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. 2024 Aug 13;12(8):23259671241262730.
doi: 10.1177/23259671241262730. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Kinematic Modeling of Pitch Velocity in High School and Professional Baseball Pitchers: Comparisons With the Literature

Joseph E Manzi  1 , Brittany Dowling  2 , Zhaorui Wang  1 , Suleiman Y Sudah  3 , Jay Moran  4 , Frank R Chen  1 , Jennifer A Estrada  5 , Allen Nicholson  6 , Michael C Ciccotti  7 , Joseph J Ruzbarsky  8 , Joshua S Dines  5
Affiliations

Kinematic Modeling of Pitch Velocity in High School and Professional Baseball Pitchers: Comparisons With the Literature

Joseph E Manzi et al. Orthop J Sports Med. .

Abstract

Background: Kinematic parameters predictive of pitch velocity have been evaluated in adolescent and collegiate baseball pitchers; however, they have not been established for high school or professional pitchers.

Purpose: To create multiregression models using anthropometric and kinematics features most predictive for pitch velocity in high school and professional pitchers and compare them with prior multiregression models evaluating other playing levels.

Study design: Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods: High school (n = 59) and professional (n = 337) baseball pitchers threw 8 to 12 fastballs while being evaluated with 3-dimensional motion capture (480 Hz). Using anthropometric and kinematic variables, multiregression models for pitch velocity were created for each group. A systematic review was conducted to determine previous studies that established kinematic models for ball velocity in youth, high school, and collegiate pitchers.

Results: Leg length was predictive of pitch velocity for high school and professional pitchers (P < .001 for both). When compared with previously established models for pitch velocity, almost all groups were distinct from one another when assessing age (P maximum < .001), weight (P max = .0095), and pitch velocity (P max < .001). Stride length was a significant predictor for the youth/high school pitchers, as well as the current study's high school and professional pitchers (P < .001 for all). Maximal shoulder external rotation (collegiate: P = .001; professional: P < .001) and maximal elbow extension velocity (high school/collegiate: P = .024; collegiate: P < .001; professional: P = .006) were shared predictors for the collegiate and current study's professional group multiregression models. Trunk flexion at ball release was a commonly shared predictor in the youth/high school (P = .04), high school/collegiate (P = .003), collegiate (P < .001), and the current study's professional group (P < .001).

Conclusion: Youth, high school, collegiate, and professional pitchers had unique, predictive kinematic and anthropometric features predictive of pitch velocity. Leg length, stride length, trunk flexion at ball release, and maximal shoulder external rotation were predictive features that were shared between playing levels.

Clinical relevance: Coaches, clinicians, scouts, and pitchers can consider both the unique and the shared predictive features at each playing level when attempting to maximize pitch velocity.

Keywords: ball speed; ball velocity; motion capture; pitch speed.

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Conflict of interest statement

One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: A.N. has received grant support from Arthrex, education payments from Arthrex and SeaPearl, and hospitality payments from Zimmer Biomet and Stryker. M.C.C. has received grant support from Arthrex and DJO. J.J.R. has received grant support from Arthrex and hospitality payments from Smith+Nephew. J.S.D. has received education payments from Gotham Surgical; consulting fees from Arthrex, KCI, and Trice Medical; nonconsulting fees from Arthrex; and royalties from Arthrex and Linvatec. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Definitions of position variables for (A) stride length, (B) stride width, (C) pelvic rotation, (D) trunk rotation, (E) trunk flexion, (F) shoulder external rotation, (G) shoulder horizontal abduction, and (H) arm slot.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flowchart showing inclusion process of studies.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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