Abstract

In order to produce high ball release speeds, fast bowlers in cricket require high run-up speeds, generate large ground reaction forces, and produce high joint torques. Extensive magnitudes of external loading in combination with kinematic factors such as counter-rotation experienced during fast bowling have been associated with a high incidence of lower lumbar injury. A full mechanical analysis of the technique is lacking such that attempts to modify techniques remain on a trial and error basis. The purpose of this study was to develop a forward solution model to predict the causal factors associated with counter-rotation of fast bowlers. It was shown that a reduction of the shoulder-hip torque differential lead to a minimisation of counter-rotation. This approach potentially gives the cricket coach a scientific means of modifying the technique of high-risk action bowlers to reduce their susceptibility to lower lumbar injury. Verf.-Referat