The Science of Movement in Baseball

Introduction

Baseball is a game with complex movements and actions that require biomechanical and pathomechanical analysis. In a study done by Dr. Edward Chang, he defines the fine movements that are done with hitting and pitching in baseball, and how as defined by Chang, “biomechanics is the study of the mechanical properties and movements of living organisms, while pathomechanics is the study of abnormal movements and how they can lead to injuries”. In baseball, these concepts are essential to understanding how players make successful and safe plays.

What is Biomechanics?

The word Biomechanics is derived from the Greek language meaning “life mechanics” which studies the movement of living organisms. It has later become known more specifically as the study of human movement (Innocenti 2018). The application of biomechanics in baseball studies movements within pitching, batting, and fielding. The biomechanics of pitching involves analyzing the forces on the elbow and shoulder joints during the pitching motion. These forces that the body creates are studied to form a concept known as the kinetic chain. In a study lead by Edward S. Chang, Chang defines the kinetic chain as “a concept that movements in the body are connected through segments culminating with the highest energy in the final segment”. Pitchers generate power by abducting and externally rotating the shoulder joint while extending their arms. The elbow flexes and extends at high speeds during the pitching motion, which puts significant stress on the joint. Chang finds these motions and the biomechanics of pitching crucial in determining the proper technique and throwing mechanics to prevent injuries (Chang et al, 2016).

Batting is another movement that has different biomechanical aspects. Successful batting is a result of proper timing, technique, and power. Biomechanical analysis of batting focuses on the forces generated by the body on the bat, the angle of the swing, and the impact of the ball on the bat. The ideal bat angle and speed depend on the pitch angle and velocity, making batting a complex biomechanical process (Chang et al, 2016). As previously mentioned pathomechanics also play a role in analyzing players movements.

What is Pathomechanics?

Pathomechanics is the study of abnormal movements and how it can lead to injuries. Baseball players are at risk of various pathomechanics, such as overuse injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, and fractures. Overuse injuries occur due to repetitive motion, such as over-pitching by a pitcher, which can result in elbow or shoulder injuries. Muscle strains and ligament sprains happen when force is applied to a joint or muscle beyond its capacity. Fractures usually occur due to contact with the ball or another player (Chang et al, 2016).

Pathomechanical analysis in baseball focuses on detecting and addressing improper techniques and faulty movements that cause injuries. Pitchers who use excessive force during the pitching motion or have improper throwing technique are at an increased risk of overuse injuries. Fielders who do not use proper techniques, such as bending their knees while fielding or using their non-throwing hands during throws, can also cause injuries or dysfunctions. Hitters who compensate in their swing due to other deficits of their body have a higher chance of injury as well. When playing baseball for years on end, and with the repetitive movements that are done within the game, the likelihood of one getting injured or developing a deficiency of some sort is rather high. This is why specific rehabilitation programs called interval programs have been created to aid players in getting stronger and to prevent further injury (Fortenbaugh, 2009).

Interval Programs

Interval programs for hitting or pitching (ITPs and IHPs) are designed programs for return to play after injury which progressively add force to the kinetic chain in a controlled manner through gradual phases while minimizing re-injury (Chang et al, 2016). Interval programs are implemented with the assumption that the tissue surrounding the injury has fully healed and a complete physical examination has been done by a licensed physician. Not doing so can increase the risks of re-injury. Interval programs will begin with low intensity exercises and begin to slowly increase with each phase. Chang provides a detailed table of interval programs for both pitching and throwing which include exact step by step instructions within each phase. In order to continue to the next phase or step, there must be no soreness or weakness after the exercise. If so, the same step or phase must be repeated the next session (Chang, 2016).

Conclusion

For many years biomechanics was not been embraced by the baseball community as a viable form of training but as pioneers in the field began to experiment with the implementation of biomechanics with positive results, biomechanics has gained traction in the baseball industry as a main component of professional and amateur training. This has forced the baseball industry to focus on detailed components of training that in the past were overlooked. Currently every baseball franchise implements some version of biomechanics into their player training to stay competitive (Marsh, 2022).

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