Exercise physiology. (Senior Division 2002).

O'Hara, A.L. and Wilson, D.J. Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Southwest Missouri State University. THE EFFECTS OF PUSH-OFF FORCES ON BASEBALL PITCHERS' VELOCITY. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the peak posterior force (PPF) and peak vertical force (PVF) produced by professional baseball pitchers to the velocity of their pitches. Six minor-league pitchers each threw ten pitches from a wooden pitching mound in an indoor gymnasium. A force platform was placed in the mound to measure forces produced during the delivery. Velocity data was measured using a radar gun positioned behind the target. Twenty-three (N=23) total pitches were analyzed, with at least three coming from each subject. A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.518) was found between the PPF and ball velocity (p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.641) was also found between the PVF and ball velocity (p <0.01). The greater posterior and vertical forces produced by the professional baseball pitchers during the delivery seem to produce higher velocity measurements. The discussion will center on the relationship between forces produced during the delivery and the resulting ball velocity.

Stalhood, C.S. and D.J. Wilson. Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Southwest Missouri State University. STEP AND STRIDE, AND STEP AND NO STRIDE BASEBALL BAT SWINGS VS. BAT VELOCITY. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between two batting methods (stride step and step without stride) and the resulting bat velocity. Twenty subjects, with at least a high school level of baseball experience were recruited for this study. Each subject in random order performed three trials of each batting method. Video data was collected using a 240-hertz camera positioned above a basketball goal. The images were digitized using an automated kinematic analysis system that calculated three-dimensional coordinate data. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed with the angular velocity of the bat and wrists as main effects. Statistical results will be discussed in the context of coaching methods and batting preferences of the players.

Worthington, C.D. and D.J. Wilson. Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Southwest Missouri State University. EFFECTIVENESS OF TECHNOLOGY IN A KINESIOLOGY CLASSROOM. This study investigated the effectiveness of a videodisk instructional tool. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) recommends that technological tools, like videodisks, are important supplements to classroom lectures. However, there is little scientific evidence that these tools improve learning or enjoyment. Undergraduate college students who were enrolled in back-to-back spring semesters of a kinesiology class served as subjects for the study. The experimental group completed three videodisk-teaching sessions beyond the normal classroom sessions. Measures taken for the study included (1) performance on a standard biomechanics test, and (2) a self-rated questionnaire about perceptions of learning and enjoyment relating to biomechanics. Students who did not receive video instruction rated their know ledge higher than those students who did receive video instruction. Conclusions included the possibility that student interest and motivation may have a greater role in both performance and enjoyment than instructional method. Several limitations to the study were noted and discussed as part of the need for further investigation.