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Updated: May 13, 2026
06:42
Providing Visual Biofeedback Using Brightness Mode Ultrasound During a Golf Swing
Published on: August 25, 2022
Yips and other movement disorders in golfers
Samish Dhungana1, Joseph Jankovic
1Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Summary
Golfer's yips, a motor disturbance affecting putting and chipping, may be a task-specific focal dystonia. Botulinum toxin injections, effective for similar conditions, show promise for treating this common golf-related movement disorder.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Movement Disorders
Background:
- Golf demands precise motor control, balancing mobility and stability.
- Golfer's yips are common, intermittent motor disturbances (tremor, jerk, spasm) during putting or chipping.
- Other movement disorders like tremors and dystonia also impact golf performance.
Observation:
- The exact cause of golfer's yips is not fully understood.
- Emerging research suggests yips might be a task-specific focal dystonia affecting the hand and arm.
- Botulinum toxin injections are a primary treatment for task-specific dystonias and tremors.
Findings:
- This review examines the literature and clinical experience regarding golfer's yips.
- The potential efficacy of botulinum toxin injections for yips is explored.
- Understanding yips as a focal dystonia could guide treatment strategies.
Implications:
- Botulinum toxin injections may offer a novel therapeutic approach for golfer's yips.
- Further research into the pathophysiology of yips is warranted.
- Improved understanding and treatment of yips can enhance performance and quality of life for golfers.
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