A comparison of physical characteristics and swing mechanics between golfers with and without a history of low back pain.
METHODS
Controlled laboratory study using a cross-sectional design.


OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Tsai
Yung-Shen
YS
Taipei Physical Education College, Graduate Institute of Transition and Leisure Education for Individuals with Disabilities, Taipei, Taiwan.
Sell
Timothy C
TC
Smoliga
James M
JM
Myers
Joseph B
JB
Learman
Kenneth E
KE
Lephart
Scott M
SM
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006055:Golf / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis