The kinetic sequencing involved in the overhead throw anticipates an
orchestration of body movement in which the more proximal segments of the body
initiate movement prior to the more distal segment. This investigation explored
neuromuscular and kinematic characteristics associated with one aspect of this
kinetic sequencing, pelvic-to-thoracic rotation. Neuromuscular activation was
recorded using surface electromyography and kinematic data was acquired using 3D
videography. Specific objectives included 1) to describe the maximum angulation
between the pelvic and thoracic body segments (Xmax angle), 2) to
test the hypothesis that glove-side external oblique peak neuromuscular
activation (GEOPA) occurs before Xmax angle, 3) to test the
hypothesis that throwing-side external oblique peak neuromuscular activation
(TEOPA) occurs following Xmax angle. Results show the mean Xmax
angle to be 45.96 degrees (±10.83). The time of mean GEOPA
(2.3653 sec±0.9094) occurred following the time of mean
Xmax angle (2.2793 sec,±0.9026, p<0.01),
thus refuting the first hypothesis. The time of mean TEOPA
(2.3658 sec,±0.8978) occurred following the time of mean
Xmax angle (2.2793 sec,±0.9026, p<0.01),
thus confirming the second hypothesis. Results suggest that youth baseball
participants may not adequately utilize the core of the body to fully benefit
from the optimal kinetic sequencing postulated within the literature.
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