GROUND REACTION FORCES, KINEMATICS, AND MUSCLE ACTIVATIONS DURING THE SOFTBALL PITCH

Abstract

Research has shown that ground reaction forces and lower extremity muscle activation are essential elements to the windmill softball pitch. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify ground reaction forces, motion kinematics and muscle activations during the phases of stride foot plant to ball release of the windmill pitching motion. Ten female windmill softball pitchers participated. Fastballs for strikes were thrown and data revealed that as the windmill softball pitcher had increased ball velocity their vertical ground reaction forces also increased. As the medial forces increased the stride leg gluteus maximus had decreased activation. Proper conditioning of the lumbopelvic-hip complex, including the gluteals, is essential for injury prevention.