Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this systematic review was to critically review and synthesise the findings
from primary studies on pitching mechanics and performance of healthy adult baseball
pitchers.
Design
Systematic review with meta-analysis.
Methods
Eight English- and Japanese-language databases were systematically searched from inception
to 22nd July 2022.
Results
In total, 29 descriptive biomechanical studies were included. Overall study quality
was moderate. In subgroup analyses, professional pitchers showed significantly higher
stride length, peak shoulder internal rotation velocity, peak shoulder proximal force
and ball velocity compared to collegiate pitchers. Conversely, collegiate pitchers
were found to have significantly higher peak pelvis rotation velocity.
Conclusions
Available normative data suggested potentially heterogeneous pitching mechanics and
performance between professional and collegiate pitchers. However, the findings in
this review should be interpreted cautiously. Since statistical heterogeneity was
significant within most data sets, more detailed subgroup analyses are required. Additionally,
more high-quality studies utilising measurement systems with established reliability
are required to obtain accurate data in baseball pitching mechanics and performance.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 24, 2022
Accepted:
November 22,
2022
Received in revised form:
October 30,
2022
Received:
October 7,
2021
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
