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BIOMECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUNK AND HIP IN GOLFERS WITH AND WITHOUT LOW BACK PAIN

Tsai, Yung-Shen (2005) BIOMECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUNK AND HIP IN GOLFERS WITH AND WITHOUT LOW BACK PAIN. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Modified swing patterns and general exercises have been suggested for golfers with back problems. However, it is difficult to design a back-specific swing or exercise program for low back injury prevention and rehabilitation without knowing the differences in the kinematics and spinal loads of the golf swing and the physical characteristics associated with golfers with low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematics of the trunk and spinal loads in golfers with and without LBP and their trunk and hip physical characteristics. Sixteen male golfers with a history of LBP were matched by age and handicap to 16 male golfers with no history of LBP. All golfers underwent a biomechanical swing analysis and physical characteristics assessment. Kinematics and spinal loads of the trunk were assessed using a 3D motion analysis system and two force plates. A bottom-up inverse dynamics procedure was used to calculate the spinal loads at L5/S1. In addition, trunk and hip strength and flexibility, back proprioception, and postural stability were measured. The LBP golfers demonstrated less trunk and hip strength. The LBP group also had less hamstring and right torso rotation flexibility. In addition, the LBP group demonstrated back proprioception deficits significantly in trunk flexion. No significant differences were found for postural stability. The LBP group demonstrated less maximum angular displacement between shoulders and hips during the backswing. No significant differences were found in other trunk kinematics and spinal loads during the golf swing. Deficits in physical characteristics have been found in golfers with a history of LBP. These differences may hinder dissipation of the tremendous spinal forces and moments generated by the golf swing over time and also limit trunk rotation during the backswing. These conditions may lead to lower back muscle strain, ligament sprain, or disc degeneration. Although differences found in this study can not be determined as causes or results of low back injuries in golfers, clinicians may be able to design an appropriate back-specific exercise program for golfers to prevent or rehabilitate low back injury based on these findings.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Tsai, Yung-Shenyut4@pitt.eduYUT4
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairLephart, Scott M.LephartSM@upmc.edu
Committee MemberRubinstein, Elaine N.enr@pitt.eduENR
Committee MemberMcCrory, Jean L.mccroryjl@upmc.edu
Committee MemberMyers, Joseph B.myersjb@msx.upmc.edu
Committee MemberErhard, Richard E.erhardre@upmc.edu
Date: 24 March 2005
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 1 March 2005
Approval Date: 24 March 2005
Submission Date: 22 March 2005
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences > Rehabilitation Science
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Golf; Low Back Pain
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-03222005-081827/, etd-03222005-081827
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:32
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:37
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/6549

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