This qualitative study by Martin and colleagues explores how collegiate baseball pitchers and training staff perceive the use of biomechanical devices in practice, specifically a wearable pitching sleeve and a portable force plate. As interest grows in using sports biomechanics technology to guide training load, monitor movement, and support injury prevention, the authors aimed to better understand what helps or hinders the adoption of these tools in real-world baseball settings.
The study was conducted as part of a pilot feasibility project and included collegiate baseball players, coaches, and support staff. Researchers carried out nine semi-structured focus groups and interviews, then analyzed the transcripts using qualitative content analysis to identify key themes related to implementation. Rather than measuring performance outcomes directly, the study focused on the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of the people expected to use the devices.
Three major facilitators emerged. First, participants valued the ability to use individualized, data-informed training to better understand performance and workload. Second, athletes reported that the devices helped increase self-awareness and made them feel more empowered in their training decisions. Third, users developed a stronger appreciation for injury prevention strategies through the feedback provided by the technology.
At the same time, two main barriers were identified. Participants noted that data interpretation could be difficult, especially when the information was not presented in a clear or actionable way. They also described challenges with systemization and integration, meaning that even useful devices may be hard to implement if they do not fit smoothly into existing workflows, staff responsibilities, and team routines.
Overall, the study suggests that biomechanical devices may offer meaningful value in collegiate baseball, but successful implementation depends not only on the technology itself, but also on how well the data can be understood, communicated, and incorporated into daily training environments.
Read the full original research here: https://ijspt.scholasticahq.com/article/155478-perceptions-of-biomechanical-devices-in-collegiate-baseball-pitchers-and-training-staff-a-qualitative-study