Background/Purpose Numerous studies have assessed throwing coordination changes across time with children and adolescents being the most widely studied populations. A void exists in the literature regarding developmental throwing pattern and performance characteristics in late adolescent and normal adult populations. The purpose of this study was to examine throwing performance (i.e., component developmental sequences and throwing speed) and gender differences among adolescents (14-17, n=54), young adults (18-25, n=188), and middle-aged adults (35-55, n=66).
Method Participants completed between five and ten trials of throws for force. Throwing form was assessed using Roberton and Halverson's (1984) component approach and ball speed was measured using a radar gun.
Analysis/Results Most males and females in adolescent, young adult and middle-aged adult groups threw using at least a step with opposition (Level 3 or Level 4) with at least block rotation of the trunk, aligned but independent humerus (Level 2), and a lagging forearm (Level 2). Overall, significant gender differences were found with males outperforming females in each age group in both throwing form and throwing speed. When examining significant differences between the age groups for each gender, the young-adult age group generally outperformed the other groups in both throwing form and throwing speed.
Conclusions These data add evidence to the existing literature to explain developmental trajectories in throwing performance across the lifespan.