Motion Analysis of Overhand Throwing: Past, Present, and Future

Overhand throwing motion is often regarded as one of the basic motions along with walking, running, and jumping. Three-dimensional (3-D) image analysis of the kinematics and kinetics using of rigid body segment model of overhand throwing motion has been studied widely in recent years. In this paper biomechanical research on throwing is reviewed with a special focus of studies from Japan. Considering throwing is not an ontogenic but rather a phylogenic motion, more thorough and longitudinal studies on various aspects of skill development and training would be expected. The fact that the trunk, shoulder, and hand are difficult to model as a single rigid body has limited research depth. Studies linking advanced 3-D motion analysis and musculo-skeletal modeling are required if a better understanding of the biomechanics of overhand throwing motion are to result.