An analysis of peak pelvis rotation speed, gluteus maximus and medius strength in high versus low handicap golfers during the golf swing

Abstract

Purpose/hypothesis: The kinematic sequence of the golf swing is an established principle that occurs in a proximal-to-distal pattern with power generation beginning with rotation of the pelvis. Few studies have correlated the influence of peak pelvis rotation to the skill level of the golfer. Furthermore, minimal research exists on the strength of the gluteal musculature and their ability to generate power during the swing. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between peak pelvis rotation, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus strength, and a golfer's handicap.

Subjects: 56 healthy subjects.

Material/methods: Each subject was assessed using a hand-held dynamometry device per standardized protocol to determine gluteus maximus and medius strength. The K-vest was placed on the subject with electromagnetic sensors at the pelvis, upper torso, and gloved lead hand to measure the rotational speed at each segment in degrees/second. After K-vest calibration and 5 practice swings, each subject hit 5 golf balls during which time, the sensors measured pelvic rotation speed.

Results: A one-way ANOVA was performed to determine the relationships between peak pelvis rotation, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus strength, and golf handicap. A significant difference was found between the following dependent variables and golf handicap: peak pelvis rotation (p=0.000), gluteus medius strength (p=0.000), and gluteus maximus strength (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Golfers with a low handicap are more likely to have increased pelvis rotation speed as well as increased gluteus maximus and medius strength when compared to high handicap golfers.

Clinical relevance: The relationships between increased peak pelvis rotation and gluteus maximus and medius strength in low handicap golfers may have implications in designing golf training programs. Further research needs to be conducted in order to further explore these relationships.

Keywords: gluteus maximus; gluteus medius; golf; peak pelvis rotation.

Figure 1.

This graph shows an example of an optimal kinematic sequence during a golf swing. This generic sequence was measured by 3-D motion analysis, which provides outputs nearly identical to those from the K-Vest. The horizontal axis represents time from address (Adr) to the top of the backswing (Top) to ball impact (Imp) to finish. Rotation speed in degrees per second is shown on the vertical axis. This graph shows proper kinematic sequencing with the pelvis (pink) achieving its top speed first, followed by the trunk (green), arms (purple), and finally the club (yellow). Once each segment peaks, an immediate and smooth deceleration of that segment occurs which illustrates an effective and efficient transfer of energy between segments.

Figure 2.

Standard positioning for manual muscle testing of gluteus maximus and gluteus medius.

Figure 3.

Subjects donned the K-vest equipment and were given 5 practice swings before data collection. The K-vest consists of 3 wireless motion tracking sensors: one on the sacrum, one between the scapulae and one on the glove of the lead wrist.

Figure 4.

Average Peak Pelvis Rotation Speed in High vs. Low Handicap Golfers.

Figure 5.

Peak Pelvis Rotation Speed vs. Right Gluteus Medius Strength. Note: Strength is shown as a percent of body weight and rotation speed is measured in degrees/second.