Swing Kinematics, Pelvis and Trunk Sequencing, and Lower Extremity Strength in Golfers with and without a History of Low Back Pain - Abstract
Poor golf swing technique increases the risk of developing low back pain. This study measured golf swing kinematics; pelvis, lower trunk, and upper trunk sequencing patterns; and lower extremity muscle strength for 12 male golfers with previous low back pain (handicap = 8.0 ± 6.8) and 12 male asymptomatic golfers (handicap = 11.2 ± 7.1). 3D motion capture recorded trunk extension, trunk lateral tilt, pelvic tilt, crunch factor, and trunk segment sequencing during the golf swing. Knee flexion and extension and hip extension and abduction strength were measured with isometric dynamometry. Between groups comparisons found no significant differences for trunk extension, trunk lateral tilt, pelvic tilt, crunch factor, or muscular strength. However, regression analyses revealed that trail hip extension and abduction strength significantly predicted peak pelvic angular velocity during the golf swing, but only for golfers with previous low back pain (p < 0.001). Additionally, the lower trunk supports the transfer of velocity from the pelvis to the upper trunk rather than increasing velocity through a proximal-to-distal sequence. Amateur golfers with a history of low back pain may rely more on hip muscle strength to generate angular velocity in the golf swing.