Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University, 2007. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. [92-101]).

The purpose of this study was to determine the better predictors of ball velocity and identify differences in the overarm throw of male and female athletes. A three dimensional videographic analysis was performed to analyze the angular and linear velocities of various body segments, the time between maximum velocity of the body segment and ball release, stride length, height of release, and angle of trajectory. Eight male baseball players and six female softball players volunteered to be videotaped. A one way ANOV A with ball velocity as the dependent variable revealed a significant difference between genders (f (1, 11) = 5.3, ll < .0413). A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis allowed selection from all of the angular velocity variables and the kinematic variables regressed on the dependent variable of ball velocity. This identified the main contributors to ball velocity. For the male athletes three variables were selected into the multiple regression equation, (a) the angular velocity of the forearm at ball release, (b) the time between maximum angular velocity of the pelvis and ball release,and (c) the angular velocity of the pelvis at ball release. For the female athletes the multiple regression equation yielded one variable, the angular velocity of the forearm at ball release to predict ball velocity. Gender differences existed in the sequential timing of the pelvis, trunk, and upper extremity. The female athletes reached maximum pelvic velocity earlier with peak trunk velocity occurring later than the males. The sequential timing differences may have played a role in the explanation of why the female throwers lacked transfer of momentum from the lower extremity to the upper. The results of an unpaired two-tailed t-test on the two best throwers in each group revealed differences in ball velocity, maximum linear velocity of the hip, and maximum linear velocity of the trunk.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Delaware, 2008. / Principal faculty advisor: Thomas W. Kaminski, Dept. of Health, Nutrition, & Exercise Sciences. Includes bibliographical references.

There is little research specifically examining fast-pitch softball pitchers. However of the few studies completed, pitchers have been reported to exhibit a high incidence of injury. How and why these pitchers are suffering from injuries has not been elucidated.The purpose of this study was to investigate the injuries occurring to collegiate softball pitchers and factors that may influence these injuries such as demographic, pitching, training, and injury information.A cross-sectional survey of collegiate softball pitchers from Divisions I, II, and III was conducted using InQsit, a web-based survey system. Instructions on how to complete a web-based survey was sent and completed over a two-week period, by 181 Division I, II, and III collegiate softball pitchers. The survey was composed of questions addressing: 1) demographic information, 2) pitching and game data, 3) training program information, and 4) injury reporting.The results showed that demographic information, pitching and game data, and training were not statistically significant (p<0.05) in relation to injury. Among the 131 reported injuries, 36 were acute, 92 chronic, and 3 unspecified. Of the 92 chronic/overuse injuries, 10 were Grade I, 30 Grade II, 39 Grade III, and 13 Grade IV. Of the total injuries, 80 were a direct result from pitching, with 36 relating to the shoulder and 17 to the lower back. Among the injured pitchers, 109 took Non-Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs, 140 used modalities, 11 received surgeries, and 95 saw additional specialists. This study revealed that a high percentage (72.8%) of collegiate pitchers are suffering injuries across the nation and more research focused on this area is needed. In addition, coaches need to continue to be informed of ways they can improve the health and training programs of their pitchers. / School of Physical Education