PaEvaluate the effectiveness of core stability training regarding improving golf driving distance
A well-known phrase in recreational golf is ‘Drive for show, Putt for dough(money). Yet anecdotal evidence indicates that those recreational golfers who can drive the ball further generally have lower handicaps. a handicap (is a numerical measure of a golfer’s ability, the lower the number the better the golfer). In this essay I attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of core stability (the capacity of the muscles of the torso to assist in the maintenance of good posture, balance, etc). As inquiries into golf instruction for the recreational golfers have indicated that instructions are mainly limited to recognising technical faults in their golf skills and attempting to correct these faults. Therefore, an examination of any scholarly research into core stability training and golf performance. Is necessary to facilitate an evaluation of the effectiveness of core stability regarding improving driving a golf ball a greater distance.
The golf swing consists of five phases. The backswing, forward swing acceleration, early follow through and late follow through. (G. Gormley and M. Hruszczak 2018) The panel below shows the Muscles Activity of the lower body and core muscles during different stages of the golf swing
Fig Mattscottgolf.com
Viewing the Major core muscles which are the pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae (sacrospinalis) especially the longissimus thoracis, and the diaphragm. Minor core muscles include the latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, and trapezius.(Wikipedia.) Indicate that the only core muscles erector spinae, obliques and gluteus maximus are activated in the golf swing. This would imply that the muscles used in the golf swing are not the muscles activated for core stability. Although W Ben Kibler et al (2006) defines core stability as ‘the ability to control the position and motion of the trunk over the pelvis to allow optimum production, transfer and control of force and motion to the terminal segment in integrated athletic activities’. Which can describe the golf swing with a small wording change from over the pelvis to rotating around the pelvis. Norris (2010) cited by N. Wright and P Steele (2013) page 155 notes a misunderstanding of what constitutes the core, all joints of the body need to be stable to perform correctly to avoid injury. he uses examples such as hip replacements and shoulder dislocation that need stability exercise to aid recovery. Therefore, as a golf swing activates the shoulders, hips upper legs and arms, any weakness in these parts of the body would impact on the golf swing. To be able to evaluate the effectiveness of core stability training specifically on golf performance scientifically. Investigations into scholarly research is necessary. S.M. Lephart et al (2007) Studied the effects of an 8-week golf-specific exercise program on physical characteristics, swing mechanics, and golf performance of fifteen trained male golfers. defined operationally as golfers who play golf at least 2-3 times per week and practice at least 2-3 times per week during the golf season. Subjects performed a golf-specific conditioning program 3-4 times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-training testing of participants included assessments of strength (torso, shoulder, and hip), flexibility, balance, swing mechanics, and golf performance. Following training, torso rotational strength and hip abduction strength were improved significantly (p < 0.05). Torso, shoulder, and hip flexibility improved significantly in all flexibility measurements taken (p < 0.05). Balance was improved significantly in 3 of 12 measurements. These results indicate that a golf-specific exercise program improves strength, flexibility, and balance in golfers. These improvements result in increased upper-torso axial rotational velocity, which results in increased club head velocity, ball velocity, and driving distance. C.J. Thompson et al (2007) also studied the efficacy of functional training on older golfers. Eighteen golfers of varying ages 70+/- 9 were assigned to two groups randomly selected. 11 participants (the exercise group) participated in an 8-week progressive functional training program including flexibility exercise, core stability exercise, balance exercise and resistance exercise. Pre and post measurements of club head speed were taken. The results were, maximal club head speeds increased in the exercise group (127.3 +/- 13.4 to 133.6 +/- 14.2 km x hr (-1)) Compared to the control group (134.5 +/- 14.6 to 133.3 +/- 11.2 km x hr (-1); p < 0.05). C.J. Thompson et al (2007) summarised that ‘this functional training program resulted in significant improvements in club head speed and several components of functional fitness. In a review article, McGill PhD (2017) recognizes the unique function of the core musculature, in many real-life activities. these muscles act to stiffen the torso and function primarily to prevent motion. this is a fundamentally different function from those muscles of the limbs, which create motion. by stiffening the torso, power generated at the hips is transmitted more effectively by the core, the well-trained core is essential for optimal performance and injury prevention. Dong Jun Sung et al (2016) studied the effects of core and non-dominant arm (left arm in right handed golfers) strength in driving distance in elite golfers. The purposes of these studies were to research the effects of exercises strengthening the core and non-dominant arm muscles of elite golf players (handicap < 3) on the increase in drive distance, the golfers were divided into 3 groups, control group, core exercise group, and core exercise and non-dominant arm group. Their results concluded that an enhancement of driving distance in the core exercise and non-dominant arm group was greater than the core only group and control group. Research undertaken by A. Hibbs et al (2008) into ‘optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength’. Their research highlighted benefits to training/strengthening the core, in carrying out every day activities and people with back pain, however as less research has been undertaken into specific golf performance and core training. It becomes problematical to evaluate solely on scientific research. To add to the confusion of core stability, an article printed in The Times (UK newspaper) by P. Bee. Debunks the myth that the pursuit of core stability only, of strengthening, honing, and toning the core muscles is vital for good posture and to have bodies that move well. The article cites a professor P. Hodges head of human neuroscience at Queensland university who tested participants by attaching electrodes to participants, one group had persistent back pain and the other had healthy backs. His experiment resulted in findings. That signals were sent from the brain to the Transversus abdominis of the healthy participants and not to the transversus admoninis of persistent back pain sufferers. Leading to advice that one should engage the core by sucking in the belly button or hollowing out. This is questioned by Stuart McGill (2017) who states, ‘Too much emphasis is placed on working the transversus abdominis and if people follow that advice they are misguided and will not achieve better movement or less pain." He is concerned that too much instruction in Pilates, some types of Yoga and other classes on drawing in/hollowing out the stomach can have the effect of destabilising the vertebra. E Lederman (2010) in his journal article The Myth of core stability, concludes that. Core stability exercises are no better than other forms of exercise in reducing chronic lower back pain. Any therapeutic influence is related to the exercise effects rather than stability issues.
In conclusion targeted core stability provides marginal benefits to golf performance, Dong Jun Sung et al (2016) C.J. Thompson (2007). S.M. Lephart et al (2007) suggests that physical conditioning has been a central tenet of maximal performance in most sports but has been overlooked in recreational golf. Golf instructors have long appreciated the importance of skill improving drills. Therefore, those that play and teach golf are beginning to realize the need for adequate strength, ‘exibility, and balance training to optimize swing mechanics to enhance golf performance, as core stability training is rarely the only training undertaken by the golfer to improve performance. It can be concluded that isolated core stability training/strengthening is not effective in improving the recreational golfer’s performance and that an exercise programme which incorporates specificity a term suggested by Delorme (1945) cited in T. Baechle and R. Earle (2008) which refers to a training program in a specific manner to produce a specific adaption
(word count 1392)
Ref
P. Bee ‘the core stability myth’ the times newspaper 10/8/2010 ed 1 The times newspaper www.Nexus-com.libezproxy.open.ac.uk
T.R. Baechle and R.W. Earle (2008) essentials of strength and conditioning. Aerobic exercise prescription pp 329 NSCA
G. Gormley and M. Hrusczak 2018 Fig 1 http//: Matscott.com viewed 24/1/2018 Muscles used in the golf swing
A. Hibbs et al (2008) optimizing performance by improving core stability and core strength review article sports medicine volume 38(12):995-1008
B. Kibler et al (2006) The Role of Core Stability in Athletic Function https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7251191_The_Role_of_Core_Stability_in_Athletic_Function [accessed Jan 25, 2018].
S.McGill Phd Core Training: Evidence Translating to Better Performance and Injury Prevention.Strength and conditioning journal volume 32 issue 3 June 2010 national strength and conditioning association. nsca-lift.org
S. M. Lephart, J. M. Smoliga, J.B. Myers, T C. Sell, and Yung-shen Tsai,
journal of strength and conditioning research, 2007, 21(3), 860’869 2007 national strength & conditioning association an eight-week golf-specific exercise program improves physical characteristics,swing mechanics, and golf performance in recreational
dong Jun sung, Seung Jun Park, So Jung Kim, moon Seok won, young-taelim effects of core and non-dominant arm strength training on drive distance in elite golfers. journal of sports and health science. journal of sport and science volume 5 issue 2 June 2016 pages 219-225
c.j.thompson et al (2007) functional training improves club head speed and function in older golfers. journal of strength and conditioning research 21(1):131-7
N.Wright and P Steele (2013) exploring core stability sport and conditioning science into practice open university milton keynes
Personal investigation proposal
Instructions Information to be completed
Name: T. Tibbert
Student PI Number: (b4649599)
Tutor: Ms A orioden
Date; 1/2/2018
Title: Resistance training specific to the demands of a specific sport or fitness requirement
A study of training methods and exercise to improve a golfer’s performance and endurance
Very briefly explain why you want to adjust or propose another title:
As there is limited research by fitness academics into which training methods and exercise can improve recreational golfer’s performance, also the instruction accessible to recreational golfers is limited to instruction of technique
This personal investigation aims to consider a range of effective coaching and instructional methods as suggested by current coaching and instructional literature. The focus will be on examining academic research, trade literature, sports journals, etc to enhance coaching sessions for golf instructors where new techniques are introduced. The investigation aims to look at the teaching and instructional methods of fitness professional as well as to ex golfers and PGA professionals
The range of this investigation is to review current knowledge in fitness instructors. I hope to be able to summarise if golf instructor’s fitness knowledge is sufficient to aid the golfer with the specific demands of this sport.
(107 words)
Below are the section headings to be used in your report.
Insert where indicated below (in Section B) your current ideas for appropriate subheadings (use at least five) which will structure Section B of your report. See John’s proposal and report for examples.
REPORT TITLE
Can the recreational golfer lower their handicap with specific fitness training?
SECTION A
Definition of a recreational golfer
Personal interviews
SECTION B
Main findings from the literature
Definition of golf fitness
Golf fitness explanations
golf warms up
golf practices
instructors and golfers feedback
Main principles of teaching and instruction
SECTION C
Main recommendations for coaching/instructional practice
Golf instruction should be performed in a coached method
References
5 Identify, with full OU Harvard referencing, three literature sources that you may use (at least two should be from textbooks or journals/trade publications) [3% of TMA 03]
Source 1:
T.R. Baechle and R.W. Earle Essentials of Strength training and Conditioning NSCA human kinetics Leeds UK.
B.J. Sharkey and S.E. Gaskell Fitness and Health, Human Kinetics Leeds UK.
R.S. Weinberg and D. Gould Foundations of sport and exercise psychology Human Kinetics Leeds UK.
Source 2:
Sports Coach UK (2003) The Successful Coach: Guidelines for Coaching Practice, Leeds, Sports Coach UK.
Source 3
Golf magazines titles
Golf digest, Golf monthly, Bunkered, Golf news, Todays golfer and
ste your text in here…