Effects of nine holes of simulated golf and orthotic intervention on balance and proprioception in experienced golfers.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate effects of orthotic intervention on balance and proprioception among a group of experienced golfers.


METHODS
Northwestern College of Chiropractic.


METHODS
Twelve experienced golfers were included in the study.


METHODS
Balance and proprioception were measured before and after nine holes of simulated golf using piezo-electric film sensor platforms. Subjects wore custom-made, flexible orthotics daily for 6 wk and were then retested using the same objective measurement parameters.


METHODS
Primary outcome measures included stabilization index and stabilization time.


RESULTS
Statistical trends suggest that the custom-made, flexible orthotics used in this study were effective in enhancing balance and proprioception and may have reduced the relative effects of fatigue associated with nine holes of simulated golf.


CONCLUSIONS
Although individual differences were anticipated, data trends suggest that nine holes of simulated golf promotes changes in standing balance and proprioception and that 6 wk of wearing these custom-made, flexible orthotics has a positive influence in promoting balance and proprioceptive symmetry.
Stude
D E
DE
Wolfe-Harris Center for Clinical Studies, Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN 55431, USA.
Brink
D K
DK
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002684:Chiropractic; D005221:Fatigue / Q000503:physiopathology; D006055:Golf / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D004856:Postural Balance; D011434:Proprioception