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PubMed1998

Golf clubs: hidden home hazard for children.

Different accident patterns for golf equipment were noted for adults and children. Children are more likely than adults to be hit by a golf club as bystanders who entered the swing zone of a golf club. Previous publications investigating accidents involving golf clubs and over 2000 incidents involving emergency room treatment of children injured by golf clubs were reviewed. Most injuries occurred when unsupervised children played with golf clubs at home. When studies limit their focus to accident victims, who are currently being treated in the emergency room, hospital, or outpatient facility, no deaths are reported. A separate analysis of death certificates of children between the ages of 4 and 14 years also identified death as a possible consequence as 19 deaths have been reported to the National Injury Information Clearinghouse. Based on these three sources of data, golf clubs should not be used by children unsupervised given the potential for serious and permanent head injury and death. Recommendations for parents and manufactures regarding the safety of golf clubs are provided.

Accidents, Home↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The mind's eye: functional MR imaging evaluation of golf motor imagery.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mental imagery involves rehearsing or practicing a task in the mind with no physical movement. The technique is commonly used, but the actual physical foundation of imagery has not been evaluated for the fast, complex, automatic motor movement of the golf swing. This study evaluated motor imagery of the golf swing, of golfers of various handicaps, by using functional MR imaging to assess whether areas of brain activation could be defined by this technique and to define any association between activated brain areas and golf skill. METHODS: Six golfers of various handicap levels were evaluated with functional MR imaging during a control condition and during mental imagery of their golf swing. Two control conditions were evaluated--"rest" and "wall"--and were then subtracted from the experimental condition to give the functional activation map. These control conditions were then tested against the golf imagery; the participants were told to mentally rehearse their golf swings from a first person perspective. The percentages of activated pixels in 137 defined regions of interest were calculated. RESULTS: The "rest-versus-golf" paradigm showed activation in motor cortex, parietal cortex, frontal lobe, cerebellum, vermis, and action planning areas (frontal and parietal cortices, supplementary motor area, cerebellum) and areas involved with error detection (cerebellum). Vermis, supplementary motor area, cerebellum, and motor regions generally showed the greatest activation. Little activation was seen in the cingulate gyrus, right temporal lobe, deep gray matter, and brain stem. A correlation existed between increased number of areas of activation and increased handicap. CONCLUSION: This study showed the feasibility of defining areas of brain activation during imagery of a complex, coordinated motor task. Decreased brain activation occurred with increased golf skill level for the supplementary motor area and cerebellum with little activation of basal ganglia.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Chemotherapy regimen GOLF induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells through multi-chaperone complex inactivation and increased Raf-1 ubiquitin-dependent degradation.

The multi-drug combination of oxaliplatin (OXA), 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin (LF) is currently considered as the gold standard treatment for metastatic colorectal carcinoma. In previous studies, we have studied a chemotherapy regimen containing gemcitabine (GEM), OXA, LF, and 5-FU (named GOLF regimen) that has shown a good safety profile and highly significant anti-tumor activity. In the present study, we have investigated on the anti-tumour mechanisms of GOLF in human colon cancer HT-29 and WiDr cell lines. We have found that GOLF induced growth inhibition that was largely caused by apoptosis differently from other combinations. Moreover, the different drugs composing GOLF were highly synergistic in inducing growth inhibition. Apoptosis induced by GOLF combination was paralleled by PARP cleavage and caspase 9 and 3 activation that were not recorded in the other combinations. An about 85% decrease of the activity of Erk and Akt was found in GOLF-treated cells. These effects were likely due to decreased expression of the upstream activator Raf-1 and of Akt itself, respectively. The intracellular levels of these signalling components can be post-translationally regulated by ubiquitin-dependent degradation through proteasome. Therefore, we have evaluated the expression of some chaperone components and we have found that GOLF did not affect the expression of both heat shock protein (HSP) 90 and 27 but induced an about 90% increase of HSP70 levels suggesting the inactivation of the multi-chaperone complex. Moreover, an about 4-fold increase of the ubiquitination of Raf-1 was also found and the addition for 12 h of 10 microM proteasome inhibitor lactacystin caused an accumulation of the ubiquitinated isoforms of Raf-1. In conclusions, GOLF was a combination highly synergistic in inducing both growth inhibition and apoptosis of colon cancer cells. These effects likely occurred through the disruption of critical survival pathways and the inactivation of multi-chaperone complex.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed2004

How well does club head speed correlate with golf handicaps?

The velocity at which a golf club impacts with a golf ball is known as club head speed. Although club head speed has been used to measure performance changes in a number of golf studies, it has not been validated as a golf performance measure. As handicap is the usual measure of performance, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between club head speed and handicap, and to determine whether club head speed at impact is a valid measure of golfing performance. Forty-five male golfers aged 18-80 years, all with registered golfing handicaps (2-27), participated in this study. Each golfer performed 10 golf swings captured by a high-speed camera. Golfers' club head speeds were determined using Video Expert 2, a biomechanical computer program. Golfers with a lower handicap (i.e., a better skill level) had faster club head speeds than higher handicap golfers. Linear regression analysis found club head speed to be highly correlated with handicap (r = 0.950). This relationship was described by the equation: In (club head speed)= 4.065 - 0.0214 x handicap. In conclusion, this study has shown that club head speed is a valid indicator of performance in golfers and may therefore be a useful performance measure in future laboratory-based studies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Electromyographic analysis of the hip and knee during the golf swing.

As golf increases in popularity, more golfers seek the proper mechanics necessary for the perfect golf swing. Surprisingly little scientific work has been published on the contribution of the hip and knee muscles during the golf swing even though most professionals have recognized their vital contribution. Recent studies have described the electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity of the shoulder, back, and trunk during the golf swing. The purpose of this study was to describe the electrical muscle activity in seven hip and knee muscles of both the left (lead) and right (trail) leg in competitive golfers while performing the golf swing. Sixteen golfers were studied with indwelling electrodes and high-speed cinematography. The EMG was synchronized with the film to discern five phases of the golf swing. Means, SDs, and t-tests were done. The results revealed that the trail hip extensors and abductors in conjunction with the lead adductor magus initiated pelvic rotation during forward swing. The lead hamstrings maintained a flexed knee and provided a stable base on which pelvic rotation took place. The peak EMG muscle activity recorded in the hips and knees occurred in an earlier phase than that measured previously in the trunk and shoulder. This confirmed the sequential firing pattern of the hip and knee muscles that takes place during the competitive golf swing. Information gained from this study can be used by players and coaches to optimize performance and to minimize injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Golf injuries: a review of the literature.

Golf is one of a few activities that people of all ages and skill level can play. Injury as with all sports can occur. The low back is the most common injury sustained whilst playing golf, and the dynamic action of the golf swing is a major contributing factor to injury. The golf swing is a complex movement that utilises the whole body in a coordinated fashion and when repeated frequently can result in injury. Injury can be overuse or traumatic in nature. Overuse injuries predominate in the professional golfer, and amateur golfer injury tends to occur secondary to an incorrect golf swing. Upper limb injuries are also common due to their role in linking the fast moving golf club with the power-generating torso. Fortunately, injury from a club or ball strike is rare. More common are the overuse injuries associated with the back, neck and shoulder. Most golf injury data have been collected retrospectively and further epidemiological study of a prospective nature is required to determine injury incidence and factor relating to the onset of injury.

Arm Injuries↗

PubMed1997

A good walk spoiled. Golf's links to medicine.

This article explores the game of golf as it appears in the medical literature. Included are sections on the historical interaction of golf and medicine, the physiology and performance of golf, illness and injury related to golf, environmental concerns involving golf course management, physical disabilities, medical research and golf, and specific medical specialty references to golf.

Golf↗

PubMed1989

[Injuries and physical complaints caused by golf].

The marked torsional movements involved in swinging a golf club are stressful for both the vertebral column and the extremities of the golf player. 52.5% of 120 golf players questioned in this regard stated that they experienced complaints or injuries. These are mainly caused by faulty swinging of the club or by carelessness. A considerable proportion of the vertebral column complaints had worsened as a result of playing golf, so that it is imperative to examine whether the player should be advised not to play golf if such complaints already existed before. If the technique of swinging the golf club is correctly employed, golf can be considered as a low-injury rate pastime.

Arm Injuries↗

PubMed1995

Golf-related ocular injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To review golf-related ocular injuries, which account for 1.5% to 5.6% of all sports injuries. METHODS: During 8 years (1986 to 1994), a retrospective review of sports-related trauma was performed at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Eight blunt ocular injuries (four ruptured globes and four globes without rupture) caused by golf-related activities were identified. The four ruptured globes caused by golf-related trauma accounted for 1.2% of all penetrating injuries and/or ruptured globes and 11.7% of sports-related injuries. RESULTS: A golf ball projectile was the mechanism of injury in six patients, while two patients were struck with a gold club. The four patients with ruptured globes had an initial visual acuity of light perception or worse, and three globes were subsequently enucleated, while one was prephthisic. In the four trauma cases without rupture, surgical intervention was required to achieve anatomic stability, with final visual acuities ranging from 20/25 to 20/40. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ocular injuries caused by golf-related trauma is low compared with that for other sports-related injuries. Although the prognosis for ruptured globes occurring in this setting remains extremely guarded, blunt trauma without rupture caused by a golf-related injury is associated with a more favorable visual and anatomic outcome.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Golf-related ocular injuries.

PURPOSE: To examine patient outcomes from golf-related ocular injuries. METHODS: Retrospective case review of patients treated at the University of Michigan during the six-year period from November 1989 to October 1995. RESULTS: Of nine injuries treated in the six-year period, six of the patients with ocular injuries from golfing required enucleation. Seven of the injuries were from golf balls, and remaining two were injuries from golf clubs. CONCLUSION: Although unpredictable and difficult to avoid, proper golf etiquette and safety may diminish the incidence of golf-related ocular injures.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

The effects of orthotic intervention and 9 holes of simulated golf on gait in experienced golfers.

BACKGROUND: This investigation evaluated the effects of orthotic intervention on gait patterns and fatigue associated with 9 holes of simulated golf among a group of experienced golfers. SETTING: Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, Minn. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve experienced golfers. METHOD: By means of video freeze-frame analysis, gait was assessed in each subject before and after 9 holes of simulated golf. Subjects wore custom-made, flexible orthotics daily for 6 weeks, and gait was then reassessed through use of the same objective measurement parameters. Fatigue was introduced by having participants complete 9-hole rounds of simulated golf before and after wearing custom-made, flexible orthotics for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Parameters associated with gait (ie, stride length and pelvic rotation) were measured in all subjects before and after they used custom-fit, flexible orthotics for 6 weeks and before and after they completed 9 holes of simulated golf. RESULTS: The data indicate that for experienced golfers, wearing the custom-fit, flexible orthotics used in this study for 6 weeks influenced the parameters associated with gait and reduced the effects of fatigue associated with 9 holes of simulated golf. CONCLUSION: The use of custom-fit, flexible orthotics in this study had a significant influence on the elements of gait measured in the investigation-specifically, pelvic rotation and stride length. There was an average increase in pelvic rotation of between 29% and 36%, and there were concomitant changes in stride length after subjects had used the orthotics for 6 weeks. In addition, use of these custom orthoses reduced the effects of fatigue associated with playing 9 holes of simulated golf; they could thus improve the likelihood of more consistent performance, possibly as a result of a more efficient gait pattern.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1993

Spinal and metabolic loading during simulations of golf play.

Changes in stature during physical activity reflect alterations in spinal column length that occur as a result of loading the spine. The shrinkage is associated with loss of intervertebral disc height. This study aimed to measure both the load on the spine during simulations of a round of golf and the physiological responses to carrying golf clubs. Fine measurement of stature was achieved using a computer-linked stadiometer inclined to 13 degrees. Shrinkage was measured (n = 6) after performance regimens which mimicked (1) the ambulatory activity during golf play, (2) ambulation and skills employed in par performance and (3) ambulation and carriage of clubs. Our observations indicate significant shrinkage associated with golf skills, mean shrinkage after nine holes being 2.53 mm compared to 1.78 mm in the walking condition. The highest shrinkage was observed when the player carried his clubs, the amount of stature loss being 4.76 mm over nine holes. The highest rates of shrinkage occurred over the first three holes. In a second experiment to further examine the effects of carrying the golf clubs, five of the subjects walked on a motor-driven treadmill at 5 km h-1 for 5 min. Carrying the clubs caused a 15% increase in VO2 and a 25% rise in VE compared to normal walking. Increases were found also in perceived exertion. The physical and physiological loadings associated with recreational golf were deemed to be light to moderate and do not denote undue strain in occasional practices.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Identifying home advantage in international tennis and golf tournaments.

A regression analysis of competitors' tournament results in relation to their world rankings was proposed to identify the effect of home advantage in international 'grand-slam' tennis and 'major' golf tournaments. The results provided little evidence of home advantage in either the grand-slam tennis or the golf tournaments held in 1993. The only possible evidence of home advantage was found in the Wimbledon tennis and the US Open golf championships. Even these findings can be explained, at least partially, by (1) the availability of information concerning the low world rankings of the British tennis players competing at Wimbledon, and (2) selective entry, allowing only the world's top-ranked foreign golfers into the US open golf tournament. In both cases, the lower ranking home competitors have a greater opportunity to perform above their anticipated world rankings. Therefore, provided entry into tennis and golf tournaments is truly 'open' to both the host nation's representatives and foreign competitors alike, home advantage does not appear to be a major factor influencing the competitors' performance in such competitions. These findings may be explained by the relatively objective nature of the scoring systems used in tennis and golf, unlike the subjective influence of refereeing decisions on the results of team-games such as soccer.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2026

Effects of continuous isomaltulose-containing gummy intake on interstitial glucose and salivary hormones during an 18-hole golf round: a randomized, double-blind controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Golf is a prolonged, moderate-intensity sport requiring sustained physiological stability to manage cumulative stress and maintain performance. Although carbohydrate intake is commonly used to reduce fatigue, rapidly absorbed sugar-induced rapid blood glucose fluctuations may induce volatile arousal and latent metabolic stress. Isomaltulose, a slow-digesting disaccharide, provides a steadier glucose supply compared with sucrose. This exploratory pilot study examined the effects of isomaltulose intake on physiological stress markers, glycemic dynamics, and subjective responses during a competitive 18-hole golf round. METHODS: Twenty-three male collegiate golfers were randomized to either the isomaltulose group (ISO; n = 12) or the sucrose group (CON; n = 11) in a double-blind controlled trial. Participants consumed gummies containing isomaltulose or sucrose immediately after each hole (12.1 g carbohydrate per hole; total carbohydrate intake: 217.5 g). Primary outcomes were salivary stress markers [cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)] levels. Secondary outcomes included interstitial glucose concentration measured via continuous glucose monitoring, subjective assessments (i.e. sleepiness, relaxation, and concentration), and golf performance (18-hole score). Between-group comparisons at each time point were conducted using planned Welch's t-tests. RESULTS: No significant between-group differences were observed for 18-hole score (p = 0.38) or mean interstitial glucose concentration (p = 0.20). However, exploratory analyses revealed distinct hormonal variations; salivary DHEAS and testosterone levels were higher in the ISO group during the latter half of the round (p < 0.05), whereas both declined in the CON group. Regarding glycemic variability, the ISO group demonstrated a more stable glucose profile with a medium effect size for lower standard deviation (ISO: 14.7 ± 1.9 vs. CON: 16.7 ± 4.6 mg/dL; d = 0.58), although this difference was not significant. Conversely, subjective outcomes diverged; the CON group reported significantly greater subjective arousal (wakefulness and relaxation) (p < 0.01) relative to the ISO group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, continuous intake of isomaltulose-containing gummies during an 18-hole golf round was associated with differences in selected physiological markers, including DHEAS and testosterone concentrations. However, these findings were not accompanied by improvements in objective golf performance outcomes compared with sucrose-containing gummies. Isomaltulose may influence glycemic dynamics and hormonal responses during prolonged golf play; however, the practical significance of these effects remains exploratory. Further studies with larger sample sizes and appropriate repeated-measures frameworks are needed to determine whether such physiological changes translate into meaningful performance or recovery benefits.

Humans↗

PubMed2002

Golf related head injuries in children.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and severity of head injuries to children sustained by a blow from a golf club or ball and to highlight the potential for significant injury. An increase in public awareness of these risks might result in a reduction in morbidity. METHODS: Over a period of seven months, all children aged 3-13 years, attending the accident and emergency department with a head injury sustained from a golf club or ball had their case notes reviewed by the author. RESULTS: Thirty seven children, 78% of whom were boys, were identified as having sustained such a head injury, commonly during the school holiday months. Thirty three of the injuries were caused by golf clubs, the other four by a golf ball. Half of the injuries were to the frontal area. Twenty five children (68%) had skull radiographs but only one was positive--one child sustaining a compound depressed fracture of the frontal area. One child required cleaning and suturing of a wound under a general anaesthetic. A known epileptic child had a fit immediately after being hit on the head by a golf ball. Twenty two (60%) sustained lacerations that were repaired with steristrips or glue. Twelve had haematomas, seven complained of dizziness/drowsiness, and two had nausea/vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Other authors have reported fatal head injuries, and it would seem that parents are unaware of the risks of serious and permanent head injury, with the potential for death, attributable to blows to the head from golf clubs and balls. The need for early tuition in the safety aspects of the game cannot be underestimated and parent and player education strategies are suggested as the main means of reducing injuries in this popular sport.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Three-dimensional knee joint kinetics during a golf swing. Influences of skill level and footwear.

This study characterized knee joint kinetics during a golf swing and determined the influence of shoe type and golfer skill on the peak knee joint loads. Thirteen golfers each hit a golf ball using a five iron under two footware conditions: spiked and spikeless golf shoes. Data from a video-based motion capture system and force plates were used to compute the knee joint kinetics. Mean peak forces and moments differed significantly between the lead and trail knees, but these peak loads were not significantly affected by shoe type. Only the lead knee flexion and internal rotation moments were significantly correlated to skill level. The magnitude of some of the peak loads at the knee during the golf swing approached those reached during activities prohibited until late-stage knee rehabilitation. We concluded the following: The type of shoe worn and the skill level of the golfer need not be considered in deciding time to return to golfing; however, the leg that is recovering from surgery or injury should be considered. The most stressful phase of the golf swing, relative to the knee, is the downswing. There is probably no "normal" swing; each golfer seems to possess consistent, characteristic, patterns of knee loading.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Effect of golf on sinus rate variability].

There are no or very few studies in the literature on the effects of golf on heart rate and its parameters. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a precision sport, golf, on heart rate variability (HRV). The study population consisted of six high-level golfers aged 25 to 40 years, without cardiac disease. HRV was studied three hours before a golf competition, during the four hours of the competition and three hours after the match was over. The following parameters of HRV were calculated during 12 games of golf: mean heart rate (HR), standard deviation of the mean RR intervals (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences in RR intervals among consecutive normal beats (rMSSD), percent differences between normal RR intervals that are greater than 50 ms computed over the entire 24-hour recording (pNN50), low-frequency amplitude (LF), high-frequency amplitude (HF) and LF/HF ratio: ratio of low-to-high frequency power. Analysis of the results indicates significant variations of all parameters which occur just at the beginning of the game, persist throughout the match and remain three hours after its completion: heart rate is increased; total HRV is decreased but parameters reflect parasympathetic activity; pNN50, rMSSD and 1-117 are principally decreased. In conclusion, golf significantly affects HRV just at the beginning of golf competition, probably because of stress. These changes progressively decrease but they are still significant three hours after the end of the competition.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Olfactory receptors, Golf alpha and adenylyl cyclase mRNA expressions in the rat heart during ontogenic development.

Golf alpha (a G heterotrimeric protein which shares a high homology with Gs alpha) expression was studied in the rat heart before birth and until weaning. Since Golf alpha in the neuro-olfactory epithelium is coupled to olfactory receptors and type III adenylyl cyclase, we looked for the presence of such molecules in the heart. Golf alpha mRNA was detected in the rat heart, highest levels being found in 21-day old fetuses until 3 days post partum. The protein amounts measured by Western blots paralleled the Golf alpha mRNA levels. Immunohistochemical studies revealed the presence of Golf alpha in atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes. OL1 and latrophilin mRNAs, G protein-coupled olfactory receptors, were expressed at early postnatal stages. Adenylyl cyclase mRNAs for type II, type III, type V and type VI were expressed before birth and until weaning. Elements for an unexpected signaling pathway involving odorant receptors like OL1 and latrophilin, Golf alpha and type III adenylyl cyclase were expressed in rat heart, and appeared developmentally regulated.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗