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Kinematic analysis of the golf swing in men and women experienced golfers.

Golf has become an increasingly popular sport, which is enjoyed by both men and women. This paper addresses the question what differences may exist between men and women golfers. The purpose of this study is to analyze the kinematic pattern of the golf swing in both men and women experienced golfers. Seven male and five female golfers participated in the study. The measurements of kinematic data during swing were obtained with the optoelectronic system VICON (Oxford's Metric, Oxford, UK) with five cameras operating at 50 frames per second. Clubhead speed was measured using a radar system (Bell-Tronics, Ltd, Covington, USA). A Mann-Whitney test (p = 0.05) showed that the women seem to produce a wide swing with larger hip and shoulder joint rotation angles at the top of the backswing. Men flexed their left knee more during the backswing, this may promote a greater weight transfer to the right side. Nevertheless, these two kinematic patterns showed no significant differences in the clubhead speed. Men probably used their increased knee flexion to compensate for their muscular and articular suppleness which is less than that of the women. The results of this study show that there is a specific swing for women.

Adult↗

Golf and racquet sports injuries.

There are specific injuries that are common in golf and racquet sports. These abnormalities have a predilection for specific structures as well and can be divided into two categories on the basis of etiology as either chronic repetitive injury or acute trauma. With golf injuries, upper extremity abnormalities prevail and include rotator cuff disease, epicondylitis, wrist tenosynovitis, and hamate hook fracture. Thoracolumbar spine pain can also occur. The order of frequency of these ailments is different for professional and recreational athletes. With racquet injuries, as in tennis, lower extremity injuries are more common and include medial gastrocnemius and Achilles tendon abnormalities, although shoulder, elbow, and wrist abnormalities may also occur. Knowledge of the biomechanics behind each sport is also helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of injury and in part explains the findings seen at imaging.

Athletic Injuries↗

[Dynamic ultrasound examination of the shoulder of golf players].

Although golf is becoming popular it can result in injury, usually from overuse and from poor technique. The shoulder is a commonly affected site, with the lead shoulder (or the left shoulder in the right-handed golfer) vulnerable to injury. With this study we tried to figure out any hyperlaxity of the lead shoulder using ultrasonography. 33 golf-players were investigated by questionnaire, clinical examination and dynamic ultrasonography. Neither clinically nor by using ultrasonography hyperlaxity of the shoulder was found. Nevertheless hyperlaxity followed by secondary impingement should be considered.

Adolescent↗

[Scintigraphic diagnosis of sport injuries: multiple fractures of ribs by golf-players (author's transl)].

Three untrained golf-players suffered from pain in the dorsal region of the left thorax after some training hours. Three to four weeks after the pains had begun serial fractures of ribs were diagnosed by 99mTc-MDP bone-scan-examinations. All fractures were localized near the costal angulus (paravertebral) of these ribs. The fractures are causal by manual tensions. The difficulties in timing the bone-scan and in identifying the morphologic substrate are demonstrated. It is recommended, that golf-players suffering from thoracic pain ought to be examined by bone scan.

Adult↗

The golf-ball illusion: evidence for top-down processing in weight perception.

Theories of weight illusions have traditionally emphasised either the primary contribution of low-level sensory cues or the role of expectation based on knowledge and past experience. Current models of weight illusions lean quite strongly towards sensory-based interpretations. The current experiment raises a problem for such approaches by generating a weight illusion that is difficult to explain other than by the participants' knowledge. Golfers (who expect a weight difference between ball types) reliably judged practice golf balls to weigh more than real golf balls of the same weight. In contrast, non-golfers (who expect no weight difference between ball types) judged practice and real balls of equal weigh to weight the same. Furthermore, within the group of golfers, those who expected the weights of the two ball types to be the most discrepant prior to lifting tended to report the strongest illusions subsequent to lifting. Because there is no low-level sensory cue between ball types that on its own would signal a weight difference, the current finding suggests that there is a top-down component to weight perception that is based on experience with specific objects.

Adolescent↗

Tempo, Rhythm, and Aging in Golf.

Older (n = 12) and younger (n = 12) golfers attempted to hit a golf ball into a target net a short distance away. An accelerometer attached to the back of the clubhead measured the applied force. In contrast to the more typical finding of slower perceptual-motor performance by older adults, older golfers reached their peak downswing force earlier in the shot and also exhibited a trend toward a faster overall speed or tempo of the shot. Additionally, older golfers exhibited greater changes in applied force and greater variability. A pattern of divergence among the force-time histories from multiple shots suggested that the overall person-plus-golf-club dynamics were unstable during a part of the shot. Older adults may be slower in controlling this instability. Half of the participants heard a tone whose pitch was proportional to their force. These participants had a slower follow-through; however, they did not make significantly more or fewer shots than participants who had not been presented with the tone. Analyses of the temporal covariation among the backswing, downswing, and follow-through favored a chain-like temporal structure over a hierarchical, proportional structure. The pattern of covariation suggests that the tempo and rhythm of the shot are not independent and that changing one's tempo may disrupt rhythm.

aging↗

The effects of outcome imagery on golf-putting performance.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of positive and negative outcome imagery on golf-putting performance. Players of both high and low ability performed a golf-putting task in three imagery conditions: (a) a positive outcome imagery condition, (b) a negative outcome imagery condition and (c) a no-imagery control condition. The task was conducted in a competitive setting, reducing the possibility of demand characteristics. We found that negative outcome imagery was detrimental to putting performance; however, performance in the positive outcome imagery condition was no better than performance in the control condition. There was also evidence to suggest that outcome imagery operated through the mechanism of confidence, as negative outcome imagery was detrimental to both confidence and performance. The results of the present study suggest that golfers should avoid visualizing negative images, as this could damage both confidence and performance.

Adolescent↗

The vibrational mode structure of a golf ball.

In this paper, we report the discrete frequencies at which golf balls can vibrate, the mode patterns of these vibrations and how these modes can be excited. There are two broad classes of modes: those that radiate sound waves and those that do not. Both silent and acoustic modes are excited by tangential (i.e. spin-producing) impact forces; only acoustic modes are excited by radial impact forces. Exact analytical results for a homogeneous ball core are compared with finite element numerical results for both a core and a model two-piece ball. Correspondences are readily established for the important low-frequency modes, and the good agreement suggests the validity of these results for real golf balls. The results potentially provide the basis for a rapid, simple and non-destructive method of measuring the effective high-frequency elastic shear modulae of balls (and ball cores) as well as a method for 'tuning' the performance of balls for specific clubs. Some of these aspects are explored further in our companion paper in this issue.

Golf↗

Development and use of one-dimensional models of a golf ball.

One-dimensional models of a golf ball are useful in modelling near-normal (90 degrees) impact. The model described here has two masses connected by a non-linear spring in parallel with a non-linear damper. The behaviour of this system in collision with an infinite rigid mass is compared with the results of tests involving real golf balls. Values of the four unknown constants are found by fitting the model results, over a range of impact speeds from zero to 50 m x s(-1), to the coefficient of restitution and duration of contact found in the tests. The simplest model (Model 1) was a good fit for duration of contact over the whole range of impact speeds, but for the coefficient of restitution only at high speed (above 20 m x s(-1)). However, when used with a similar model of a flexible faced club, the simple model predicted the coefficient of restitution of the club-ball combination, determined by direct testing, quite well and as such is a useful screening tool. More complicated Models 2 and 3 fitted the rigid target coefficients of restitution better at low speed than Model 1. However, Models 2 and 3 have other disadvantages and are no better than Model 1 for high-speed impact with flexible faced clubs.

Equipment Design↗

A three-dimensional examination of the planar nature of the golf swing.

Previous planar models of the downswing in golf have suggested that upper limb segments (left shoulder girdle and left arm) move in a consistent fixed plane and that the clubhead also moves only in this plane. This study sought to examine these assumptions. Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of seven right-handed golfers of various abilities (handicap 0- 15) was used to define a plane (named the left-arm plane) containing the 7th cervical vertebra, left shoulder and left wrist. We found that the angles of this plane to the reference horizontal z axis and target line axis (parallel to the reference x axis) were not consistent. The angle to the horizontal z axis varied from a mean of 133 degrees (s = 1 degrees) at the start of the downswing to 102 degrees (s = 4 degrees) at impact, suggesting a "steepening" of the left-arm plane. The angle of the plane to the target line changed from - 9 degrees (s = 16 degrees) to 5 degrees (s = 15 degrees) during the same period, showing anticlockwise (from above) rotation, although there was large inter-individual variation. The distance of the clubhead from the left-arm plane was 0.019 m (s = 0.280 m) at the start at the downswing and 0.291 m (s = 0.077 m) at impact, showing that the clubhead did not lie in the same plane as the body segments. We conclude that the left arm and shoulder girdle do not move in a consistent plane throughout the downswing, and that the clubhead does not move in this plane. Previous models of the downswing in golf may therefore be incorrect, and more complex (but realistic) simulations should be performed.

Adult↗

Neuromotor issues in the learning and control of golf skill.

Theoretical and practical issues related to the neuromotor control of a golf swing are presented in this paper. The typical strategy for golf training consists of high volume repetition with an emphasis on a large variety of isolated swing characteristics. The student is frequently instructed to maintain consistent performance in each swing with absolute invariance. Based on dynamical systems and motor control schema perspectives, it is argued that golfers can learn a more reliable swing by exploring swing parameters and focusing on higher order control principles that reduce the vast number of degrees of freedom. Some candidate training practices are proposed for applying these theoretical issues into practice.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗

Distal ulnar neuropathy in a golf player.

A 51-year-old right-handed amateur golfer has developed fasciculations in the left first dorsal interosseous muscle for 3 weeks. He did not have any pain or motor or sensory deficit. The nerve conduction study and electromyography showed that he had mononeuropathy of the deep palmar branch of the ulnar nerve in his left palm. The forceful grasp of golf club handle in the left palm contributes to this rare focal neuropathy. He was advised to change his grip on the golf club, and the symptom resolved almost immediately.

Action Potentials↗

Effect of putting grip on eye and head movements during the golf putting stroke.

The objective of this article is to determine the effect of three different putting grips (conventional, cross-hand, and one-handed) on variations in eye and head movements during the putting stroke. Seven volunteer novice players, ranging in age from 21 to 22 years, participated in the study. During each experimental session, the subject stood on a specially designed platform covered with artificial turf and putted golf balls towards a standard golf hole. The three different types of grips were tested at two distances: 3 and 9 ft. For each condition, 20 putts were attempted. For each putt, data were recorded over a 3-s interval at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. Eye movements were recorded using a helmet-mounted eye movement monitor. Head rotation about an imaginary axis through the top of the head and its center-of-rotation was measured by means of a potentiometer mounted on a fixed frame and coupled to the helmet. Putter-head motion was measured using a linear array of infrared phototransistors embedded in the platform. The standard deviation (STD, relative to the initial level) was calculated for eye and head movements over the duration of the putt (i.e., from the beginning of the backstroke, through the forward stroke, to impact). The averaged STD for the attempted putts was calculated for each subject. Then, the averaged STDs and other data for the seven subjects were statistically compared across the three grip conditions. The STD of eye movements were greater (p < 0.1) for conventional than cross-hand (9 ft) and one-handed (3 and 9 ft) grips. Also, the STD of head movements were greater (p < 0.1; 3 ft) for conventional than cross-hand and one-handed grips. Vestibulo-ocular responses associated with head rotations could be observed in many 9 ft and some 3 ft putts. The duration of the putt was significantly longer (p < 0.05; 3 and 9 ft) for the one-handed than conventional and cross-hand grips. Finally, performance, or percentage putts made, was significantly better (p < 0.05; 9 ft) for cross-hand than conventional grip. The smaller variations, both in eye movements during longer putts and head movements during shorter putts, using cross-hand and one-handed grips may explain why some golfers, based on their playing experience, prefer these over the conventional grip. Also, the longer duration for the one-handed grip, which improves tempo, may explain why some senior players prefer the long-shaft (effectively one-handed grip) putter.

Adult↗

Identification of denitrifying rhizobacteria from bentgrass and bermudagrass golf greens.

AIMS: As high rates of nitrogen fertilization are used in turfgrass management, there is a great potential for nitrogen loss. Research on identification of denitrifiers in turfgrass has been limited. Therefore, the aim was to identify denitrifier species and genes from turfgrass roots. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rhizobacteria were isolated from roots of bentgrass and bermudagrass in sand-based United States Golf Association (USGA) golf greens and used for denitrification biochemical analysis. Seventeen per cent (34 isolates) were identified as denitrifiers, 47% were classified as nitrate-reducers and 36% were nondenitrifiers. Identification of species of the denitrifiers was performed by chromatography fatty acid methyl ester (GC-FAME) and16S rDNA analyses. Bacillus and Pseudomonas were the major turfgrass denitrifiers. The two methods showed a 60% agreement at the genus level. Nitrite reductase genes nirK and nirS were detected in 74 and 15% of the denitrifiers, respectively, but not in nondenitrifiers. The nosZ gene encoding nitrous oxide reductase was detected in all the denitrifiers, but also in some nondenitrifiers. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report for identification of denitrifiers and denitrification-related genes associated with turfgrass roots. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results provide valuable data for future denitrification studies that seek to improve turfgrass nitrogen management for maximum efficiency.

Bacillus↗

Cognitive processes among skilled miniature golf players: effects of instructions on motor performance, concentration time, and perceived difficulty.

Highly skilled miniature golf players were examined on a simplified miniature golf task under different instructional conditions. Results indicated that requirements to attend to a variety of technical aspects of the game during preparation impaired motor performance, whereas providing players with those aspects of the game they reported thinking of did not affect motor performance. Data on concentration time and perceived difficulty indicated that increasing cognitive demands were associated with a decline in motor precision. The overall pattern of results was interpreted such that attention directed at technical aspects of the game interfered with the players' normal cognitive activity. Susceptibility to interference is a characteristic feature of controlled cognitive operations. Thus, the present results are consistent with the view that conscious cognitive activity may support motor behavior also at late stages of skill development.

Adult↗

Ocular injuries from liquid golf ball cores.

Tissue removed from nine new cases from 18 hours to 20 weeks after injury by a golf ball contained crystalline and other foreign material to which there was a mild inflammatory reaction followed by macrophagic activity and fibrosis. Optical and electron probe analysis showed that the crystalline material was crushed barytes containing small quantities of muscovite as is typical in natural deposits. The centres of several golf balls were shown to contain essentially identical material. By contrast with previous reports, no zinc sulphide was found. The form and frequent location of the deposits in the conjunctiva as compared with cornea and eyelid is related to the structure of these tissues.

Adolescent↗

"Golf ball liver": agent orange hepatitis.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a selective weedkiller which works by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation and is in widespread use. It is known as "agent orange". A 65 year old man had acute hepatitis, thought to be caused by exposure to 2,4-D. The patient ingested 2,4-D as a result of habitual licking of his golf ball. Clinical and histological data together with a challenge test confirmed the diagnosis of "golf ball liver".

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic Acid↗

Medical services provided at the 1982 Southern Open Golf Tournament.

This study describes the medical services provided the players, players' families, caddies, Professional Golf Association (PGA) officials, tournament workers, and spectators during the 1982 Southern Open Golf Tournament. One first aid center, staffed by one physician and one nurse, was available to approximately 12,000 people during the 7 day event. The facility was stocked with routine diagnostic and therapeutic supplies, as well as routine and emergency drugs. Of the 92 patients seen, only one, who presented with a seizure, required hospital management. Spectators accounted for 20% of the visits. The remaining visits were by the tournament population for acute care. It was concluded that additional orthopaedic supplies needed to be readily available. Additional emergency equipment and drugs are recommended. The available and needed supplies should provide a reference for stocking first aid stations at future similar outdoor events that attract large crowds with varied medical needs.

Emergency Medical Services↗