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Improving golf performance with a warm up conditioning programme
A J Fradkin1, C A Sherman, C F Finch
1Monash University, Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne 3004, Australia. andrea.fradkin@med.monash.edu.au
British Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 25, 2004
Summary
A golf-specific warm-up program significantly enhances golfer performance, increasing club head speed by up to 24%. This structured routine offers a clear advantage over not warming up, leading to measurable improvements in athletic ability.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
- Golf Performance Analysis
Background:
- Golf performance is influenced by various physical factors.
- A structured warm-up may optimize physiological readiness for athletic tasks.
- The specific impact of a golf-tailored warm-up on performance metrics is not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a golf-specific warm-up program on golfer performance.
- To compare performance changes in golfers undergoing a warm-up regimen versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Twenty male golfers were matched for age and handicap.
- Club head speed was measured using 2D video analysis.
- An exercise group performed a golf-specific warm-up five times weekly for five weeks, while a control group did not.
Main Results:
- The exercise group demonstrated progressive improvements in club head speed throughout the study.
- Club head speed increased by 12.8% (3-6 m/s) between weeks 1 and 2, and 24.0% (7-10 m/s) by week 7.
- A significant difference in club head speed was observed between the groups (p=0.029), with a significant time interaction (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- A golf-specific warm-up program significantly improves golfer performance.
- Consistent adherence to a warm-up routine leads to substantial gains in club head speed and overall performance.