski JL, Herman DC, Vincent HK. Assessment and rehabilitation of chronic low back pain in baseball: part II. Res Sports Med 2017; 25:231-243. [PMID: 28128000 DOI: 10.1080/15438627.2017.1282362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive throwing and hitting motions in baseball place mechanical stresses to the lumbar spine which may cause low back pain (LBP). Pain may be due to vertebral stress reactions or insufficiency fractures, intervertebral disc degeneration or intervertebral disc herniation. Untreated chronic conditions have high potential to lead to a more significant injury such as spondylolysis. Chronic LBP increases the risk for missed playing time, early career termination and lower quality of life after retirement. Proper clinical assessment and prevention/rehabilitation of LBP in this population is thus important for performance, play time and overall long-term quality of life. This narrative review synopsizes the available evidence for assessment and rehabilitation of baseball players with LBP, including the structured rehabilitative techniques and programmes which should be administered to affected players. The state of the evidence suggests that there are deficits in identifying the optimal prevention and rehabilitation prescription components for the variety of LBP-inducing injuries in this athletic population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Wasser
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Research; Interdisciplinary Center for Musculoskeletal Training and Research , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Jason L Zaremski
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Research; Interdisciplinary Center for Musculoskeletal Training and Research , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Daniel C Herman
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Research; Interdisciplinary Center for Musculoskeletal Training and Research , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Heather K Vincent
- a Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Research; Interdisciplinary Center for Musculoskeletal Training and Research , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL , USA
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Fleisig GS, Laughlin WA, Aune KT, Cain EL, Dugas JR, Andrews JR. Differences among fastball, curveball, and change-up pitching biomechanics across various levels of baseball. Sports Biomech 2016; 15:128-38. [DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2016.1159319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Wang LH, Lo KC, Jou IM, Kuo LC, Tai TW, Su FC. The effects of forearm fatigue on baseball fastball pitching, with implications about elbow injury. J Sports Sci 2015; 34:1182-9. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2015.1101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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