Softball Pitching Propulsion and Performance Differences According to Body Fat Percentage

Abstract

Softball pitchers with a high body-fat percentage (bf%) can often be successful, despite the heightened risk of injury associated with high bf%. Given the importance of propulsion during pitching, those with high bf% may have an advantage performance-wise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the differences in ground reaction force (GRF) development between two groups of pitchers: those with a high-fat percentage (≥32 bf%) and a healthy-fat percentage (<32 bf%). Thirty-two female high-school softball pitchers (1.70±.06 m, 76.09±17.50 kg, 15±1 yrs) completed dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. GRF data were collected during pitch propulsion via a force plate, pitch speed was captured using a radar gun, BMI was calculated from pitcher height and mass, and fat free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) were calculated using DEXA data and pitcher height. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed pitcher group GRFs differed significantly (F3,30=3.45, p=.030). Univariate follow-up analyses showed healthy bf% pitchers presented greater weight-normalized peak medial GRF (F1,30=7.17, p=.012). BMI and FFMI were positively associated with pitch speed while bf% and FMI were negatively associated with pitch speed. While pitchers can be successful and carry excess bf%, results indicate potential performance disadvantages associated with having an increased bf%.

Countermovement Jump and Momentum Generation Associations to Fastball Velocity Performance Among Division I Collegiate Pitchers

“…Based on the results, it may be inferred that increasing body fat mass, being a noncontractile anthropometric factor, can reduce power generation in pitchers. Previous studies reported a negative effect of body fat on ball velocity and shoulder stress when pitching (12,13). Pitchers may want to work on increasing lean body mass that increases momentum generation without elevating arm stress.…”

Kinematics of Hitting in Youth Baseball: Implications for Skill Development

“…Lastly, future studies should consider utilizing statistical parametric mapping (SPM) as a novel method for investigating hitting mechanics. This method has gained popularity in baseball 36 and softball 37 38 pitching research given its unique ability to examine mechanics across an entire phase rather than limiting analysis to a single time point. As a growing number of studies seek to further understand hitting mechanics, SPM can provide a more comprehensive interpretation of mechanics throughout the phases of the swing.…”