Improving Golf Swing Kinematics in a 78-Year-Old Golfer with Lower Back Pain: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Due to the complexity of the golf swing, poor form affects performance and lead to injuries in the spine and extremities. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) has created a movement screen to identify a golfer's physical limitations. The TPI includes 16 movement patterns within a golfer's swing that could lead to poor performance, dysfunction, and pain. TPI recommends specific exercises to address any dysfunctions. CASE REPORT This case report examined the benefit of a TDI-specific exercise program for a 78-year-old man with a history of low back pain and decreasing golf performance. Treatments included 3 sessions over 10 weeks, including lumbar stabilization exercises, balance training, and manual therapy. The dependent variables were the TDI movement screen, Trackman Driver analysis, and 3D Kvest Swing analysis. The patient's main goal was to increase driving distance and be able to play a round of golf without pain. The patient's specific functional scale showed that trunk rotation, right shoulder mobility, and hamstring length improved. His TPI Fitness handicap decreased, and his Trackman Driver averages improved. CONCLUSIONS This case report demonstrates that the TDI movement screen and TDI-recommended exercises in combination with manual therapy improved a golfer's TPI composite score, overall performance, and kinematic sequencing. Although, based on a case report, cause and effect cannot be established, it does appear that interventions, in this case, contributed to a decrease in low back pain and self-reported disability, improved golf swing and performance, and met the patient's objectives.