Pitching Mechanics: Do Certain Mechanics Predispose Pitchers to Shoulder Injuries?

Role of kinetic chain in sports performance and injury risk: a narrative review

“…For baseball pitching to occur, a complex muscle activation sequence along the kinetic chain generates and efficiently transfers the required energy for executing a baseball throw [ 51 ]. The kinetic chain influences the activation of the scapular musculature (serratus anterior) throughout the practice of knee push-up-plus exercises.…”

“…This power generation process during throwing starts in the lower limbs and core, where large and powerful muscles are located [ 56 ]. Around half of the force production throughout the throwing motion occurs in the hip and trunk [ 51 ]. The lower-limb-generated force is transferred through the trunk to the scapula of the throwing/accelerating arm [ 51 ].…”

“…Around half of the force production throughout the throwing motion occurs in the hip and trunk [ 51 ]. The lower-limb-generated force is transferred through the trunk to the scapula of the throwing/accelerating arm [ 51 ]. Mobility restriction and kinematics alteration in the hip and trunk are linked to a throwing mechanics breakdown (loss of energy production) and shoulder and elbow injuries [ 57 , 58 ].…”

“…Mobility restriction and kinematics alteration in the hip and trunk are linked to a throwing mechanics breakdown (loss of energy production) and shoulder and elbow injuries [ 57 , 58 ]. The mobility restriction causes a loss of energy production and consequent larger force production role on the arm, placing abnormal and damaging stresses on the soft tissues [ 51 , 59 , 60 ].…”