Kinesiology of a Full Golf Swing

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Kinesiology of a Full Golf Swing

• Presented by
• Joseph Urman
• Fred Doherty
• Leva Tien
• Katelyn Carroll
• Kristina Wilcox

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Background Golf Information

• Theorized that golf originated from Scotland in
  the 1100s.
• Golf derives from the Dutch kolf which means
  stick, club, bat
• "Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden" acronym for
  Golf ( which is not true by the way)

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Background Golf Information

• 4-7 of golfers within the United States who play
  left-handed, however, most golfers prefer
  right-handed when playing
• Golf is the unofficial sport of the business
  world.

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Anatomy

• Large Muscle Groups
• Trunk, back, hips, legs, shoulders
• Small Muscle Groups
• Feet, forearms, wrists, hands, fingers

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Anatomy Application

• Goal to achieve a fluid motion
• Muscle groups contract and relax
• Try not to interfere with acceleration

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Phases of the Golf Swing

• Stance Phase
• Back Swing
• Downswing
• Impact

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Stance Phase

• Correct stability (Firm center of balance)
• Proper placement of feet in relationship to
  shoulders
• Flexing and straightening the knees, hips, spine,
  neck

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Biomechanics of the Stance Phase

• Depression of the arm and scapula as shoulders
  roll forward to grip the club
• Axis of rotation mid trunk
• Lever arms mid trunk and thigh

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Biomechanics of the Stance Phase

• Torso flexed forward to create primary spinal
  angle (about 45 degrees)
• Secondary angle lateral bending to right in
  spinal segments (about 16 degrees)

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Torque and Lever Arms

• Torque - The tendency of a force to cause
  rotation around a pivot point
• Magnitude of the torque is equal to the product
  of the force and the lever arm
• The length of the arm-club lever at the point of
  impact will have a direct result on the velocity
  of the ball

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Back Swing

• Brings club to highest position in preparation
  for acceleration

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Biomechanics of the Back Swing

• Recruitment of energy
• As club moves backwards shear force is applied to
  anterior portion of the right foot
• Posterior shear force is applied to left foot
• Additional torque rotation of knees, hips,
  spine, and shoulders
• Imaginary axis

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Downswing

• A force produced movement where angular velocity
  creates club head speed

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Biomechanics of the Downswing

• Finishes backward movement and begins forward
  movement
• Weight shift onto the inside of right foot and
  begins towards left foot
• Elastic energy stored as a result
• Hips closed at 45 degrees and shoulders closed at
  about 100 degrees

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Biomechanics of the Downswing

• Majority of torque created by lower body muscle
  groups
• Produces acceleration in the upper body as
  transferred energy

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Impact Phase

• Follow through and recovery
• Deceleration of the golf swing
• Muscle relaxation
• Reduces risk for injury

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Biomechanics of the Impact

• Weight transfer is complete
• Shear force from both feet are towards the target
  
• Potential energy transfers to kinetic energy as
  club head contacts golf ball
• Left foot supports 80-95 of body weight

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Impact/Follow Through Biomechanics

• Body decelerates by rotating to a completion
  point
• Occurs as a result of energy absorption back up
  through the kinetic chain of the body

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Mechanisms of Postural Control

• First Mechanism
• Postural control for balance during underarm
  swing and weight shift
• Second Mechanism
• Sequential movement of the arms and hands
  throughout golf swing

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Injuries due to Improper Mechanics

• Golfers Elbow or lateral epicondylitis
• Left wrist goes into flexion as hands near impact
  phase
• Creating pull on the lateral epicondyle and
  lengthening of the extensor muscles

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Injuries due to Improper Mechanics

• DeQuervains Syndrome or tendinitis of the
  extensor and abductor muscles of the thumb caused
  by
• Additional load on muscles due to limitations of
  shoulder motion
• Posterior cuff
• Absorption of contact forces and rapid shortening
  and lengthening of muscles

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Injuries due to Improper Mechanics

• Spinal and back injuries
• Laterally shift lower body to increase club speed
  on downswing instead of rotating pelvis in sync
  with the shoulders
• Spine forced to flex laterally
• Shear and rotational forces act on the spine and
  can cause hyperextension of the spine

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References

• 2007 www.valleyhealth.com/Health_Library/mayo_catl
  inks.asp?navid13sp742