Perceptions of Biomechanical Devices in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers and Training Staff: A Qualitative Study

Journal article

BackgroundBaseball players, coaches, and clinicians have sought to leverage biomechanical devices to inform training load and injury prevention. A novel biomechanical pitching sleeve and portable force plate have been proposed to track training load, kinetic, and kinematic data. The objective of this study was to identify the barriers and facilitators for use of wearable and portable biomechanical devices among elite baseball pitchers and training staff.Study designQualitative descriptive study nested within a pilot feasibility study.MethodsThis study was conducted at participating team facilities. Collegiate baseball players, coaches, and support staff were recruited. Nine semi-structured focus groups/interviews were conducted using a qualitative guide book and transcribed verbatim. An abductive conventional content analysis was adopted to construct themes for barriers and facilitators for implementation of the novel biomechanical pitching sleeve and portable force plate.ResultsThree themes emerged related to facilitators for the use of the devices. First, knowledge users valued individualized data-informed training. Second, athletes felt empowered to make training decisions through self-awareness. Third, users had a new appreciation for injury prevention strategies. Two themes emerged related to barriers for the use of the devices. First, the data interpretation imposed implementation challenges. Second, the addressing challenges in systemization and integration.ConclusionsThis study provides insight into barriers and facilitators that may improve future implementation of wearable or portable biomechanical devices among players, coaches, and clinicians to aid in informing training regimens and injury prevention strategies.

Authors: Martin, CL; Truong, L; Evenson, KR; Wolf, J; Moore, JB

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy
• Journal: International journal of sports physical therapy
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 135-148
• Publication date: 2026-02-02
• DOI: 10.26603/001c.155478
• ISSN: 2159-2896
• Pmid: 41635586
• Language: English
• Keywords: Training Load; Knowledge Users; Biomechanics Device; Upper Extremity Injury; Baseball Pitcher; Sports Biomechanics