Biomechanical Correlates of Club-Head Velocity During the Golf Swing (original) (raw)
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Three-Dimensional Kinematics Observed Between Different Clubs during the Full Golf Swing
Journal of Athletic Enhancement, 2014
It has been documented that the golf swing should be identical for all clubs, yet biomechanical studies of the mechanics of the golf swing obtained with different clubs are somewhat lacking. The aim of the current investigation was to determine the three-dimensional kinematic differences in full body swing kinematics when using three different clubs (driver, 9 iron and 6 iron). Thirty five skilled male golfers performed maximal velocity swings using each of the three clubs. Full body 3D kinematics were obtained using an eight camera motion capture system operating at 500 Hz. Differences between clubs were examined using repeated measures ANOVA's and the similarity of the 3D kinematic waveforms were inspected using intraclass correlations. The results showed that the 3D kinematics waveforms from the three clubs generally exhibited a high level of similarity R 2 ≥ 0.861. However, both club head velocity and stance width were significantly greater when using the driver. It was also revealed that the torso, hip and knee were significantly more extended when using the driver. Thus before the notion that the mechanics of the golf swing are similar between clubs can be accepted, additional work is required.
Movement Analysis of the Golf Swing
Handbook of Human Motion, 2018
Golf is popular worldwide. The complex and asymmetrical motion of golf swings, involving substantial forces and ranges of rotational movement, demands good technique if the player is to perform well while avoiding injury. Biomechanical analyses can help in maximising distance and accuracy of golf shots, and reducing injury risk, by providing qualitative and quantitative evidence of body angles, joint forces and muscle activity patterns. We highlight how lab based biomechanical studies of the golf swing using 3D videography, force, electromyography, modelling, and robots, have provided key information regarding the golf swing. With recent advances in technology such as isoinertial devices and wearable sensors, much of this knowledge can now be applied on the golf course. Sports biomechanists are now able to assess and provide relatively real-time feedback on golf swing performance. Golf performance outcome measures from a biomechanics perspective may be categorised as direct (ball displacement, shot accuracy) or indirect (clubhead velocity, clubface angle). The magnitude and direction of the linear clubhead velocity at impact is determined by the angular velocity of the clubhead during the swing and the length of the arm-club system. Golfers must develop a consistent fundamental swing pattern to secure these qualities. Proper proximal to distal sequencing of body rotations is important in the production of high clubhead velocities in the golf swing. The biomechanist must be able to measure golf performance technique and outcome variables reliably and with accuracy/sensitivity so feedback can be given to golfers and coaches on technique improvement.
Biological Movement Variability During the Golf Swing
This study quantified the level and effect of biological movement variability (BCV %) on the golf swing performance of 10 skilled and 10 unskilled golfers. Selected two- dimensional kinematic measures were obtained from each player performing ten golf swings with a five iron club. Linear regression analysis was employed to establish relationships between kinematic measures (absolute, CV%, BCV %) and club-head velocity (absolute, BCV %) using SPSS version 12.0. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the effect of handicap on all of these measures. Results revealed between-group differences in the mean, CV% and BCV% of several swing kinematic measures. Regression analysis revealed that the strongest predictive model for club-head velocity included handicap and wrist angle at address.
Rotational biomechanics of the elite golf swing: benchmarks for amateurs
Journal of applied biomechanics, 2011
The purpose of this study was to determine biomechanical factors that may influence golf swing power generation. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were examined in 10 professional and 5 amateur male golfers. Upper-torso rotation, pelvic rotation, X-factor (relative hip-shoulder rotation), O-factor (pelvic obliquity), S-factor (shoulder obliquity), and normalized free moment were assessed in relation to clubhead speed at impact (CSI). Among professional golfers, results revealed that peak free moment per kilogram, peak X-factor, and peak S-factor were highly consistent, with coefficients of variation of 6.8%, 7.4%, and 8.4%, respectively. Downswing was initiated by reversal of pelvic rotation, followed by reversal of upper-torso rotation. Peak X-factor preceded peak free moment in all swings for all golfers, and occurred during initial downswing. Peak free moment per kilogram, X-factor at impact, peak X-factor, and peak upper-torso rotation were highly correlated to CSI (medi...
Golf Swing Rotational Velocity: The Essential Follow-Through
Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2018
Objective To evaluate if shoulder and pelvic angular velocities differ at impact or peak magnitude between professional and amateur golfers. Golf swing rotational biomechanics are a key determinant of power generation, driving distance, and injury prevention. We hypothesize that shoulder and pelvic angular velocities would be highly consistent in professionals. Methods Rotational velocities of the upper-torso and pelvis throughout the golf swing and in relation to phases of the golf swing were examined in 11 professionals and compared to 5 amateurs using three-dimensional motion analysis. Results Peak rotational velocities of professionals were highly consistent, demonstrating low variability (coefficient of variation [COV]), particularly upper-torso rotational velocity (COV=0.086) and pelvic rotational velocity (COV=0.079) during down swing. Peak upper-torso rotational velocity and peak X-prime, the relative rotational velocity of upper-torso versus pelvis, occurred after impact in follow-through, were reduced in amateurs compared to professionals (p=0.005 and p=0.005, respectively) and differentiated professionals from most (4/5) amateurs. In contrast, peak pelvic rotational velocity occurred in down swing. Pelvic velocity at impact was reduced in amateurs compared to professionals (p=0.019) and differentiated professionals from most (4/5) amateurs. Conclusion Golf swing rotational velocity of professionals was consistent in pattern and magnitude, offering benchmarks for amateurs. Understanding golf swing rotational biomechanics can guide swing modifications to help optimize performance and prevent injury.
Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
IntroductionGolf swing generates power through coordinated rotations of the pelvis and upper torso, which are highly consistent among professionals. Currently, golf performance is graded on handicap, length-of-shot, and clubhead-speed-at-impact. No performance indices are grading the technique of pelvic and torso rotations. As an initial step toward developing a performance index, we collected kinematic metrics of swing rotational biomechanics and hypothesized that a set of these metrics could differentiate between amateur and pro players. The aim of this study was to develop a single-score index of rotational biomechanics based on metrics that are consistent among pros and could be derived in the future using inertial measurement units (IMU).MethodsGolf swing rotational biomechanics was analyzed using 3D kinematics on eleven professional (age 31.0 ± 5.9 years) and five amateur (age 28.4 ± 6.9 years) golfers. Nine kinematic metrics known to be consistent among professionals and coul...
Sports Biomechanics, 2013
The aims of this study were (i) to determine whether significant three-dimensional (3D) trunk kinematic differences existed between a driver and a five-iron during a golf swing; and (ii) to determine the anthropometric, physiological, and trunk kinematic variables associated with clubhead speed. Trunk range of motion and golf swing kinematic data were collected from 15 low-handicap male golfers (handicap ¼ 2.5^1.9). Data were collected using a 10-camera motion capture system operating at 250 Hz. Data on clubhead speed and ball velocity were collected using a real-time launch monitor. Paired t-tests revealed nine significant ( p # 0.0019) between-club differences for golf swing kinematics, namely trunk and lower trunk flexion/extension and lower trunk axial rotation. Multiple regression analyses explained 33.7 -66.7% of the variance in clubhead speed for the driver and five-iron, respectively, with both trunk and lower trunk variables showing associations with clubhead speed. Future studies should consider the role of the upper limbs and modifiable features of the golf club in developing clubhead speed for the driver in particular.
Upper torso and pelvis linear velocity during the downswing of elite golfers
BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 2013
Background During a golf swing, analysis of the movement in upper torso and pelvis is a key step to determine a motion control strategy for accurate and consistent shots. However, a majority of previous studies that have evaluated this movement limited their analysis only to the rotational movement of segments, and translational motions were not examined. Therefore, in this study, correlations between translational motions in the 3 axes, which occur between the upper torso and pelvis, were also examined. Methods The experiments were carried out with 14 male pro-golfers (age: 29 ± 8 years, career: 8.2 ± 4.8years) who registered in the Korea Professional Golf Association (KPGA). Six infrared cameras (VICON; Oxford Metrics, Oxford, UK) and SB-Clinc software (SWINGBANK Ltd, Korea) were used to collect optical marker trajectories. The center of mass (CoM) of each segment was calculated based on kinematic principal. In addition, peak value of CoM velocity and the time that each peak occur...
3D kinematic and kinetic analyses of the golf swing using three different clubs: A case study
2011
the purpose of this paper was to study the kinematic and kinetic patterns of the golf swing when performed with different clubs: driver, five-iron and pitching-wedge, which provide different ball flies concerning distance, trajectory and accuracy. an amateur golf player (handicap eGa: 19.9; height: 172 cm; body mass: 70 kg; age: 60 years) performed six attempts with each club, with 2 min of rest between shots to prevent fatigue. Ground reaction forces were obtained by alternately placing each foot on a force platform while the subject hit golf balls on artificial turf in an indoor golf station. three force trials for each foot were recorded and subsequently averaged using the three clubs. simultaneous video records by three 50 hz digital video cameras allowed kinematical evaluation using Ariel Performance Analysis System (Ariel Dynamics Inc.). statistically significant differences were found among clubs considering club head velocity and ground reaction forces, particularly in what concerns weight transfer (Wt). the driver allowed to reach the higher club head velocities (growing with the length of the club), and was characterised by a "Front Foot'' style of Wt, in opposition to the other clubs that were characterised by a "reverse'' style.