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A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Tsai, Y-S; Sell, TC; Smoliga, JM; Myers, JB; Learman, KE; Lephart, SM
Published in: J Orthop Sports Phys Ther
July 2010

STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design. OBJECTIVES: To examine the kinematics and kinetics of the trunk and the physical characteristics of trunk and hip in golfers with and without a history of low back pain (LBP). BACKGROUND: Modified swing patterns and general exercises have been suggested for golfers with back pain. Yet we do not know what contributes to LBP in golfers. To create and validate a low back-specific exercise program to help prevent and improve back injuries in golfers, it may be valuable to understand the differences in biomechanical and physical characteristics of golfers with and without a history of LBP. METHODS: Sixteen male golfers with a history of LBP were matched by age and handicap with 16 male golfers without a history of LBP. All golfers underwent a biomechanical swing analysis, trunk and hip strength and flexibility assessment, spinal proprioception testing, and postural stability testing. RESULTS: The group with a history of LBP demonstrated significantly less trunk extension strength at 60 degrees/s and left hip adduction strength, as well as limited trunk rotation angle toward the nonlead side. No significant differences were found in postural stability, trunk kinematics, and maximum spinal moments during the golf swing. CONCLUSION: Deficits observed in this study may affect a golfer's ability to overcome the spinal loads generated during the golf swing over time. Exercises for improving these physical deficits can be considered, although the cause-effect of LBP in golfers still cannot be determined.

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Published In

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther

DOI

ISSN

0190-6011

Publication Date

July 2010

Volume

40

Issue

7

Start / End Page

430 / 438

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Orthopedics
  • Muscle Strength
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Low Back Pain
  • Isometric Contraction
  • Humans
  • Golf
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
 

Citation

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ICMJE
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Tsai, Y.-S., Sell, T. C., Smoliga, J. M., Myers, J. B., Learman, K. E., & Lephart, S. M. (2010). A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 40(7), 430–438. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2010.3152
Tsai, Yung-Shen, Timothy C. Sell, James M. Smoliga, Joseph B. Myers, Kenneth E. Learman, and Scott M. Lephart. “A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 40, no. 7 (July 2010): 430–38. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2010.3152.
Tsai Y-S, Sell TC, Smoliga JM, Myers JB, Learman KE, Lephart SM. A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Jul;40(7):430–8.
Tsai, Yung-Shen, et al. “A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, vol. 40, no. 7, July 2010, pp. 430–38. Pubmed, doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3152.
Tsai Y-S, Sell TC, Smoliga JM, Myers JB, Learman KE, Lephart SM. A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010 Jul;40(7):430–438.

Published In

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther

DOI

ISSN

0190-6011

Publication Date

July 2010

Volume

40

Issue

7

Start / End Page

430 / 438

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Task Performance and Analysis
  • Orthopedics
  • Muscle Strength
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Low Back Pain
  • Isometric Contraction
  • Humans
  • Golf
  • Biomechanical Phenomena