Correlation between maximum in-shoe plantar pressures and clubhead speed in amateur golfers

Disagreements exist in the literature regarding the manner in which weight should be dynamically shared during the golf swing, both within-feet and between the back- and target-foot, to generate maximal clubhead speed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preferential foot-loading locations underlie weight sharing by examining the correlation between clubhead speed and maximum plantar pressure (PP) distributions. Thirty-two amateur golfers with handicap indexes ranging from 2.7 to 25 performed 10 driver swings on artificial turf following a warm-up. PP distributions were recorded at 100 Hz, and clubhead speed was recorded using a ball-tracking Doppler radar system. Maximum PPs were extracted from a 2-s window approximately centred on ball contact and were regressed against clubhead speed. Significance was assessed over the entire foot surface using statistical parametric mapping (SPM), a spatially continuous technique. SPM revealed, at relatively high anatomical resolution, significant positive correlations between clubhead speed and PPs in the lateral target-foot (P < 0.05). This suggests that not only weight transfer but also weight-transfer location may be an important determinant of clubhead speed in amateur golfers.     

Comparison of spine motion in elite golfers with and without low back pain

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting golfers, yet little is known of the specific mechanisms responsible for this injury. The aim of this study was to compare golf swing spinal motion in three movement planes between six male professional golfers with low back pain (age 29.2 - 6.4 years; height 1.79 - 0.04 m; body mass 78.2 - 12.2 kg; mean - s ) and six without low back pain (age 32.7 - 4.8 years; height 1.75 - 0.03 m; body mass 85.8 - 10.9 kg) using a lightweight triaxial electrogoniometer. We found that golfers with low back pain tended to flex their spines more when addressing the ball and used significantly greater left side bending on the backswing. Golfers with low back pain also had less trunk rotation (obtained from a neutral posture), which resulted in a relative 'supramaximal' rotation of their spines when swinging. Pain-free golfers demonstrated over twice as much trunk flexion velocity on the downswing, which could relate to increased abdominal muscle activity in this group. This study is the first to show distinct differences in the swing mechanics between golfers with and without low back pain and provides valuable guidance for clinicians and teachers to improve technique to facilitate recovery from golf-related low back pain.     

Comparison of spine motion in elite golfers with and without low back pain

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting golfers, yet little is known of the specific mechanisms responsible for this injury. The aim of this study was to compare golf swing spinal motion in three movement planes between six male professional golfers with low back pain (age 29.2+/-6.4 years; height 1.79+/-0.04 m; body mass 78.2+/-12.2 kg; mean +/- s) and six without low back pain (age 32.7+/-4.8 years; height 1.75+/-0.03 m; body mass 85.8+/-10.9 kg) using a lightweight triaxial electrogoniometer. We found that golfers with low back pain tended to flex their spines more when addressing the ball and used significantly greater left side bending on the backswing. Golfers with low back pain also had less trunk rotation(obtained from a neutral posture), which resulted in a relative 'supramaximal' rotation of their spines when swinging. Pain-free golfers demonstrated over twice as much trunk flexion velocity on the downswing, which could relate to increased abdominal muscle activity in this group. This study is the first to show distinct differences in the swing mechanics between golfers with and without low back pain and provides valuable guidance for clinicians and teachers to improve technique to facilitate recovery from golf-related low back pain.     

Psychometrics of the emotional intelligence scale in elite,amateur, and non-athletes

The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometrics properties of the Emotional Intelligence Scale and assess the measurement invariance across elite (n = 367), amateur (n = 629), and non-athletes (n = 550). In total, 1,546 participants from various sports completed the emotional intelligence scale. Several competing models were compared through exploratory structural equation modeling. The analyses were performed on the whole sample before subsequent invariance testing between athletic groups. The internal consistency of the scale was tested through Omega for the total scale and relevant subscales, which indicated largely unacceptable levels of stability. Results failed to support the purported unidimensional or four-factor models proposed in the literature. However, a six-factor model provided the best fit to the data. Nonetheless, there was no evidence for weak or strong invariance suggesting that the scale may not be appropriate for use within athletic samples.     

Unfavourable plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid profile in elite amateur boxers

Abstract

Research on possible physiological changes as a consequence of a specific lifestyle and long-term strenuous exercise in boxing has been sparse. We determined plasma and erythrocyte phospholipid (PL) fatty acids (FA) profile of 16 elite amateur male boxers (22.4±3.3 years of age), and compared them with a control group composed of 19 sedentary (24.4±3.4) year-old men. The percentages of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monosaturated FA in plasma phospholipids were significantly higher (P <0.001) in boxers compared to the control group. On the other hand, all studied polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in plasma PL with the exception of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5, n–3) and docosatetraenoic acid (DTA, 22:4, n–6) were significantly lower in boxers than in sedentary men. Total PUFA, n–6 PUFA and n–3 PUFA were also significantly lower in boxers (P <0.001), whereas the n–6/n–3 ratio was higher in boxers than in control group (P <0.01). Boxers had significantly higher proportion of all SFA in erythrocyte PL compared to the control group (P <0.05). In addition, the percentage of linoleic acid was lower in boxers' erythrocyte PL than in the control group (P <0.05). The results show two potentially unfavourable main features of the FA profile of boxers, that is, a higher n–6/n–3 ratio in plasma PL and a higher percentage of SFA in both plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids compared to controls. As SFA correlates directly with the incidence of cardiovascular disease and high n–6/n–3 ratio has been shown to stimulate carcinogenesis and modulate inflammation and autoimmunity, this profile could be detrimental to the health of boxers. The mechanism underlying these differences requires further investigation; however the results suggest benefits of nutritional intervention.     

Motor control of practice and actual strokes by professional and amateur golfers differ but feature a distance-dependent control strategy

Abstract

We explored how practice and actual putting strokes differed between professionals and high-level golf amateurs, and how practice strokes reflected subtle differences in putting distances. We analysed swing amplitude, impact velocity, and acceleration profile of the club-head. The acceleration profiles showed that the motor control pattern of the practice stroke differed from that of the actual stroke. To clarify the effects of different putting distances on the practice stroke and to analyse how much the actual stroke could be explained by the practice stroke, we conducted individual regression analyses. The practice strokes of all participants could be divided into three strategies and five types by the coefficient of determination and the slope. This implies that the purpose of the practice stroke varied among golfers. Most golfers used the individual velocity criteria in their practice strokes, which resulted in different putting distances based on their criteria. Unexpectedly, we found no significant difference in skill level between professionals and high-level amateurs. The results of this study imply that the practice stroke does not duplicate the actual stroke, even for professional golfers with excellent skills. However, most high-level golfers adopted distance-dependent control strategies for slightly different putting distances.     

Acute and residual effects of vibratory stimulation on explosive strength in elite and amateur athletes

Fourteen elite and 14 amateur athletes were subjected to vibratory stimulation during bilateral biceps curl exercises of explosive strength exertion. The athletes performed two separate series of three sets of exercises in random order. The second set of one series was administered with superimposed vibration of 44 Hz and an acceleration of about 30 m .s-2 transmitted through the two-arms handle to the arm muscles. The mechanical power of each repetition was measured by the ‘Power Teach’ instrument. The maximal and mean power values for each set were automatically recorded and shown on the screen. The acute effect was evaluated as the difference between the mean and peak power output in the second (with vibratory stimulation) and first (without vibratory stimulation) sets. Similarly, the residual effect was taken to be the difference between the power values of the third (after vibratory stimulation) and the first (before vibratory stimulation) sets. The results were subjected to a repeated-measures analysis of variance with group as a between-participants factor. The results showed that exercise mode (with vs without vibratory stimulation) resulted in a significant immediate effect for mean power and for maximal power. The factor group (elite vs amateurs) resulted in a significant effect for maximal power only. The increase in explosive strength exertion attributed to vibratory stimulation was 30.1 and 29.8 W (10.4% and 10.2%) for maximal and mean power respectively in the elite group, and 20.0 and 25.9 W (7.9% and 10.7%) respectively in the amateur athletes. Vibratory stimulation resulted in an insignificant residual effect.     

Acute and residual effects of vibratory stimulation on explosive strength in elite and amateur athletes.

Fourteen elite and 14 amateur athletes were subjected to vibratory stimulation during bilateral biceps curl exercises of explosive strength exertion. The athletes performed two separate series of three sets of exercises in random order. The second set of one series was administered with superimposed vibration of 44 Hz and an acceleration of about 30 m x s(-2) transmitted through the two-arms handle to the arm muscles. The mechanical power of each repetition was measured by the 'Power Teach' instrument. The maximal and mean power values for each set were automatically recorded and shown on the screen. The acute effect was evaluated as the difference between the mean and peak power output in the second (with vibratory stimulation) and first (without vibratory stimulation) sets. Similarly, the residual effect was taken to be the difference between the power values of the third (after vibratory stimulation) and the first (before vibratory stimulation) sets. The results were subjected to a repeated-measures analysis of variance with group as a between-participants factor. The results showed that exercise mode (with vs without vibratory stimulation) resulted in a significant immediate effect for mean power and for maximal power. The factor group (elite vs amateurs) resulted in a significant effect for maximal power only. The increase in explosive strength exertion attributed to vibratory stimulation was 30.1 and 29.8 W (10.4% and 10.2%) for maximal and mean power respectively in the elite group, and 20.0 and 25.9 W (7.9% and 10.7%) respectively in the amateur athletes. Vibratory stimulation resulted in an insignificant residual effect.     

我国业余体育训练的历史发展及现状分析

对我国青少年业余体育训练的历史发展、基本现状、主要问题进行了回顾和分析，目的在于为我国业余体育训练的改革发展提供历史经验和改革启示。     

我国业余体校发展历程及现状的研究分析

通过对我国业余体校的发展历程及现状进行分析和研究,肯定了业余体校作为我国竞技体育后备人才培养的基地所做出的历史贡献,发现了目前我国竞技体育后备人才培养在可持续性发展上的一些问题,并针对问题提出了一些发展建议,以期对我国业余体校今后的发展出谋划策,以促进我国竞技体育后备人才培养的可持续性发展.     

The Development and Validation of a Racquetball Skills Test Battery for Young Adult Beginners

This study was designed to develop a racquetball skills test battery for young adult beginners. Based on a review of literature and the content validity phase, 5 racquetball skills components with 8 test items were formulated: service placement (left and right), power drive (forehand and backhand), power shot placement (forehand and backhand), ceiling shot, and wall rally. Participants (N = 131) were 87 male and 44 female college students who were provided two 90-min sessions of practice and preparation 1 week before the testing. The test was conducted on 2 official size racquetball courts. Each test item had 20 trials (3 trials for wall rally), and each was administered twice within 1 week. A single round-robin tournament was conducted for male and female participants, respectively. Participants were simultaneously evaluated on their overall skill levels by a trained evaluator using a subjective 5-point rating scale. Data on subjective rating and tournament standing were used as criterion variables for examining the test validity. Intercorrelations revealed that all test items had validity coefficients equal to or greater than .50, except for 2 items, service placement to the left and the right, which were dropped from further analysis. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the remaining 6 skills test items were predictive of the 2 criterion variables, with the multiple correlations equal to .67 and .68 for males and .61 and .75 for females. Using factorial repeated measures analysis of variance, generalizability reliability was computed. The G coefficients for the items ranged from .61 to .84. The D studies revealed that testing over a minimum of 2 days would be the best test protocol for most racquetball skills test items. To achieve sufficient reliability (i.e., G coefficient >>.70), the minimum number of trials administered each day was suggested for each item.     

柔韧性训练对武术运动员技术发展的影响

柔韧素质的发展最佳程度,不能以运动员能达到的最大程度来衡量,换言之,柔韧素质的发展不能无限度地进行下去。一般来说,只要达到本专项运动技术的要求并略有储备即可。柔韧素质与力量等素质在发展过程中有其一致性,但训练不当也会出现矛盾,柔韧素质训练方法不当,会使肌肉消极的被动拉长,肌肉弹性减少,导致肌肉的收缩力量受到影响,从而干扰力量素质的发展。     

业余短跑运动员赛前如何做好准备活动

介绍了业余短跑运动员的赛前准备活动的内容。研究认为，准备活动可提高体温和引起排汗；准备活动应包括伸展和放松练习，还应具有一些强度练习;应有模仿专项动作的练习。运动员在比赛前20min应减量，约在赛前10min结束准备活动。     

BTL-YZ-1.1高级运动员意志量表的研制及运用

以理论导向为主,从意志的概念入手,结合运动实践提出了高级运动员意志量表的6个维度,并对每个维度的确切含义进行了界定。通过3次检验和修订,形成了38个题目的7点Likert量表。对羽毛球和艺术体操两个项目的测试表明,BTL-YZ-1.1高级运动员意志量表可以作为优秀运动员心理选择的工具。     

A Golf Skills Test Battery for College Males and Females

Abstract

Measurements of the field of motion perception of basketball players and non-basketball players were compared. Also, five basketball skill test items were administered to 101 college men, and their scores on these items and the measurements of the fields of motion perception were compared with subjectively-determined basketball ability rating scores. Measurements of the field of motion perception showed an identifiable relationship with basketball ability and, when combined with basketball test items, made a substantial contribution to the forecasting efficiency of the battery.     

Biomechanical risk factors and mechanisms of knee injury in golfers

Knee injuries in golf comprise approximately 8% of all injuries, and are considered to result from overuse, technical faults or a combination of those factors. This review examines factors involved in injury, including the structure of the knee joint, kinematics and kinetics of the golf swing, forces sustained by knee joint structures and the potential for joint injury as well as injury prevention strategies. The golf swing generates forces and torques which tend to cause internal or external rotation of the tibia on the femur, and these are resisted by the knee ligaments and menisci. Research has shown that both maximum muscle forces and the forces sustained during a golf swing are less than that required to cause damage to the ligaments. However, the complex motion of the golf swing, involving both substantial forces and ranges of rotational movement, demands good technique if the player is to avoid injuring their knee joint. Most knee injury in golf is likely related to joint laxity, previous injuries or arthritis, and such damage may be exacerbated by problems in technique or overuse. In addition to appropriate coaching, strategies to remedy discomfort include specific exercise programmes, external bracing, orthotics and equipment choices.     

A systematic review of strength and conditioning programmes designed to improve fitness characteristics in golfers

It has been suggested that conditioning programmes have the potential to improve golf performance through fitness adaptations. The primary aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of conditioning programmes on measures of golf-related fitness and golf performance. Four electronic library databases were searched and the quality of the studies was assessed using criteria adapted from the Consolidated Standard of Reporting Trials statement. Thirteen studies satisfied our criteria for inclusion. Nine studies involved middle-aged to older male recreational golfers and four studies used younger more skilled golfers. Conditioning programmes involved the use of machine weights, free weights, medicine balls, and elastic bands, and most studies included a flexibility component. Most studies assessed changes in fitness characteristics and generally resulted in improvements. All but two of the studies assessed changes in club head speed and reported increases. The findings from this review suggest that strength and conditioning programmes can have a positive effect on the golf swing and fitness characteristics of golfers. The majority of studies in this review evaluated the effects of generic conditioning programmes on fitness characteristics and club head speed. Future studies should investigate the effects of more golf-specific strength and conditioning programmes to improve fitness and overall golf performance.     

江苏省首届体育教育专业学生基本功测试成绩综析

为推动体育教育专业的改革和发展,提高体育教育专业人才培养质量,对体育教育专业大学生的基本功进行了测试。运用文献资料法及数据统计法,对首届江苏省高校体育教育专业学生基本功测试结果进行了分析。结果表明:基本功测试方法内容全面,方法合理,结果客观真实,较为客观地反应了四所被测学校教育专业教学质量,有效促进了体育教育专业的建设和发展。     

我国优秀运动员心理技能量表的初步编制

心理技能动训练是提高运动员比赛表现及应对能力的重要途径和方式,也是运动心理学领域的热点问题之一.为了能够从比较量化的角度为我国运动员及教练员提供心理训练的参考依据,本研究在参考国外学者相关研究成果基础上,立足我国运动员的实际特点,进行量表的初步构建.结果表明:我国运动员的心理技能量表可分为应对、自信心、专注、动机等4个维度,经过信效度检验,该量表可以做为评定我国优秀运动员心理技能水平的测评工具.