Lumbar kinematics and kinetics of young Australian fast bowlers

Lower back injuries are a serious concern for cricket fast bowlers. As lumbar loading is the causal mechanism of such injuries, the purpose of this study was to find relationships between lumbar loads and selected kinematic variables. Thirteen young fast bowlers (17.4 ± 1.9 years) were tested with a 3-D motion analysis system (200 Hz). Kinematics and lumbar spine kinetics were calculated about the L5/S1 joint during the arm acceleration phase. The largest kinetic values were the lumbar axial forces and lumbar flexion moments. Maximum lumbar spine moments were associated with several kinematic variables such as front knee angle, pelvic and thoracic rotation at ball release, and shoulder counter-rotation. Modifying bowling kinematics may reduce lumbar loads and reduce the potential for lower back injuries