Practices and perceptions of strength and conditioning training in female golf: A cross-sectional survey study of high-level amateur players.

This study aims to ascertain an in-depth understanding of current practices and perceptions of S&C training in high-level amateur female golfers. A cross-sectional, explorative survey study was constructed which asked questions relating to four key areas: i) general participant information, ii) current strength and conditioning (S&C) practices, iii) the perceived influence of S&C training on golf performance, and iv) knowledge and awareness of S&C. Results showed that the majority of female players had participated in some form of S&C training in the past, with the majority believing that clubhead speed and carry distance were the primary golfing metrics which could be positively impacted. More specifically, 91-97% of the players "Strongly agreed" or "Agreed" that the key physical characteristics for golf were strength and power for the lower and upper body, and flexibility. Interestingly, 58% of the players believed that S&C training should mimic the movement of the golf swing, which based off current evidence, is not how drive metrics and ultimately shots gained, can be maximised. This survey study provides useful information relating to the practices and perceptions of S&C training in high-level female amateur players and areas where education may be able to further advance player understanding of physical preparation.

Gender, Transnational Migration, and Athletic Career Development: the Case of Korean Players on the LPGA of Japan Tour.

Ku Ok-hee became the first ever Korean female golfer to win a tournament on the LPGA of Japan Tour (JLPGA Tour) by her victory in the Kibun Ladies Classic on March 31, 1985. Since then, Korean players as a group have amassed 228 victories on the JLPGA Tour by the end of the 2019 season. Although this has been a truly remarkable accomplishment in the history of international sports, no systematic investigation has been conducted thus far about the factors that contributed to the success of Korean women players on the JLPGA Tour. The primary purpose of this study is to analyze the rise and fall of the Korean players on the JLPGA Tour from the perspective of their career life cycles. More specifically, this study will apply the career life cycle model to the career pathways of the players on the tour. Each individual player's career history on the Korean LPGA Tour before the player's transnational migration to the JLPGA Tour will be examined to ascertain whether or not the player's pre-migration record is a reliable predictor of the post-migration performance on the JLPGA Tour. The number of tournament victories of each of the Korean players during the player's entire career on the JLPGA Tour will be reviewed. The all-time history of each individual player's money ranking on the tour will be investigated for both the active and the retired players. A cohort analysis method is used in investigating the tournament wins and money ranking history of the players by comparing the tournament win records and the all-time money rankings on the basis of the entry cohort to the JLPGA Tour.

Effects of two-step golf swing drills on rhythm and clubhead speed in competitive juniors.

Vertical and horizontal rhythms are crucial aspects of a dynamic golf swing, and the two-step swing drills (TSSD) were specifically designed to promote rhythmic unloading and loading of the legs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a TSSD training session on the swing rhythm and clubhead speed (CHS) among competitive junior golfers (3.1 ± 4.4 hcp). The driver swings (7 swings each) of 10 competitive junior golfers (aged 15-18) were captured before and after a TSSD session consisting of four stages (lasting less than 45 minutes). Post-TSSD training, there were significant increases in CHS (p < .001), maximum unweighting (p = .006), the trail-side push (p = .009), the horizontal motion ranges of the body and pelvis (p = .005-.031), the upward/downward motion range of the body in the backswing (p = .042/.024), and the backswing/downswing angular velocity peaks of the axle-chain system (p < .033). The stepping-like leg actions primarily facilitated horizontal motion rhythm over vertical motion and unweighting over push in terms of ground interaction. These findings suggest that TSSD can serve as an effective method for developing a rhythmic and dynamic motion pattern while increasing CHS.

Do the Pelvic and Thorax Movements Differ between the Sexes and Influence Golf Club Velocity in Junior Golfers?

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in golf swing execution in terms of the parameters of the pelvis and thorax movement between the sexes in junior golfers and their relation to the golf club velocity. Elite female and male players (age: 15.4 ± 1.0 and 15.8 ± 1.7 years, respectively) performed 10 golf swings with a driver under laboratory conditions. Pelvis and thorax movement parameters and golf club velocities were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Statistical parametric mapping analysis of pelvis-thorax coupling revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between boys and girls during backswing. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect of sex on the parameters of maximal pelvic rotation (F = 6.28, p = 0.02), X-factor (F = 5.41, p = 0.03), and golf club velocity (F = 31.98, p < 0.01). No significant relationship was found between pelvis and thorax movement parameters and golf club velocity in the girls. We found a significant negative relationship between the parameters of maximal thorax rotation and golf club velocity (r = -0.941, p < 0.01) and between X-Factor and golf club velocity (r = -0.847, p < 0.05) in the boys. We suggest that these negative relationships in males were caused by the influence of hormones during their maturation and biological development, where there is decreased flexibility (lower shoulders rotation and X-factor) and growth of muscle strength (higher club head velocity).

Occult Lunotriquetral Ligament Injuries in Adolescent Golfers.

Publications on lunotriquetral interosseous ligament (LTIL) injuries among adolescent professional golfers are scarce. Inconclusive clinical and radiographic imaging in rendering a definitive treatment may inform the lack of documentation in literature. In this case study, we present three case series of highly competitive adolescent golfers who presented with persistent and intractable ulnar-sided wrist pain. While the physical examination was clinically suspicious for lunotriquetral (LT) ligament injury, plain radiographs and MRI imaging did not elucidate the cause. The diagnosis was confirmed solely via wrist arthroscopy. Although most ulna-sided wrist pain can be treated conservatively, without a proper diagnosis, a missed LTIL injury can be disastrous to an adolescent golfers' future. This case series aims to create awareness of the diagnosis and stress the advantages of utilising wrist arthroscopy. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Is average club head speed a risk factor for lower back injuries in professional golfers? A retrospective case control study.

BACKGROUND: Our hypothesis was that higher average club head speed is correlated with lower back injuries in professional golfers. METHODS: This was a retrospective case control study of male professional golfers who suffered lower back injuries while playing golf. The injured group was composed of 14 Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) golfers who withdrew from a PGA tour event due to a back injury during the years 2017-2019. The case-control matching procedure was used to randomly match cases and controls with a 2:1 allocation ratio, respectively, based on age. Variables were chosen based on currently proposed risk factors. Data was statistically analyzed using SPSS 25. RESULTS: There were 14 PGA golfers who suffered lower back injuries during the years 2017-2019 who were included in this study. There was no significant difference in age, height, weight or BMI between the injured and control group. The injured group had a higher mean club head speed than the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study found that average club head speed was significantly higher in PGA golfers who suffered back injuries while golfing during a two-year period (2017-2019) when compared with age-matched controls.

Between-side differences in trunk rotational power in athletes trained in asymmetric sports.

BACKGROUND: The asymmetric loading of trunk muscles in sports like golf or tennis may cause side-to-side imbalances in rotational muscle strength and endurance. Such imbalances may be compounded by the presence of low back pain (LBP) and related injuries. However, trunk rotational power is a better predictor of athlete performance, and therefore its ability to reveal these asymmetries/dysbalances should be investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study compares peak and mean values of power during trunk rotations on the dominant and non-dominant side in golfers, ice-hockey players, tennis players, and an age-matched control group of fit individuals. METHODS: Groups of 17 golfers, 17 ice-hockey players, 21 tennis players, and 39 fit individuals performed standing trunk rotations to each side with a bar weight of 5.5, 10.5, 15.5, and 20 kg placed on the shoulders. Peak power and mean power in the acceleration phase of trunk rotations were measured using the FiTRO Torso Premium system. RESULTS: Peak power and mean power in the acceleration phase of trunk rotations were significantly higher on the dominant (D) than non-dominant (ND) side at weights of 5.5 kg (14 and 14%), 10.5 kg (17 and 14%), 15.5 kg (16 and 15%), and 20 kg (16 and 16%) in ice-hockey players, at 5.5 kg (14 and 13%), 10.5 kg (17 and 14%), and 15.5 kg (15% - only peak power) in tennis players, and at 5.5 kg (17 and 18%) and 10.5 kg (19 and 17%) in golfers. However, their values did not differ significantly at these weights (< 10%) in the age-matched control group. The D/ND ratio was the highest in ice-hockey players (1.18, 1.19), followed by golfers (1.16, 1.17) and finally tennis players (1.12, 1.16). CONCLUSION: Taking into account significantly higher trunk rotational power on the dominant than the non-dominant side in golfers, tennis players and ice-hockey players at lower and/or higher weights and no significant side-to-side differences in a control group of fit individuals, this parameter may be considered specific to their asymmetric loading during trunk rotations. However, whether these asymmetries/dysbalances expressed by the D/ND ratio could also identify the likelihood of LBP, needs to be proven.

A 'Movement Screening Test' of Functional Control Ability in Female Recreation Golfers and Non-Golfers over the Age of 80 Years: A Reliability Study.

Assessing function in elderly populations predominantly aims to quantify the risk of falling. Current assessment methods do not consider changes associated with aging in movement coordination patterns and the ability to control movement. The aim of this study was to examine the intra-rater reliability of a 'Movement Screening Test' (MST) in females over 80 years across a range of physical activity levels, who were golfers and non-golfers. Female recreational golfers (N = 21) and non-golfers (N = 10) aged 80 to 87 years performed the MST. The MST consists of three tests: Test 1, sit to stand with arm lift; Test 2, trunk lean with knee bend and opposite arm lift; Test 3, chest rotation with neutral head and pelvis. Videos of the MST were analyzed and scored according to specific criteria. The videos were reviewed on two separate occasions to quantify the intra-rater reliability of scoring of the MST. Intra-rater reliability ( κ ) of the MST demonstrated substantial agreement for 11/23 criteria ( κ = 0.65 and to 0.78) and excellent agreement for 9/23 criteria ( κ = 0.81 to 1). Therefore, the reliability of the MST for women aged 80 years and over was established. The MST test and scoring system may be further refined to improve reliability. Further investigations could explore coordination patterns in older people, how these relate to various aspects of musculoskeletal function, and how they vary between different populations.

Percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia. METHODS: From December 2010 to December 2013, 34 elbows in 34 patients (10 males and 24 females) that presented golfer's elbow for over one year were recruited from the outpatient department. All patients were operated under local anesthesia and were followed-up for 12 months. The functional outcome was evaluated through the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved on average eight weeks after surgery. The results were excellent in 88.23% (30/34) cases and good in 11.76% (4/34) cases. Neither wound-related complications nor ulnar nerve complications were observed. On subjective evaluations, 88.23% (30/34) patients reported full satisfaction and 11.76% (4/34) patients reported partial satisfaction with the results of treatment. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. This procedure is easy, quick, and economical, presenting a low complication rate with good results.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da liberação percutânea do cotovelo de golfista sob anestesia local. MÉTODOS: Entre dezembro de 2010 e dezembro de 2013, 34 cotovelos em 34 pacientes (10 homens e 24 mulheres) que apresentavam cotovelo de golfista há mais de um ano foram recrutados do ambulatório. Todos os pacientes foram operados sob anestesia local e foram acompanhados por 12 meses. O resultado funcional foi avaliado pelo Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). RESULTADOS: O alívio da dor foi alcançado em média, oito semanas após a cirurgia. Os resultados foram excelentes em 88,23% (30/34) dos casos e bons em 11,76% (4/34) dos casos. Não se observaram complicações relacionadas à ferida nem complicações do nervo ulnar. Em avaliações subjetivas, 88,23% (30/34) dos pacientes relataram satisfação total e 11,76% (4/34) dos pacientes relataram satisfação parcial com os resultados do tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A liberação percutânea do cotovelo de golfista sob anestesia local é um procedimento minimamente invasivo que pode ser realizado em ambulatório. Este procedimento é fácil, rápido e econômico, apresentando um baixo índice de complicações e bons resultados.

The Field of View is More Useful in Golfers than Regular Exercisers.

Superior visual attention skills are vital for excellent sports performance. This study used a cognitive skills approach to examine expert and novice differences in a visual spatial attention task. Thirty-two males aged 18 to 42 years completed this study in return for course credit or monetary incentive. Participants were expert golfers (N = 18) or exercise controls (N = 14). Spatial attention was assessed using the useful field of view task which required participants to locate a target shown 10°, 20°, and 30° of eccentricity from centre in very brief presentations. At each degree of eccentricity, golfers were more accurate at locating the target than the exercise controls. These results provide support for the broad transfer hypothesis by demonstrating a link between golf expertise and better performance on an objective measure of spatial attention skills. Therefore, it appears that sports expertise can transfer to expertise in non-sport related tasks.

Percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia: a prospective study / Liberação percutânea do cotovelo de golfista sob anestesia local: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia. METHODS: From December 2010 to December 2013, 34 elbows in 34 patients (10 males and 24 females) that presented golfer's elbow for over one year were recruited from the outpatient department. All patients were operated under local anesthesia and were followed-up for 12 months. The functional outcome was evaluated through the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). RESULTS: Pain relief was achieved on average eight weeks after surgery. The results were excellent in 88.23% (30/34) cases and good in 11.76% (4/34) cases. Neither wound-related complications nor ulnar nerve complications were observed. On subjective evaluations, 88.23% (30/34) patients reported full satisfaction and 11.76% (4/34) patients reported partial satisfaction with the results of treatment. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous golfer's elbow release under local anesthesia is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. This procedure is easy, quick, and economical, presenting a low complication rate with good results.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados da liberação percutânea do cotovelo de golfista sob anestesia local. MÉTODOS: Entre dezembro de 2010 e dezembro de 2013, 34 cotovelos em 34 pacientes (10 homens e 24 mulheres) que apresentavam cotovelo de golfista havia mais de um ano foram recrutados do ambulatório. Todos os pacientes foram operados sob anestesia local e foram acompanhados por 12 meses. O resultado funcional foi avaliado pelo Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). RESULTADOS: O alívio da dor foi alcançado em média oito semanas após a cirurgia. Os resultados foram excelentes em 88,23% (30/34) dos casos e bons em 11,76% (4/34) dos casos. Não se observaram complicações relacionadas à ferida nem complicações do nervo ulnar. Em avaliações subjetivas, 88,23% (30/34) dos pacientes relataram satisfação total e 11,76% (4/34) dos pacientes relataram satisfação parcial com os resultados do tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A liberação percutânea do cotovelo de golfista sob anestesia local é um procedimento minimamente invasivo que pode ser feito em ambulatório. Esse procedimento é fácil, rápido e econômico, apresenta um baixo índice de complicações e bons resultados.