Multidimensional Determinants of Gait, Balance, and Softball Performance in Female Youth: Biomechanics, Resource Access, and Psychosocial Factors

Author

• Allie G. McAuliffe, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3417

Date of Award

8-2026

Degree Name

MS in Biomedical Engineering

Department/Program

Biomedical Engineering

College

College of Engineering

Advisor

Britta Berg-Johansen

Advisor Department

Biomedical Engineering

Advisor College

College of Engineering

Abstract

Movement quality is a fundamental indicator of healthy childhood development and supports physical, emotional, psychosocial, and cognitive well-being. Movement quality is influenced by multiple biomechanical, environmental, and psychosocial factors, yet the relationships among them remain poorly understood in underrepresented populations such as female youth, particularly in softball. Previous studies have largely examined biomechanics, resource access, and psychosocial experience independently, and few have investigated how these factors interact in female youth softball players. To address this gap, this study compared gait and balance characteristics between softball (N = 34) and non-softball (N = 7) female youth, examined associations between resource access, psychosocial factors, and biomechanical and softball performance outcomes, and explored the relationship between resource access and psychosocial experience. 41 female participants (7-15 years) completed field-based biomechanical assessments, including markerless motion capture gait analysis using OpenCap, and smartphone-based balance assessment using inertial measurement units (IMUs). Softball participants additionally completed softball performance testing and an optional parent/guardian-assisted survey assessing resource access and psychosocial factors. Group differences and associations among biomechanical, performance, resource access, and psychosocial measures were evaluated using regression analyses. Trends were observed between softball participation and lower double support duration (p_unadjusted = 0.011, p_adjusted = 0.066 after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons) and improved single-leg balance (p_unadjusted = 0.020, p_adjusted = 0.120) as well as between household income and normalized stride length (p_unadjusted = 0.041, p_adjusted = 0.328), psychosocial factors and base running time (p_unadjusted = 0.063, p_adjusted = 0.504), and household income and motivation and enjoyment/perceived benefit (p_unadjusted = 0.026, p_adjusted = 0.104). These findings provide a foundation for continued research investigating the complex interactions among biomechanics, resource access, and psychosocial factors to support more equitable and comprehensive approaches to researching and improving youth sport participation and athlete development in underrepresented populations.