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Langdown, Ben; Bridge, Matt W. and Li, Francois-Xavier
(2022).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004254
URL: https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/9900/T...
Abstract
It has previously been suggested that performance of the overhead squat (OHS) is a useful predictor of loss of posture in the golf swing. Using an eight-week intervention to improve OHS performance, this study assessed this suggestion and analysed the impact of any resultant physical adaptations on golf swing kinematics. Thirty-seven golfers (handicap=14.8±13.3) were randomly split into a control group (n=16) and an intervention group n=21) – who completed an eight-week strength and flexibility programme. Pre- and post-intervention OHS assessments and 3D six-iron swing kinematics were captured. The level of significance set for the study was p < .05. Despite the intervention group’s significant improvement in OHS thigh angle (p<.001), there were no significant changes in 3D swing kinematics between groups and over pre- and post-testing for address (p=.219), top of the backswing (p=.977) and impact (p=.994). In addition, regression analysis revealed that the four measured OHS variables were significant and small predictors of swing kinematic variables at the top of backswing and impact (ranging from R2=.109 to R2=.300). These may, however, be spurious relationships as swing changes could be expected following the intervention if they were indeed true predictors of the postural variables. The use of the OHS to understand the cause of loss of posture during the golf swing is therefore not recommended as many other variables could influence swing kinematics. It may, however, be a useful assessment tool for strength and range of movement, provided that any motor learning issues are resolved prior to results influencing conditioning programmes.
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