The consistency in the glenohumeral, scapulo-thoracic and torso kinematics during the throwing protocol demonstrates that despite completing 105 pitches, these athletes are able to maintain shoulder kinematics and ball speed during the underhand pitch. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to analyze glenohumeral as well as scapulo-thoracic kinematics during this task. This study presents a systematic protocol for the study of fatigue during windmill softball pitching. Data across all planes demonstrated similar consistency. Examples of kinematics at two of these joints are presented across all sets (Figure 2, n=4). The last five pitches of every set were averaged for analysis.īall speed (Figure 1, n=8 subjects) and peak glenohumeral, scapulo-thoracic and thoracic angular rotations (n=4 subjects) were consistent across all sets. Ball speed recorded with a radar gun, 3D angular rotations of the glenohumeral joint, scapulo-thoracic joint and thorax with respect to the room were calculated for all throws. All athletes completed 105 pitches in sets of 15 with a rest of 5 minutes between sets. The pitching mound was at regulation distance (43’) from the strike zone target. A custom marker cluster was used to dynamically track the scapula (Karduna et al. Marker placement and the anatomical calibration of bony landmarks followed recommendations by the ISB (Wu et al. Three-dimensional (3D) motion of the humerus, scapula and trunk were recorded with surface markers at 250 Hz. The purpose is to measure scapular kinematics for the high school female windmill softball pitcher and identify kinematic adaptions and changes in pitching performance due to fatigue.Įight female high school softball pitchers without previous shoulder injury were enrolled.
![underhand throw softball underhand throw softball](https://study.com/cimages/multimages/16/softballpitch.jpg)
Direct kinematic measurements of the glenohumeral and scapulo-thoracic joint have not to be correlated and determined. However, pitch count and fatigue have not been systematically evaluated in the female windmill (underhand) throwing athlete. Pitch count has been studied extensively in the overhand throwing athlete.