Jessica Downs Talmage, Kenzie B Friesen, Anthony Fava, Kate Everhart, Gretchen D Oliver
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Softball research has investigated changes in physical characteristics, mechanics, and ball speed as elements of fatigue. However, the influence of pitch volume on ball metrics is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of pitch volume on ball performance and release metrics in softball pitchers across different pitch types.
Hypothesis: As pitch volume increased, there would be a decrease in ball metrics of the fastball and changes in breaking pitches would be observed earlier than the fastball or changeup.
Study design: Descriptive laboratory study.
Level of evidence: Level 5.
Methods: A total of 21 (15.4 ± 1.6 years; 1.6 ± 0.2 m; 76.0 ± 17.2 kg) softball pitchers participated. Procedures consisted of participants pitching a simulated game consisting of 100 pitches, taking a 30-minute break, and then throwing 12 pitches to simulate the first inning of a doubleheader. Participants randomly threw each pitch type (fastball, changeup, curveball, or dropball). Ball performance and release metrics were measured using a Rapsodo portable pitch tracker.
Results: A 3 (time) by 4 (pitch type) multivariate analysis of variance revealed that pitch speed was significantly higher in the first inning compared with the last inning and the doubleheader inning. The fastball, curveball, and dropball revealed a significant difference in pitch speed between timepoints. Specifically, the curveball and dropball first-inning pitch speed was significantly greater than the last and doubleheader inning. Alternatively, the fastball had a significant increase in pitch speed from the last inning to the doubleheader inning.
Conclusion: The typical 30-minute break given between games for doubleheaders may be sufficient recovery time for the fastball but not for the curveball and dropball.
Clinical relevance: The Rapsodo device is an accessible method of tracking ball performance and pitch release metrics and could be helpful in identifying when a pitcher may be experiencing performance detriments in response to increasing pitch count.
期刊介绍:
Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach is an indispensable resource for all medical professionals involved in the training and care of the competitive or recreational athlete, including primary care physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, athletic trainers and other medical and health care professionals.
Published bimonthly, Sports Health is a collaborative publication from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM), the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), and the Sports Physical Therapy Section (SPTS).
The journal publishes review articles, original research articles, case studies, images, short updates, legal briefs, editorials, and letters to the editor.
Topics include:
-Sports Injury and Treatment
-Care of the Athlete
-Athlete Rehabilitation
-Medical Issues in the Athlete
-Surgical Techniques in Sports Medicine
-Case Studies in Sports Medicine
-Images in Sports Medicine
-Legal Issues
-Pediatric Athletes
-General Sports Trauma
-Sports Psychology