golf swing and movement science

systems needed for golf

1. MSK

2. pelvic floor

3. CV

4. vestibular

5. respiration/pulmonary

what is the main purpose of a golf swing

to consistently impact the ball w/ speed, angle, power and accuracy

- consistency over perfect swing

golf swing phases

1. backswing

2. forward swing - until club is horizontal to ground

3. acceleration - from horizontal to impact w/ ball

4. early follow through - from impact to horizontal

5. late follow through - from horizontal to end

rotation sequence is initiated by

hips -> spine -> shoulder -> elbow -> wrist

why do biomechanics matter for golf

- maximize efficiency, accuracy and power

- reduce risk of injury

- understand why movements may have contributed to an injury

golf swing biomechanics

1. lower COG and wider BOS = more stability

2. more stability = less club deviation and improved force transfer/attenuation of forces

3. ball displacement due to angular velocity and long/rigid lever

4. sequential summation of forces

5. stretch-shortening cycle

6. ground rxn forces

7. transfer of body weight

rotational centers of body

1. hips/pelvis

2. t/s

3. shoulders

4. forearms/wrists

5. c/s

what is the x factor

amount and sequencing for elastic energy to be released as powerful acceleration (hip/shoulder separation)

skill acquisition and mastery have these variables

1. consistency - from practice

2. skill acquisition at different specificity, volume, feedback, constraints, variability and focus

3. individual constraints - body, fitness, mental

4. physical and neurologic factors

who are more likely to be injured in golf

- males

- 10-19, 60+ y/o

- LBP most common; wrist, shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, ankle

risk factors for LBP in golfers

*strongest predictor is prior hx of LBP

- older age

- higher BMI

- more rounds and shots per week

- carrying golf bag

- asymmetry in side plank

- reduced trunk strength

- hip IR differences

risk factors for rotator cuff injuries in golfers

- reduced trunk ROM

- poor trunk/hip dissociation = reliance on shoulder

- RC and scapular stabilizer weakness

- reduced shoulder ER

- using a shorter backswing

how long should the dynamic warm up be for golfers

10 min

what posture is associated w/ LBP in golfers

S posture

- weak glutes and abs = anterior pelvic tilt