The Relationships Between Range Of Motion, Performance, And Club Head Speed In Older Female Golfers

Abstract

Research on range of motion (ROM) of the trunk, shoulder and hip in older amateur female golfers is limited. It is unknown if club head speed (CHS) is related to these physical characteristics or golf performance. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to: 1) determine the relationships between ROM, performance, and CHS in older amateur female golfers; and 2) evaluate the relationship between ROM and CHS in two age groups of older golfers, middle and senior. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy, amateur female golfers [mean age ± SD (range), 63.7 ± 7.8, (49-86 years)] who swung right-handed were measured for trunk, hip, and shoulder rotation passive ROM with inclinometers. Trunk rotation was measured in sidelying using dual inclinometers and pelvic stabilization. Hip rotation was measured prone with the contralateral hip in 30° of abduction and pelvic motion prevented. Shoulder rotation was measured supine with the shoulder placed in 90° of abduction and scapula motion prevented. CHS was recorded with a ground level radar device. Each golfer used her driver of choice and swung from a standardized golf mat and tee. A self-report questionnaire was given to record performance data for both 9-hole and 18-hole games and driving distance. ICC values were calculated for repeated passive ROM measures. Relationships between ROM, performance, and CHS were examined with a Pearson product moment correlation coefficient analysis using SPSS v. 16.0. RESULTS: The ICC values for intratester measures were 0.82, 0.88 (trunk: right, left), 0.81, 0.83 (shoulder: internal, external), and 0.95, 0.92 (hip: internal, external). A significant relationship (r = 0.85, p< 0.01) between CHS and driving distance was found. There were also inverse correlations (r = -0.49 to -0.80, p< 0.01) between age, 9-hole score, 18-hole score and CHS. In the middle age group (≤ 60 years of age), left hip external rotation was inversely correlated with CHS (r = -0.70, p< 0.05). No significant correlations were identified between ROM and CHS in the senior group (> 60 years of age). CONCLUSIONS: The ability to produce a greater club head speed was associated with better golf performance and increased driving distance. Club speed was shown to decline with age. Assessment of hip flexibility should be considered for rehabilitation and training programs in older female golfers.