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Elite golfers' kinematic sequence in full-swing and partial-swing shots
Fredrik Tinmark1, John Hellström, Kjartan Halvorsen
1Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. fredrik.tinmark@gih.se
Sports Biomechanics
|February 12, 2011
Summary
Golfers of all skill levels and genders utilize proximal-to-distal sequencing (PDS) and speed-summation in both partial and full swings. This common movement strategy enhances golf performance by improving both speed and accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Understanding golf swing mechanics is crucial for performance enhancement.
- Kinematic sequencing, specifically proximal-to-distal sequencing (PDS), is theorized to be key in efficient energy transfer.
- Previous research has primarily focused on full swings, with less attention paid to partial swings and gender/skill level differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if proximal-to-distal sequencing (PDS) and speed-summation are consistent in both partial and full golf swings.
- To determine if these kinematic characteristics differ across various skill levels (professionals vs. amateurs) and genders.
- To explore the biomechanical implications of PDS in golf.
Main Methods:
- 45 golfers (11 male professionals, 21 male amateurs, 13 female amateurs) participated.
- Participants performed partial swings (wedge) at set distances and full swings (5 iron, driver) for maximal distance.
- 3D motion capture (Polhemus Liberty) recorded segment angular velocities of the pelvis, torso, and hands at 240 Hz.
Main Results:
- A significant proximal-to-distal temporal relationship was observed in all shot conditions.
- A successive increase in peak segment angular speed was evident across all golfers, genders, and skill levels.
- Evidence suggests the utilization of proximal-to-distal interaction torques for efficient power generation.
Conclusions:
- Golfers consistently employ a proximal-to-distal sequencing strategy in both partial and full swings.
- This common PDS strategy appears biomechanically advantageous for optimizing both speed and accuracy in golf.
- The findings support PDS as a fundamental principle in golf kinetics, applicable across diverse player profiles.
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