Relationships among arm strength, wrist release, and joint torques during the golf downswing
Abstract
Understanding the effects of body segment dynamics and interactions with
strength boundaries on the coordination of the golf swing is crucial for improving
swing performance and the design of effective training plans. We quantified
kinematics of eight elite golfers performing normal golf swings, and simulated
optimal solutions of the swing task with a series of mathematical models, each of
which was based on a different number of body segments. We then compared
these analytical solutions with the experimental data to determine the effect of
segment number on the modeling and analysis of golf swings. Finally, we
performed a series of optimizations involving modification of joint strength
boundaries. We studied the effects of shoulder, elbow, and wrist strength
boundaries on overall performance, wrist release timing, and segmental
coordination.
Empirical results showed that the elbow joint should not be excluded from
models of the golf swing because elbow movements often become substantial.
Analysis of experimental data and optimal model results revealed that wrist
strength plays a major role in golf swing performance. Simulation of golf swings
indicated that increased wrist strength, yielding a delay in the wrist release, is
more important for improving clubhead speed at impact than are shoulder and
elbow strengths. Also, delay in wrist release timing alone is not the only available
means for improving performance, as the overall joint strength profile is also an
important determinant of clubhead speed. This study thus reveals that individual
kinematic and dynamic characteristics of the swing must be evaluated to
determine productive or counter-productive actions and to improve overall
golfing performance.
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