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Using dynamic surface electrode electromyography, we evaluated muscle activity in 13 male professional golfers during the golf swing. Surface electrodes were used to record the level of muscle activity in the right abdominal oblique, left abdominal oblique, right gluteus maximus, left gluteus maximus, right erector spinae, left erector spinae, upper rectus abdominis, and lower rectus abdominis muscles during the golfer's swing. These signals were synchronized electronically with photographic images of the various phases of the golf swing; the images were recorded in slow motion through motion picture photography. The golf swing was divided into five phases: take away, forward swing, acceleration, early follow-through, and late follow-through. Despite individual differences among the subjects' swings, we observed reproducible patterns of trunk muscle activity throughout all phases of the golf swing. Our findings demonstrate the importance of the trunk muscles in stabilizing and controlling the loading response for maximal power and accuracy in the golfer's swing. This study provides a basis for developing a rehabilitation program for golfers that stresses strengthening of the trunk muscles and coordination exercises.

In summary, a sport-specific exercise program for golfers includes warming up, stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular conditioning. The goals of such a program incorporated with playing the game of golf are to optimize performance and prevent injuries. The integration of each of these components represents a well-balanced fitness approach to sport and enhances the enjoyment of the game.

This discussion and the three case examples illustrate different etiologies of shoulder problems in the golfer. Age and the mechanics of an individual swing are factors to consider when defining the core problem. In summarizing shoulder pain in the golfer, perhaps the key point is that a thorough patient evaluation is essential to diagnose the problem accurately. It is only with a specific and accurate diagnosis that an optimal treatment program can be designed, and successful outcomes will be the result.

As golf increases in popularity, more golfers seek the proper mechanics necessary for the perfect golf swing. Surprisingly little scientific work has been published on the contribution of the hip and knee muscles during the golf swing even though most professionals have recognized their vital contribution. Recent studies have described the electromyographic (EMG) muscle activity of the shoulder, back, and trunk during the golf swing. The purpose of this study was to describe the electrical muscle activity in seven hip and knee muscles of both the left (lead) and right (trail) leg in competitive golfers while performing the golf swing. Sixteen golfers were studied with indwelling electrodes and high-speed cinematography. The EMG was synchronized with the film to discern five phases of the golf swing. Means, SDs, and t-tests were done. The results revealed that the trail hip extensors and abductors in conjunction with the lead adductor magus initiated pelvic rotation during forward swing. The lead hamstrings maintained a flexed knee and provided a stable base on which pelvic rotation took place. The peak EMG muscle activity recorded in the hips and knees occurred in an earlier phase than that measured previously in the trunk and shoulder. This confirmed the sequential firing pattern of the hip and knee muscles that takes place during the competitive golf swing. Information gained from this study can be used by players and coaches to optimize performance and to minimize injury.

To describe the role of the scapular muscles in the golf swing, we studied 15 competitive male golfers. Four muscles were studied bilaterally using dynamic electromyography and cinematography. In the trailing arm, the levator scapulae elevates while the rhomboid muscles retract the scapula during takeaway; both then stabilize the scapula through the remainder of the swing. In the leading arm, these muscles retract the scapula during forward swing and acceleration. The trapezius muscle in the trailing arm also demonstrates high activity during takeaway to aid in scapular retraction. In the leading arm, trapezius activity is high in forward swing and through the remainder of the swing to promote scapular retraction. The serratus anterior muscle activity is high in the trailing arm during forward swing and through the remainder of the swing to maximize scapular protraction. In the leading arm, the serratus anterior muscle has constant activity through all phases of the swing, which may explain the clinical scenario of muscle fatigue in high demand golfers. The golf swing and uncoiling action requires that the scapular muscles work in synchrony to maximize swing arc and clubhead speed. This study demonstrates the importance of the scapular muscles in the golf swing and the need for specific strengthening exercises.

Golf is a popular sport for both men and women. The trunk is the most common area of injury during the golf swing. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the muscle firing patterns in the trunk during the golf swing. Twenty-three golfers with handicaps of five or below volunteered for this study. Surface electromyographic electrodes were placed on the abdominal oblique and erector spinae muscles bilaterally. High-speed cinematography was used in conjunction with the electromyographic electrodes. The results demonstrated relatively low activity in all muscles during takeaway (below 30% of maximal muscle test), and relatively high and constant activity throughout the rest of the swing (above 30% maximal muscle test, with the exception of the contralateral erector spinae during late follow-through, which was 28% maximal muscle test). This high and constant activity demonstrated the importance of the trunk muscles during a golf swing. These results indicate the need for an effective preventive and rehabilitative exercise program for the golfer.

Golf is a popular sport throughout the world, yet there is little in the literature that discusses the mechanics of the swing. The purpose of this study is to analyze the EMG activity in eight shoulder muscles of both the right and left arms during the golf swing. The results reveal that the infraspinatus and supraspinatus act predominantly at the extremes of shoulder range of motion, the subscapularis and pectoralis major during acceleration, the latissimus dorsi during forward swing, and the anterior deltoid during forward swing and follow-through. The middle and posterior deltoids appear to be relatively noncontributory, without any specific timing patterns. This data is an expansion of an earlier pilot study and allows us to more accurately develop an exercise program for optimal performance as well as for prevention and rehabilitation.

Men and women both enjoy the game of golf. Special considerations are made for women, such as the courses on the professional tours. Thus, one can ask what differences might exist between men and women golfers. This study compares the electromyographic firing patterns of normal shoulder musculature in men and women professional golfers. Eight shoulder muscles (pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, anterior, middle and posterior deltoids) were studied using indwelling electromyography. A visual analysis revealed that women tended to have slightly more activity during the takeaway and forward swing phases, and the men tended to have more activity during acceleration and follow-through. However, an independent two-tailed t-test (P = 0.05) showed these differences not to be statistically significant. This finding is in keeping with injury incidence data from the LPGA Tour, PGA Tour, and Senior PGA Tour, which showed that all three tours have a similar incidence of shoulder injuries. This study does not compare the relative strength of men and women, however.