Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/99164
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Type: Journal article
Title: The biomechanics of the modern golf swing: implications for lower back injuries
Author: Cole, M.
Grimshaw, P.
Citation: Sports Medicine, 2016; 46(3):339-351
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Issue Date: 2016
ISSN: 0112-1642
1179-2035
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Michael H. Cole, Paul N. Grimshaw
Abstract: The modern golf swing is a complex and asymmetrical movement that places an emphasis on restricting pelvic turn while increasing thorax rotation during the backswing to generate higher clubhead speeds at impact. Increasing thorax rotation relative to pelvic rotation preloads the trunk muscles by accentuating their length and allowing them to use the energy stored in their elastic elements to produce more power. As the thorax and pelvis turn back towards the ball during the downswing, more skilled golfers are known to laterally slide their pelvis toward the target, which further contributes to final clubhead speed. However, despite the apparent performance benefits associated with these sequences, it has been argued that the lumbar spine is incapable of safely accommodating the forces they produce. This notion supports a link between the repeated performance of the golf swing and the development of golf-related low back injuries. Of the complaints reported by golfers, low back injuries continue to be the most prevalent, but the mechanism of these injuries is still poorly understood. This review highlights that there is a paucity of research directly evaluating the apparent link between the modern golf swing and golf-related low back pain. Furthermore, there has been a general lack of consensus within the literature with respect to the methods used to objectively assess the golf swing and the methods used to derived common outcome measures. Future research would benefit from a clear set of guidelines to help reduce the variability between studies.
Keywords: Pelvis
Thorax
Humans
Low Back Pain
Athletic Injuries
Back Injuries
Electromyography
Range of Motion, Articular
Movement
Rotation
Golf
Biomechanical Phenomena
Description: First online: 24 November 2015
Rights: © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015
DOI: 10.1007/s40279-015-0429-1
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0429-1
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 7
Mechanical Engineering publications

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