pp. 3151-3167
S&M4109 Research paper of Special Issue https://doi.org/10.18494/SAM5286 Published: July 31, 2025 Sensor-based Motion Analysis for Injury Assessment in Professional Pitchers [PDF] Guan-Woei Tseng, Cheng-Hung Chen, Chuan-Hui Lin, Huang-Nan Lin, Hsing-Hui Lintseng, Ying-Yu Chen, Hsiu-Chen Wu, and Bo Wun Huang (Received August 6, 2024; Accepted May 12, 2025) Keywords: pitching mechanics, video analysis, ulnar collateral ligament injury, Tommy John surgery, inverse dynamics approach, ball speed
Injury assessment in professional pitchers is critical for optimizing performance and extending athletic careers. In this study, we explore advanced methodologies for evaluating and preventing injuries specific to throwing sports by examining publicly available videos of professional pitchers captured with a high-end broadcast camera system equipped with a CMOS image sensor. (1) Background: In this study, we aim to investigate several key parameters related to upper limb injuries in pitchers. (2) Methods: We conducted 2D motion analysis, assessed pitching mechanics, and applied inverse dynamics to examine seven elite Major League Baseball pitchers. (3) Results: We found that maximum external rotation and stride length are closely related to ball speed. Additionally, the maximum external force and elbow varus torque produced by the baseball exhibit linear relationships with ball speed. These factors contribute significantly to upper extremity injuries. (4) Conclusions: The application of image sensors in broadcast camera systems is crucial for capturing motion parameters in the fast movements of professional pitchers. Optimizing pitching mechanics, particularly in terms of maximum external rotation, stride length, external force, and elbow varus torque, is essential for preventing upper extremity injuries and enhancing performance in pitchers.
Corresponding author: Wun Huang![]() ![]() This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Cite this article Guan-Woei Tseng, Cheng-Hung Chen, Chuan-Hui Lin, Huang-Nan Lin, Hsing-Hui Lintseng, Ying-Yu Chen, Hsiu-Chen Wu, and Bo Wun Huang, Sensor-based Motion Analysis for Injury Assessment in Professional Pitchers, Sens. Mater., Vol. 37, No. 7, 2025, p. 3151-3167. |