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Work and power analysis of the golf swing
Steven M Nesbit1, Monika Serrano1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lafayette College , Easton, PA, USA.
Journal of Sports Science & Medicine
|March 15, 2014
Summary
This study analyzed golf swing mechanics using work and power (energy) principles. The energy-based approach revealed key insights into body joint work, force application, and energy transfer for optimizing club head velocity.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Kinetics
Background:
- The golf swing is a complex athletic movement involving intricate body mechanics.
- Evaluating swing efficiency traditionally relies on observational or kinematic methods.
- A deeper understanding of the energy dynamics within the golf swing is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a work and power (energy) analysis as a novel method for evaluating golf swing mechanics.
- To estimate energy production, transfers, and conversions within the golfer's body and the golf club.
- To compare the work and power characteristics of diverse amateur golfers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two computer models: a detailed golf club model and a full-body golfer model.
- Applied standard mechanics principles to calculate work, torques, kinetic energies, strain energies, and power.
- Analyzed energy transfers and conversions within the club and internal work produced at body joints during the downswing.
Main Results:
- The energy analysis provided new insights into golf swing mechanics.
- Identified force and torque components responsible for club acceleration.
- Determined which body segments produced work, the timing of work generation, and overall swing efficiencies.
- Calculated shaft energy storage and release, demonstrating the equal importance of forces and range of motion for club head velocity.
Conclusions:
- An energy-based analysis offers a more comprehensive understanding of the golf downswing.
- This approach can identify specific areas for improvement in a golfer's mechanics.
- Forces and range of motion are critical, equally weighted factors in achieving optimal club head speed.
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