OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of stretching exercise on the head speed of golf club and driving distance. METHOD: 58 male golfers (20 professionals, 22 amateurs, 16 beginners) were included in the study. They carried out stretching exercise programs related to muscles of trunk, upper and lower extremities for 5 and 30 minutes. The head speed of golf club and driving distance were measured before and after the stretching exercise. The effects of stretching exercise programs on the head speed and driving distance were assessed. RESULTS: The head speed increased significantly in amateur and beginner groups after 30 minutes' stretching. In professional group, the head speed increased significantly after 5 minutes' stretching, but no more increment was found after 30 minutes' stretching. Driving distance increased significantly in all groups after 5 minutes' stretching. After 30 minutes' stretching, much more increment was found compared to 5 minutes' stretching. CONCLUSION: Sufficient stretching exercise program before golf swing can increase the head speed of club and driving distance. We recommend stretching exercise to improve golf performance.
Golf* ; Head* ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Muscles

OBJECTIVE: To analyze activities of left lower extremity muscles throughout phases of the golf swing, using surface electromyography. METHOD: We evaluated muscle activities during the golf swing of 5 amateur and 5 professional golfers using surface electromyography. Surface electrodes were placed in the left gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, rectus femoris, peroneus longus, and tibialis anterior. RESULTS: Muscle activities of professional golfers in the left gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, tibialis anterior, rectus femoris abruptly increased from top-swing phase to impact phase but muscle activities of amateur golfers in these muscles increased to top-swing phase and decreased at follow swing phase. Muscle activities of professional golfers in left peroneus longus, gastrocnemius abruptly increase from forward swing to impact but muscle activity of amateur golfers in these muscles continuously increase to impact and abruptly increase at follow swing. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate the importance of the muscles in the golfer's swing.
Electrodes ; Electromyography ; Golf ; Leg ; Lower Extremity ; Muscles ; Quadriceps Muscle