A comparison of the three-dimensional characteristics of a full-effort overhand throw and the throwing motions involved in a rehabilitative throwing program

Overhead throwing activities such as those involved in baseball require multiple repetitions of the same movement pattern. The displacements, velocities, and associated forces involved in each phase of throwing may lead to injuries specific to that phase, and can affect any of the involved anatomical structures. When injury occurs, in order for the athlete to safely return to competition a comprehensive functional rehabilitation program is essential.;Previous throwing research has focused primarily on baseball pitching. However, research evaluating the biomechanics of the type of throwing used in a rehabilitation program is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the kinematics of a full effort overhand throw with the throwing motions involved in a rehabilitative throwing program.;High speed three-dimensional video analysis was used to evaluate throwing in nine NCAA collegiate baseball players. Multiple trials were completed by each subject at four conditions: submaximal throwing at 60 feet, 90 feet, and 120 feet (120P), and maximal throwing at 120 feet. Joint motion patterns, velocities, accelerations, and temporal/distance measures were analyzed.;Overall, the kinematic parameters assessed for the submaximal throws of the throwing program were different from the maximal throw. The throws used for rehabilitation were found to have a decreased stride, decreased elbow angle at front foot contact, increased external rotation, increased abduction angle during acceleration, decreased elbow extension velocity, increased elbow angle at release, increased knee flexion at release, increased deceleration internal rotation velocity, and overall took longer to complete (i.e., increased time). The only kinematic parameter to have no significant differences between submaximal and maximal throws was maximum elbow angle during the arm cocking phase.;Understanding the relationship between the last stages of rehabilitation and return to play is vital for both the clinician and athlete. Athletes should participate in more functional and sport/position specific throws prior to returning to their position on the baseball field. The performance of throws of progressively greater effort, not just greater distance, may more closely replicate what the athlete will have to perform once cleared for participation.