Step by Step Guide to Understanding the Kinetic Chain Concept in the Overhead Athlete.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing biomechanical concepts and clinical exercise modifications without systematic review methodology
PubMed 32172436 · doi:10.1007/s12178-020-09615-1
What was done
This narrative review summarizes historical and current literature regarding the kinetic chain concept in overhead athletes. The authors examine how biomechanical segmental rotations transfer force from the lower extremity and trunk to the terminal upper extremity segments, and apply these principles to clinical exercise selection for shoulder and elbow injury prevention and rehabilitation.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative data or statistical comparisons. It concludes that lower extremity, trunk, and scapular positioning are critical for terminal segment acceleration during throwing and serving motions, and that breakdown at any link increases shoulder and elbow injury risk. It notes that EMG research supports modifying traditional shoulder exercises to simultaneously activate scapular stabilizers, core musculature, and the rotator cuff.
Why it matters
It reinforces moving rehabilitation and conditioning for overhead athletes away from isolated shoulder exercises toward integrated, whole-body kinetic chain movements to mitigate injury risk and optimize performance.
Limits
The abstract provides no systematic search methodology, study inclusion criteria, quantitative effect sizes, or participant numbers. Clinical recommendations rely largely on biomechanical theory and EMG activation patterns rather than clinical outcome trials demonstrating reduced injury rates.