Perceptions of Biomechanical Devices in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers and Training Staff: A Qualitative Study.

Participants never saw the transcripts or the researchers' interpretation, so the themes are the researchers' reading of what was said, not a version the participants confirmed. Sampling was by convenience, and extra recruitment was needed partway through when new themes were needed; the results come from a summer developmental league plus one Division I programme, so they may not describe youth or professional baseball, where access to this kind of technology differs. Focus groups varied in size and coaches were interviewed one to one, which the authors say may have pushed people toward giving socially acceptable answers. Both the moderator and the lead author were former collegiate or professional baseball players and current physical therapists. The authors say that shared background may have shaped what was asked, how freely people answered, and how the data were interpreted. No injury or performance outcomes were measured. This study reports what people thought about using the devices, not whether using them keeps pitchers healthy or makes them better. The devices were provided and supported by the research team, so the participants' experience may not match what happens when a team buys and runs the technology on its own.

All authors report no conflicts of interest. The project was funded by Major League Baseball.

Do not read this as evidence that the pitching sleeve or the force plate prevents injury or improves performance. Players and coaches said the tools were useful and some described using them during return-to-throw programmes, but this study only asked people what they thought about the devices and measured no injuries or performance outcomes.