title: The effect of isolated core training on selected measures of golf swing performance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to quantify the effect of an 8-wk isolated core training program on selected ball and club parameters during the golf swing and also the variability of these measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six club-level golfers were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 18) or control (n =18) group. The exercise group participated in an 8-wk core training program, which included eight basic exercises. Both groups continued with their normal activity levels including golf. Baseline and postintervention measurements included club-head speed, backspin, sidespin, and timed core endurance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Baseline measures for club-head speed, backspin, sidespin, and core endurance test were 79.9 ± 8.4 mph, 3930 ± 780 rpm, 1410 ± 610 rpm, and 91 ± 56 s for the intervention group and 77.6 ± 8.8 mph, 3740 ± 910 rpm, 1290 ± 730 rpm, and 69 ± 55 s for the control group (mean ± SD). The effect of our core training, when compared with control, was a likely small improvement in club-head speed (3.6%; 90% confidence limits = ±2.7%) and a very likely small improvement in muscular endurance (61%; ±33%). The effect on backspin (5%; ±10%) and sidespin (-6%; ±20%) was unclear. Baseline variability for club-head speed, backspin, and sidespin (based on 10 swings per golfer) was 5.7% ± 5.3%, 43% ± 19%, and 140% ± 180% for the intervention group and 6.5% ± 5.3%, 53% ± 53%, and 170% ± 130% for control group. The effect of the intervention on within-subject variability was a moderate decrease for club-head speed, a small decrease for backspin, and a small increase for sidespin when compared with control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The benefits achieved from our isolated core training program are comparable with those from other studies.
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Subject Group, School of Social Sciences and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UNITED KINGDOM.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weston
authors.forename: Neil J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Coleman
authors.forename: Iain R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Spears
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D004739:England; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006055:Golf / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*