Effect of Core Stabilization Training on Fitness, Swing Speed, and Weight Transfer in Older Male Golfers

Abstract

1421 Previous research has shown that swing speed in golfers is improved by circuit weight training and flexibility programming. However, no research has investigated core stabilization training, common in many applied fitness settings, as a mode of training to improve golf performance. Additionally, although increasing age has been shown to decrease center of pressure transfer (i.e., weight transfer) during a golf swing, no research has investigated the effect of an exercise training program on center of pressure transfer variables. PURPOSE: To determine the effect of a core stabilization training program on fitness, swing speed and weight transfer in older male golfers. METHODS: Seventeen male golfers (mean ± SD, age: 70.7 ± 9.1 years, weight: 85.9 ± 8.8 kg) were randomly assigned to an Exercise (N = 11) or Control (N = 6) group. The Exercise group participated in an eight week progressive core stabilization training program including static and dynamic exercises utilizing mats, foam rollers, stability balls, elastic cables, and medicine balls. Subjects were required to attend 16 or more sessions during the eight weeks and averaged 22 ± 3 sessions. Pre and Post measurements included: Fitness measurements via the Fullerton Senior Fitness Test (Exercise Group Only), driver swing speed via radar, center of pressure transfer distance and center of pressure transfer velocity on the downswing via force plate. Group comparisons were made using One-Way ANCOVA with Pre-test measurements as covariates. Fitness measurements in the Exercise group were analyzed with Paired Samples T-Tests. RESULTS: Maximal swing speed increased in the Exercise group (127.3 ± 13.4 km • hr−1 hr to 133.6 ± 14.2 km • hr−1 hr) but not in the Control group (134.5 ± 14.6 km • hr−1 hr to 133.3 ± 11.2 km • hr−1 hr) (p< 0.05). Analysis of center of pressure transfer distance and velocity failed to detect differences between groups (p>0.05). Significant improvements (p<0.05) were detected for several Fullerton Senior Fitness Test components (2-minute march, 8-foot up and go test, arm curl, and back scratch test) but not for others (30-second chair stand, sit and reach test). CONCLUSIONS: This core stabilization program resulted in improvements in several components of fitness as well as swing speed improvements similar to previous studies utilizing circuit weight training. A lack of golf-specific power exercises during the majority of the training program may have contributed to the lack of improvement in weight transfer variables.