The effects of orthotic intervention and 9 holes of simulated golf on gait in experienced golfers.
BACKGROUND
This investigation evaluated the effects of orthotic intervention on gait patterns and fatigue associated with 9 holes of simulated golf among a group of experienced golfers.


METHODS
Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, Minn.


METHODS
Twelve experienced golfers.


METHODS
By means of video freeze-frame analysis, gait was assessed in each subject before and after 9 holes of simulated golf. Subjects wore custom-made, flexible orthotics daily for 6 weeks, and gait was then reassessed through use of the same objective measurement parameters. Fatigue was introduced by having participants complete 9-hole rounds of simulated golf before and after wearing custom-made, flexible orthotics for 6 weeks.


METHODS
Parameters associated with gait (ie, stride length and pelvic rotation) were measured in all subjects before and after they used custom-fit, flexible orthotics for 6 weeks and before and after they completed 9 holes of simulated golf.


RESULTS
The data indicate that for experienced golfers, wearing the custom-fit, flexible orthotics used in this study for 6 weeks influenced the parameters associated with gait and reduced the effects of fatigue associated with 9 holes of simulated golf.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of custom-fit, flexible orthotics in this study had a significant influence on the elements of gait measured in the investigation-specifically, pelvic rotation and stride length. There was an average increase in pelvic rotation of between 29% and 36%, and there were concomitant changes in stride length after subjects had used the orthotics for 6 weeks. In addition, use of these custom orthoses reduced the effects of fatigue associated with playing 9 holes of simulated golf; they could thus improve the likelihood of more consistent performance, possibly as a result of a more efficient gait pattern.
Stude
D E
DE
Center for Clinical Studies Faculty Clinician, Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, Minn 55431, USA.
Gullickson
J
J
D000465:Algorithms; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005221:Fatigue / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006055:Golf; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires