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This study introduces an innovative integration of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) with biomechanical principles to examine the golf swing dynamics from an ecological perspective. Traditionally, LMA focuses on the qualitative aspects of movement, often isolated from external influences. This research bridges that gap by investigating how golfers manage and adapt to the inertial forces of the club throughout the swing. Using motion tracking sensors and screw theory, we analyzed the spatial movement pattern in the Kinesphere (mapped as an icosahedron) and related it to force dynamics in the Effort Cube through the inertia tensor. The results showed significant differences between skilled and novice golfers in terms of how efficiently they align their movements with the club’s inertia. Skilled golfers demonstrated smoother Instantaneous Screw Axes (ISAs) and better synchronization with inertia forces, while novice golfers exhibited more abrupt deviations. These findings suggest that integrating qualitative movement descriptors with biomechanical models provides deeper insights into swing efficiency, performance improvement, and injury prevention. This combined framework offers a novel method to enhance both qualitative and quantitative analysis of golf swings.

Traditionally, the use of genomic information for personalized medical decisions relies on prior discovery and validation of genotype–phenotype associations. This approach constrains care for patients presenting with undescribed problems. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP) hypothesized that defining disease as maladaptation to an ecological niche allows delineation of a logical framework to diagnose and evaluate such patients. Herein, we present the philosophical bases, methodologies, and processes implemented by the NIH UDP. The NIH UDP incorporated use of the Human Phenotype Ontology, developed a genomic alignment strategy cognizant of parental genotypes, pursued agnostic biochemical analyses, implemented functional validation, and established virtual villages of global experts. This systematic approach provided a foundation for the diagnostic or non-diagnostic answers provided to patients and serves as a paradigm for scalable translational research.