Pathomechanics of lower back injuries in junior and senior fast bowlers: a prospective study

Abstract

The relationship between lower back injuries and fast bowling technique has been researched for approximately 20 years. The evolution of equipment available to sports biomechanics researchers now means the full three dimensional kinematics of the trunk can be measured. Previously fast bowling research has used 2D or planar methods when prospectively assessing the link between the fast bowling action and injury. This research has provided the basis for the link between the 'mixed' technique - the predominant feature being a large shoulder counter-rotation of the upper trunk in the transverse plane - and lower back injuries. The present study used a three dimensional intersegment trunk model and prospectively tracked a junior and senior cohort through a cricket season to assess further the pathomechanics of lower back injuries.