The effect of alterations in foot centre of pressure on lower body kinematics during the five-iron golf swing

ABSTRACT

The research aimed to evaluate the effects of an intervention aimed at altering pressure towards the medial aspect of the foot relating to stability mechanisms associated with the golf swing. We hypothesised that by altering the position of the foot pressure, the lower body stabilisation would improve which in turn would enhance weight distribution and underpinning lower body joint kinematics. Eight professional golf association (PGA) golf coaches performed five golf swings, recorded using a nine-camera motion analysis system synchronised with two force platforms. Following verbal intervention, they performed further five swings. One participant returned following a one-year intervention programme and performed five additional golf swings to provide a longitudinal case study analysis. Golf performance was unchanged evidenced by the velocity and angle of the club at ball impact (BI), although the one-year intervention significantly changed the percentage of weight experienced at each foot in the final 9% of downswing, which provided an even weight distribution at BI. This is a highly relevant finding as it indicates that the foot centre of pressure was central to the base of support and in-line with the centre of mass (CoM), indicating significantly increased stability when the CoM is near maximal acceleration.     

Relationships between Challenge Tour golfers’ clubhead velocity and force producing capabilities during a countermovement jump and isometric mid-thigh pull

A number of field-based investigations have evidenced practically significant relationships between clubhead velocity (CHV), vertical jump performance and maximum strength. Unfortunately, whilst these investigations provide a great deal of external validity, they are unable to ascertain vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) variables that may relate to golfers’ CHVs. This investigation aimed to assess if the variance in European Challenge Tour golfers’ CHVs could be predicted by countermovement jump (CMJ) positive impulse (PI), isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) from 0–50 ms, 0–100 ms, 0–150 ms and 0–200 ms. Thirty-one elite level European Challenge Tour golfers performed a CMJ and IMTP on dual force plates at a tournament venue, with CHV measured on a driving range. Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated that the variance in CHV was significantly predicted by all four models (model one R² = 0.379; model two R² = 0.392, model three R² = 0.422, model four R² = 0.480), with Akaike’s information criterion indicating that model one was the best fit. Individual standardised beta coefficients revealed that CMJ PI was the only significant variable, accounting for 37.9% of the variance in European Challenge Tour Golfers’ CHVs.     

Validation of Moticon’s OpenGo sensor insoles during gait,jumps, balance and cross-country skiing specific imitation movements

The purpose of this study was the experimental validation of the OpenGo sensor insole system compared to PedarX sensor insole and AMTI force-plate systems. Sixteen healthy participants performed trials in walking, running, jumping (drop and counter movement jumps), imitation drills and balance, with simultaneous measures of all three systems. Detected ground contact and flight times with OpenGo during walking, running and jumping were similar to those of AMTI. Force–time curves revealed comparable shapes between all three systems. Force impulses were 13–34% lower with OpenGo when compared to AMTI. Despite differences in mean values in some exercise modes, correlations towards AMTI were between r = 0.8 and r = 1.0 in most situations. During fast motions, with high force and impact, OpenGo provided lower force and latency in force kinetics. During balance tasks, discrepancy in the centre of pressure was found medio-lateral, while anterio–posterior direction was closer to AMTI. With awareness of these limitations, OpenGo can be applied in both clinical and research settings to evaluate temporal, force and balance parameters during different types of motion. The fully mobile OpenGo system allows for the easy and quick system application, analysis and feedback under complex field conditions, as well.     

Relationships between highly skilled golfers’ clubhead velocity and force producing capabilities during vertical jumps and an isometric mid-thigh pull

Whilst previous research has highlighted significant relationships between golfers’ clubhead velocity (CHV) and their vertical jump height and maximum strength, these field-based protocols were unable to measure the actual vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) variables that may correlate to performance. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) and drop jump (DJ) vGRF variables and CHV in highly skilled golfers. Twenty-seven male category 1 golfers performed IMTP, CMJ, SJ and DJ on a dual force platform. The vertical jumps were used to measure positive impulse during different stretch-shortening cycle velocities, with the IMTP assessing peak force (PF) and rate of force development (RFD). Clubhead velocity was measured using a TrackMan launch monitor at a golf driving range. Pearsons correlation coefficient analyses revealed significant relationships between peak CHV and CMJ positive impulse (r = 0.788, p < 0.001), SJ positive impulse (r = 0.692; p < 0.001), DJ positive impulse (r = 0.561, p < 0.01), PF (r = 0.482, p < 0.01), RFD from 0–150 ms (r = 0.343, p < 0.05) and RFD from 0–200 ms (r = 0.398, p < 0.05). The findings from this investigation indicate strong relationships between vertical ground reaction force variables and clubhead velocity.     

String vibration dampers do not reduce racket frame vibration transfer to the forearm

In this study, we examined the effect of string vibration damping devices on reducing racket frame vibration transfer to the forearm. Twenty participants volunteered to hold a tennis racket stationary in a forehand and backhand stroking position while tennis balls were fired at 20 m?·?s^?1 towards two impact locations, the node of vibration and the dead spot. A three-way analysis of variance with repeated measures on damping condition, impact location and stroke condition was performed on the data. The resonant frequency of the hand-held racket was found to be ～120 Hz. No significant differences in amplitude of vibration at the resonant frequency were found for the wrist or the elbow when damped and non-damped impacts were compared. Impacts at the dead spot produced greater amplitudes of vibration (P <?0.01) but no interaction between impact location and string dampers was evident. The string dampers had no effect on the grip force used or the muscle electrical activity in the forearm after impact. In conclusion, we found that string dampers do not reduce the amount of racket frame vibration received at the forearm. We suggest that string dampers remain a popular accessory among tennis players because of their acoustic effects and psychological support rather than any mechanical advantage.     

Improved determination of dynamic balance using the centre of mass and centre of pressure inclination variables in a complete golf swing cycle

Golf requires proper dynamic balance to accurately control the club head through a harmonious coordination of each human segment and joint. In this study, we evaluated the ability for dynamic balance during a golf swing by using the centre of mass (COM)–centre of pressure (COP) inclination variables. Twelve professional, 13 amateur and 10 novice golfers participated in this study. Six infrared cameras, two force platforms and SB-Clinic software were used to measure the net COM and COP trajectories. In order to evaluate dynamic balance ability, the COM–COP inclination angle, COM–COP inclination angular velocity and normalised COM–COP inclination angular jerk were used. Professional golfer group revealed a smaller COM–COP inclination angle and angular velocity than novice golfer group in the lead/trail direction (P < 0.01). In the normalised COM–COP inclination angular jerk, the professional golfer group showed a lower value than the other two groups in all directions. Professional golfers tend to exhibit improved dynamic balance, and this can be attributed to the neuromusculoskeletal system that maintains balance with proper postural control. This study has the potential to allow for an evaluation of the dynamic balance mechanism and will provide useful basic information for swing training and prevention of golf injuries.     

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.     

On the acoustic signature of golf ball impact

In this paper, we present results on the measurement and analysis of the sound that is produced by the sharp impact loading of a golf ball by a flat massive object (e.g. the face of a golf club). We discuss: (a) the motivation for such a study; (b) some necessary background information on how golf balls vibrate; (c) the techniques used to acquire and analyse the data; and (d) an analysis of the sound made by dropping balls on a smooth, massive concrete target surface. These results establish a simple method for rapid and non-destructive measurement of the effective high-frequency elastic shear moduli of balls and ball cores.     

高尔夫运动传承的人类文化教育价值研究

高尔夫运动文化是现代物质文明与精神文明高度发展的产物,也是现代文化的一种高级形式,高尔夫不仅带给人类以运动锻炼,也能带来深厚的文化及教育价值。文章从高尔夫运动的起源、运动特点着手,以高尔夫文化的发展与教育相辅相成,分析高尔夫运动传承给现代人类文化及教育的价值。从而得出：文化促进了高尔夫运动的发展,高尔夫运动又带给当代社会新的文化价值;高尔夫运动要发展,依赖于教育与文化,文化教育的发展促使高尔夫人才的辈出,人才又反作用于教育,最终更加促进了高尔夫运动的发展,传承给人类文化教育价值源远流长、生生不息。     

高尔夫运动中的力学原理

为了更好的理解高尔夫球飞行路线的影响机制,以便为高尔夫球手更加自如的控制球路。文章从运动生物力学角度,结合空气动力学原理,分析高尔夫运动挥杆击球以及球在空中飞行和落地后的受力形式,围绕高尔夫球飞离地面、空中飞行、落地滚动及停止等主要环节,分析不同的击打方式对球飞行路线产生差别的受力情况,为高尔夫运动者进行练习提供科学的理论基础。     

深圳市青少年高尔夫运动推广模式研究

现代高尔夫运动进入中国已经超过30年,但目前发展的并不理想,随着高尔夫运动返奥,高尔夫运动的发展将面临着巨大的机遇,而在推动高尔夫运动发展的过程中,培养青少年高尔夫爱好者、不断扩大高尔夫运动人口基数是未来推动我国高尔夫运动发展的关键因素。本文通过分析深圳青少年高尔夫运动推广模式,基于目前我国青少年高尔夫运动的不同主体,包括政府、企业、学校和家庭在推广过程中的作用和方式的不同的研究和讨论,探索建立适合我国当前青少年高尔夫运动的推广模式。     

Pre-competition imagery,self-efficacy and performance in collegiate golfers

In this study, we examined the relationships between self-efficacy, pre-competition imagery use and performance. A modified version of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire was used to assess both the motivational and cognitive functions of imagery used by 51 varsity golfers during the hour before a Provincial University Golf Championship. In line with Martin and co-workers' model of imagery use in sport, we hypothesized that self-efficacy would be positively related to motivational general-mastery imagery use and motivational generalmastery imagery use would be predictive of golf performance. Also, consistent with theorizing by Bandura, we hypothesized that self-efficacy would predict golf performance, but that the relationship between self-efficacy and performance would be mediated by imagery use. The results of hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that pre-competition motivational general-mastery imagery accounted for significant variance in both self-efficacy (adjusted R 2 = 0.26, P ? 0.01) and performance (adjusted R 2 = 0.31, P ? 0.01). The results also indicated that self-efficacy was predictive of golf performance and that motivational general-mastery imagery use mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and performance. The results are discussed in relation to athletes' pre-competition preparation and intervention.     

Golf-related injuries: A systematic review

Abstract

A review was undertaken to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in golf and to stimulate the discussion on possible injury mechanisms. The main conclusion of most published studies is that although professional and amateur golfers show a similar anatomical distribution of injuries by body segment, differences tend to be seen in the ranking of injury occurrence by anatomical site. This could be due to many things, including the player's handicap, age, golf swing biomechanics, and training or playing habits. The impact of golf injuries deserves special attention due to the interaction of the nature of the injury, practice routines, amount of practice, handicap, and frequency of activity. Individual differences and clinical and coaching procedures deserve investigation. Other epidemiological information should be regarded as insufficient with respect to a full understanding of injury mechanisms, which can give us a better insight into the evolutionary nature of the injury. Also, a better understanding of golf swing mechanisms and individual neuromuscular aspects can help explain why some individuals are more injury-prone than others.     

我国近台快攻直拍横打、拉技术动作的浅析

通过对我国直拍快攻打法的创新技术——直拍横打、拉技术动作结构等的分析，证明我国传统直拍快攻打法必须不断发展创新才有出路     

云南省高尔夫人才培养模式研究

本研究主要探讨云南省高尔夫人才培养模式的影响因素,对云南省现阶段高尔夫发展中高水平教练员的稀缺、经济发展制度、国家政策、高尔夫运动普及状况、高尔夫运动自身因素等进行分析;然后根据云南省具体情况提出了提出了以专业球队、高校高尔夫专业、家庭自主培养等高尔夫人才培养模式。同时云南高尔夫的培养需结合自身的特点,争取扬长避短,在最短的时间内找到适合云南竞技高尔夫的发展模式,以期带动云南整个高尔夫行业的发展,再度提高云南高尔夫的品牌。     

浅谈江苏高尔夫休闲产业的发展现状与对策

随着体育产业新衍生出来的体育旅游市场不断升温,高尔夫也可成为其重要力量,在高尔夫运动带动下,高尔夫产业形成了一个纵横交错的产业结构网。高尔夫产业不仅指这项运动本身,还包括球杆球具业、高尔夫服装业、球场设施设备业、高尔夫综合服务业等与高尔夫相关的行业。目前,南京高尔夫球场除经营打球、承办赛事外,在高等教育、传媒、房地产多种经营等方面都出现了喜人势头,高尔夫休闲产业规模初露端倪,为南京高尔夫产业走一条适合自己的特色发展之路,研究江苏高尔夫休闲产业现状;探求高尔夫产业发展中存在问题;制定适合江苏高尔夫产业发展对策;做为发展江苏高尔夫产业的理论依据。     

社会学视角下高尔夫运动的价值分析

本文以我国高尔夫运动的发展趋势作为切入点,结合社会学和体育社会学的相关理论,归纳总结了高尔夫运动对促进人的全面发展、拉动经济增长,规范社会行为等方面的社会功能,并且解析了高尔夫作为一种文化形态传播的运动所具有的社会学价值。希望使更多人了解高尔夫文化、接触高尔夫运动、推进高尔夫事业的发展。