The Impact of Golf Swings on Lower Extremity Joints
Golf, a sport cherished by millions, has witnessed a significant rise in popularity, with 25.1 million Americans actively participating in it as of 2022. As the demographic of golfers tends to skew towards older adults, understanding the implications of golf on joint health, especially in the lower extremities, becomes paramount.
A recent study conducted by Scott K. Lynn, Junsig Wang, and C. Lowry Barnes dives into the intricate details of lower body joint moments during the golf swing, comparing them to everyday activities like walking and standing. The research, involving 22 healthy adult males, aimed to provide insights that can guide both clinicians and golf professionals in advising golfers, particularly seniors, on a safe return to the game after injury or surgery.
Key Findings:
Lead Leg Stress - The study highlighted a significant external valgus knee moment on the lead leg during the golf swing, surpassing the stress experienced in gait and sit-to-stand activities. This valgus load, linked to lateral knee compartment degenerative disease and ACL injuries, emphasizes the need for caution when advising individuals with similar pathologies.
Trail Leg Dynamics - Distinctive internal knee flexion moments were observed in the trail leg during golf swings, suggesting potential challenges for individuals with trail leg hamstring issues. Clinicians should exercise caution in recommending the return to golf for such individuals.
Hip Moments - The study revealed larger internal hip adduction and extension moments during the golf swing on both legs compared to gait and sit-to-stand activities. These moments, weakly correlated with club-head speed, indicate varying strategies employed by golfers to generate swing momentum.
Correlation with Club-Head Speed - Moderate correlations were found between club-head speed and specific joint moments, emphasizing the influence of lower extremity mechanics on golf performance. Understanding these correlations allows for tailored advice for golfers recovering from injury or surgery.
This comprehensive study sheds light on the intricate mechanics of lower extremity joints during golf swings, providing valuable insights for clinicians, golf professionals, and enthusiasts alike. By understanding the nuanced stresses placed on the body during golf, particularly in older adults, we can enhance injury prevention strategies, promote safe rehabilitation, and ensure a fulfilling and pain-free golfing experience for all.
As a next step, incorporating targeted exercises into golfers' routines can be instrumental in promoting strength, balance, and overall joint health. Consultation with a physical therapist can guide individuals on specific exercises tailored to their needs, ensuring a holistic approach to injury prevention and performance improvement.
Exercises
DONKEY KICK
Set-Up:
Begin on all fours.
Movement
Tighten your abdominals and then lift your leg upward, lower it back down, then repeat. Think of pushing your foot toward the ceiling.
Pro-Tip
Ensure that your hips do not rotate to either side during the exercise.
FRONT SQUAT
Setup
Begin standing upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a barbell in a front rack position. Grip the barbell slightly wider than your shoulders.
Movement
Perform a squat by bending at your hips and knees, lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground or in a chair for the beginning. Return to the starting position and repeat.
Pro-Tip
Make sure you feel that you are initiating with your hips. Keep your weight biased towards your heels throughout the motion.
By combining the findings of this study with proactive fitness routines, golf enthusiasts, especially seniors, can continue to enjoy the game they love with confidence and longevity. Embracing a comprehensive approach to golfing health ensures that each swing is not just a stroke on the course but a step towards a resilient and fulfilling golfing journey.
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Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10499118/
Not all exercises are for everyone. Before attempting a new exercise, take into account factors such as flexibility, strength, and overall health to determine whether a particular exercise is appropriate for you.
This, like any other exercise, can result in personal injury. Any injury sustained from proper or improper use of this exercise is solely the responsibility of the exerciser. Performanceabove LLC disclaims any liability from injury sustained from the use of this exercise and suggests that you consult your professional healthcare provider before attempting any exercise or exercise program.
