Impact of Strength and Power Training on Golf Performance and Swing Biomechanics
Impact of Strength and Power Training on Golf Performance and Swing Biomechanics
Assess the impact of 10 weeks of strength and power training on Golf performance and swing
 biomechanics as measured by Trackman radar device and 16-camera monitoring system.
Golf-specific exercise programs have been shown to improve strength, flexibility, and balance
 in golfers (1) and golf-specific plyometric training programs have been shown to
 significantly improve club head speed and ball carry distance in skilled adolescent golfers
 (2). Further, leg power, upper body strength, and arm strength have positively correlated
 with golf performance measures; most notably measures of distance and total score (3). The
 purpose of this study is to assess the effect of a 10-week strength and power training
 program on the biomechanics of the golf swing and golf performance.

 Participants will have anthropometric data taken, including height, weight, and body
 composition.

 Golf swing biomechanics will be assessed utilizing high-speed motion analysis cameras and
 software available in the Motion Analysis Laboratory in the McLean Health Sciences Building.
 The participant will don garments that fit snug to the skin and light-sensitive reflective
 markers will be placed on the subject. The motion of the swing will be captured utilizing the
 14 camera Vicon Bonita 10 system with the Motion Monitor real-time Vicon plug-in. Club head
 speed will be assessed utilizing a Tracman 4 dual radar tracking system.

 Power output for participants will be measured by performing a countermovement vertical jump
 and a static vertical jump on the 4 Bertec non-conductive forceplate system.

 Strength assessments will be performed in the Nimocks Fitness Center by the Lead
 Investigator. Maximal strength will be assessed in the following lifts utilizing the
 parameters described by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (4): Back Squat;
 Flat Bench Press. Other maximal strength numbers for primary lifts involved in the program
 (Front Squat; Incline Bench; Power Cleans) will be prescribed as percentages of the tested
 lifts as follows: Maximal Front Squat = 80% of Maximal Back Squat; Maximal Incline Bench =
 80% of Maximal Flat Bench; Maximal Power Clean = 70% of Maximal Back Squat.
Inclusion Criteria: college aged golfers with no contraindications to exercise as measured
 by PAR-Q+

 -  No history of Heart condition or uncontrolled hypertension

 -  No history of chest pain at rest or with exertion

 -  No history of loss of balance or dizziness at rest or with exercise in previous 12
 months

 -  No medications for chronic medical conditions

 -  No bone, joint, or soft tissue issue that could be made worse by becoming more
 physically active

 Exclusion Criteria: As indicated by PAR-Q+

 -  History of arthritis, osteoporosis, or chronic back issues

 -  Current, or recent history of, cancer

 -  Diagnosed cardiovascular disease: CAD, heart failure, diagnosed abnormality of heart
 rhythm

 -  Uncontrolled high blood pressure (resting blood pressure of 160/90 or greater)

 -  Diagnosed Metabolic Condition: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Pre-diabetic