- July 1, 2026 | 12:45 PM - 2:45 PM
- PCC, 119A
Integrating Biomechanics into the Clinical Care of Rotational Athletes
Moderator: Erin Pletcher, PhD, LAT, ATC, CSCS, Thomas Jefferson University
Rotational athletes, whether pitching, hitting, serving, or striking, depend on synchronized pelvis-trunk-limb coordination shaped by sex-specific anatomy and developmental timing. Yet rehabilitation and return to play protocols are still derived largely from male-centric models, overlooking the wider pelvis to shoulder ratio, breast mass, and unique rotational strategies observed in female athletes. This creates a practice gap in clinician knowledge and competency. Evidence-based, whole-chain, female-focused progressions are rarely taught or applied. Bridging this gap through targeted education will enable precise load management, accelerate safe return to sport, and reduce injury risk.
Learning Objectives - Describe key sex-specific anatomical and developmental factors that shape rotational biomechanics in athletes.
- Explain how pelvis-trunk-limb coordination influences load distribution, performance, and overuse injury risk.
- Compare current male-centric rehabilitation models with emerging evidence supporting whole-chain, female-focused progressions.
Lab Objectives
- Apply screening exercises to identify kinetic-chain deficits in female rotational athletes.
Keywords: Kinetic chain assessment; Biomechanics; Female athletes
