Golf Swing Biomechanics: A Systematic Review and Methodological Recommendations for Kinematics

Area of Science:

• Sports Biomechanics
• Kinesiology
• Golf Performance Analysis

Background:

• Golf swing biomechanics is crucial for injury prevention and performance enhancement.
• Existing research presents varied methodologies, complicating direct comparisons.
• Understanding golf swing kinematics is key to optimizing technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review state-of-the-art golf swing biomechanics, focusing on movement kinematics.
• To identify research gaps and suggest methodological improvements.
• To synthesize current knowledge on golf swing kinematic parameters.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of scientific databases using keywords related to biomechanics and golf swings.
• Inclusion criteria focused on articles detailing golf swing kinematics.
• Categorization of 92 reviewed articles into key domains: X-factor, crunch factor, swing plane, clubhead trajectory, kinematic sequence, and joint angular kinematics.

Main Results:

• The review identified key kinematic domains within the golf swing.
• A significant lack of methodological consensus was observed across studies.
• This lack of standardization resulted in generalized performance parameter difficulties and contradictory findings.
• Three-dimensional (3D) approaches are common for joint kinematics, but often disregard International Society of Biomechanics recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Standardized research methodologies are essential for advancing golf swing biomechanics.
• Addressing methodological inconsistencies will enable clearer insights into injury prevention and performance.
• Further research should prioritize adherence to established biomechanical guidelines for robust findings.