A Pilot Study Comparing Maximum Joint Linear Velocity and Sequencing Patterning between an Overhead, Single Handed Fly Distance Cast and a Standing Javelin Throw

Introduction: The aims of this study were firstly to identify the maximum, linear, horizontal velocity of the ipsilateral hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist, and the joint sequencing pattern used by casters and throwers. Secondly, measure the maximum angular velocity of the ipsilateral elbow and the angle of the shoulder axis to the casting or throwing direction at the time the ipsilateral elbow attained maximum angular velocity. Method: Nine casters having a mean age of 65.89 ± 4.24 and four javelin throwers with a mean age of 66.0 ± 14.85 years participated in this pilot study. Motion sensors were affixed to each joint and data was collected using 3D Qualisys movement system. Results: Javelin throwers (1) generated greater ipsilateral hip, shoulder, elbow and wrist maximum, horizontal, linear velocity than casters, (2) exhibited greater compliance to a proximal to distal movement patterning than casters, and (3) generated greater ipsilateral maximum, elbow angular velocity and rotated their shoulder axis more to the direction of the throw than casters. Conclusion: This study is the first to compare the movement patterning used by casters and throwers and identifies opportunity for casters to improve casting performance by adopting the movement patterning used by javelin throwers.