With proper instructions that points out the specific technical component of interest, a full-length mirror may also be used to provide feedback. Recent advancement in electronic devices (phones and tablet devices) also allows coaches, parents, and pitchers to record and instantly review the ISRIB pitching technique on a same device. Furthermore, there are websites (e.g., www.3psports.com) that provides analysis of pitching technique. However, efficacy of use of these technology and service in modifying pitching technique has not been demonstrated. Augmented video feedback has been successfully used to modify landing techniques associated with knee injuries.138 In a study conducted by
Onate et al.,138 participants who were asked to review videos of their jumping trial and analyze the movement using a checklist of key technical points were able to land with
less ground reaction force more knee bending compared to the participants who did not receive video feedback. Baseball players start to pitch around 8–9 PLX-4720 chemical structure years of age. When implementing an intervention program, it is important to consider the age/developmental stage of the target population. Throwing is a fundamental motor skill that is acquired during early and late childhood (2–12 years of age).142 and 143 During early childhood, children’s throwing technique develops from an arm-dominated movement to a more coordinated movement incorporating trunk rotation, forward step with the contralateral leg, preparatory arm back swing, and horizontal arm adduction.143, 144, 145 and 146 Acquisition of mature fundamental movement patterns leads to learning of sports-specific movement pattern in late childhood (6 and 12 years of age) and refinement of the skill during adolescence (12 and 18 years of age) from frequent use of the skill in sports settings.142 Skill refinement results in a decrease in movement variability, improved consistency of the aim, and development of movement coordination that Linifanib (ABT-869) is more economical (use less energy)
and utilize multiple linked segment in a manner that produces optimal performance.112, 142 and 147 Considering this timeline for motor development in youth and adolescence, intervention may be better implemented in late childhood, when pitchers are still learning the basics of the throwing motion. Once the pitching movement becomes less variable and more automatic, it may become more difficult to change technique without disrupting automatic processes and thus compromising performance. There is little research regarding duration of the intervention required to achieve modification of sports-specific skills. Typical intervention programs in sports medicine lasts 4–12 weeks. However, Padua et al.148 recently demonstrated that duration of programs has a significant effect on the retention of the corrected movement pattern.