PERFORMANCE
DEVELOPING A MUSCULOSKELETAL PROFILE AND EXERCISE PROGRAMME FOR
ELITE AMATEUR GOLFERS
By Lynn Booth, MCSP, MSMA
This article looks at how a musculoskeletal profiling system has been developed between physiotherapists, coaches and players and how this system translates into the training and coaching aspects of elite amateur golfers.
In the last 8 years, the English Ladies Golf Association (ELGA) and the English Golf Union (EGU) have developed a physiotherapy support service, including developing a musculoskeletal profiling scheme for junior (U18) golfers. Discussions between players, Professional Golf Association (PGA) coaches and chartered phys- iotherapists has enabled the regional physiotherapists to: ■ understand the demands of the sport, in particular the basics of the golf swing
■ analyse the postures and movements that are important in producing an efficient and effective golf swing
■ develop and modify a golf-specific exercise programmes designed to enhance performance and prevent injury.
Initially a very basic musculoskeletal profiling system was devel- oped, assessing: ■ static spinal and pelvic posture ■ hip rotation ■ static and dynamic scapular posture ■ strength of the rotator cuff.
Working with PGA coaches using high-resolution video equipment (and more recently, digital cameras and electronic software) has allowed the swing action to be evaluated in the sagittal and coro- nal planes at normal and slow speeds, enhancing the physiother- apists’ understanding of the dynamics of the swing and the phys- ical demands placed on the golfer. The opportunity to listen to PGA coaches work with golfers who have been profiled has helped the physiotherapists to: ■ interpret what the coach and player require, into a relevant musculoskeletal profiling and exercise programme - taking into account variations in terminology eg. PGA coaches describe shoulder rotation or turn when the actual movement is trunk rotation
■ introduce the concept of interdisciplinary working.
THE RESEARCH Articles describing common golf injuries helped to define the areas to be highlighted in the profiling (1-5). In research carried
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