Background: Previous investigations have shown a positive relationship between baseball pitching velocity and the kinetic chain involved in pitching motion. However, no study has examined the influence of finger characteristics on pitching velocity and rate of spin via a sensor-embedded baseball. Methods: Twenty-one pitchers volunteered and were recruited for this study. An experimental baseball embedded with a force sensor and an inertial measurement unit was designed for pitching performance measurement. Finger length and strength were measured as dependent variables. Spin rate and velocity were independent variables. Pearson product–moment correlations (r) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) determined the relationship between finger characteristics and pitching performance. Results: Finger length discrepancy, two-point pinch strength, index finger RFD (rate of force development), middle finger impulse, and force discrepancy had significant correlations with spin rate (r = 0.500~0.576, p ≤ 0.05). Finger length discrepancy, two-point pinch, three-point pinch strength, index and middle finger RFD, middle finger impulse, and force combination had significant correlations with fastball pitching velocity (r = 0.491~0.584, p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Finger length discrepancy, finger pinch strength, and pitching finger force including maximal force and RFD may be factors that impact fastball spin rate and fastball pitching velocity.

Chen, C-H, Yeh, M-C, Liu, C, Tseng, Y-J, and Lu, S-T. Association of ankle joint moment and ankle joint velocity with 60° ipsilateral change-of-direction performance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2026—The rapid acceleration and deceleration associated with a change of direction (COD) is associated with high ankle loading, including high ankle moment and velocity, which have been linked to ankle sprain or chronic ankle instability. Although the correlations between ankle joint loading and contralateral COD (contra-COD) have been investigated, one study reported that ipsilateral COD (ipsi-COD) and contra-COD involve distinct, asymmetrical mechanisms. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the associations of ankle joint moment and ankle joint velocity with 60° ipsi-COD performance. Thirty-five male athletes of recreational team sports performed an ipsi-COD task with their nondominant leg. A three-dimensional motion-capture system and a force platform were used to collect biomechanical data. Ground contact time was negatively associated with plantarflexion moment ( r = −0.511) and inversion moment ( r = −0.424). By contrast, horizontal impulse was positively correlated with plantarflexion moment ( r = 0.407). No correlation was observed between ground contact time and ground reaction force. The moderate negative correlations of ground contact time with plantarflexion moment and inversion moment suggest that increasing ipsi-COD performance may result in high ankle moments and potentially excessive ankle loading. In addition, the absence of a correlation between ground contact time and GRF suggests that athletes consider focusing on converting their approaching velocity to the intended direction during ipsi-COD, as this study indicates that ground reaction force and impulse are not associated with ipsi-COD performance.