A novel approach for baseball pitch analysis using a full body motion analysis suit: A case series study

Biomechanical analysis of the baseball pitch has been used for many years to improve pitching accuracy. Common biomechanical analysis has relied on motion analysis cameras in a laboratory setting. The primary aim of this descriptive case series study was to utilize a novel method using a portable wearable 3D motion analysis suit to measure leg length/stride length ratio, foot placement, and pitch accuracy. Four National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III varsity baseball pitchers participated in this study. The XSens™ MVN motion analysis suit was worn by each participant to measure body kinematics and a high-speed camera was utilized to record pitching accuracy. The average leg length to stride length ratio results was determined to be 77%. This ratio could be utilized rather than the traditional stride length to body height due to the variations in leg length. The results from this motion analysis procedure with a wearable portable suit and a high-speed camera may help improve pitching accuracy by identifying optimal mechanics for each individual pitcher.
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Bibliographic Details
Subjects:
Notations:sport games
Published in:Journal of Human Sport & Exercise
Language:English
Published: 2021
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.14198/jhse.2021.163.17
Volume:16
Issue:3
Pages:689-700
Document types:article
Level:advanced