Performance and Kinematic Differences in Putting between Healthy and Disabled Elite Golfers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Biomechanics
• Disability Sports

Background:

• Golf requires complex movements, but putting may be accessible for golfers with disabilities.
• Putting performance is less dependent on strength, balance, and range of motion compared to a full swing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare putting performance and biomechanical consistency between disabled golfers and healthy athletes.
• To investigate kinematic differences in weight shift, hip, and shoulder movement during putting.

Main Methods:

• Three disabled golfers (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, lower limb amputee) and three healthy golfers participated.
• Kinematic data were collected using 3D markers, and force platforms measured weight shift during a 6m putting task.
• Putting performance was assessed by the distance of the ball from the hole.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in clubhead speed or overall putting accuracy (ball distance from hole) between groups.
• Disabled golfers exhibited similar consistency (coefficient of variation) in clubhead speed and putting error as healthy golfers.
• Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in weight shift, hip, and shoulder kinematics between disabled and healthy golfers.

Conclusions:

• Disabled golfers can achieve comparable putting performance and consistency to healthy athletes.
• Specific kinematic adaptations occur in disabled golfers, such as altered weight shift and range of motion.
• Coaches should consider individual disability-specific needs while aiming for consistent putting techniques in disabled athletes.