title: Biomechanical differences between left- and right-handed baseball pitchers.
abstract: Left-handed baseball pitchers are thought to have a number of theoretical advantages compared to right-handed pitchers; however, there is limited scientific research detailing differences in the pitching mechanics of right- and left-handed pitchers. Therefore, this study sought to understand whether any kinematic and kinetic differences existed between right- and left-handed baseball pitchers. A total of 52 collegiate pitchers were included in this study; 26 left-handed pitchers were compared to 26 age-, height-, weight- and ball velocity-matched right-handed pitchers. Demographic information, passive shoulder range of motion and kinematic and kinetic data were obtained for each pitcher participating in the study. Results indicated that left-handed pitchers did not have a glenohumeral internal rotation deficit as compared to right-handed pitchers. Kinematic analysis indicated that elbow flexion, horizontal glenohumeral abduction and wrist coronal plane motion were significantly different between the two study cohorts. It was also noted that left-handed pitchers had increased elbow varus moments. The findings of this study suggest that pitching coaches should be aware that there are biomechanical differences between left- and right-handed pitchers.
authors.affiliation: a Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Research, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine , Connecticut Children's Medical Center , Farmington , CT , USA.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Solomito
authors.affiliation: b Department of Orthopedic Surgery , University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburg , PA , USA.
authors.forename: Joel V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.affiliation: c Elite Sports Medicine , Connecticut Children's Medical Center , Farmington , CT , USA.
authors.forename: Carl W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Nissen
mesh_terms: D001484:Baseball / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004550:Elbow / Q000502:physiology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012782:Shoulder / Q000502:physiology; D013996:Time and Motion Studies; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000502:physiology*; D014953:Wrist / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Kinematics; kinetics; motion analysis