Examining the influence of grip type on wrist and club head kinematics during the golf swing: Benefits of a local co-ordinate system

Development and Evaluation of a Hybrid Measurement System to Determine the Kinematics of the Wrist

Optical Motion Capture Systems (OMCSs) are considered the gold standard for kinematic measurement of human movements. However, in situations such as measuring wrist kinematics during a hairdressing activity, markers can be obscured, resulting in a loss of data. Other measurement methods based on non-optical data can be considered, such as magneto-inertial measurement units (MIMUs). Their accuracy is generally lower than that of an OMCS. In this context, it may be worth considering a hybrid system [MIMU + OMCS] to take advantage of OMCS accuracy while limiting occultation problems. The aim of this work was (1) to propose a methodology for coupling a low-cost MIMU (BNO055) to an OMCS in order to evaluate wrist kinematics, and then (2) to evaluate the accuracy of this hybrid system [MIMU + OMCS] during a simple hairdressing gesture. During hair cutting gestures, the root mean square error compared with the OMCS was 4.53° (1.45°) for flexion/extension, 5.07° (1.30°) for adduction/abduction, and 3.65° (1.19°) for pronation/supination. During combing gestures, they were significantly higher, but remained below 10°. In conclusion, this system allows for maintaining wrist kinematics in case of the loss of hand markers while preserving an acceptable level of precision (<10°) for ergonomic measurement or entertainment purposes.

What differences exist between the lead and trail wrist in extensor carpi ulnaris activity and golf swing joint kinematics in sub-elite golfers?

This study assessed the lead and trail arm peak and average extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) muscle activity in association with tri-planar angular velocities of the lead and trail wrists during the golf swing. Fifteen sub-elite, male right-handed golfers (Mage = 34.7 years ±13.3, Mhandicap = 1.5 ± 2.2) were recruited to execute five shots each with their pitching wedge, 7-iron and driver clubs in an indoor golf simulator. Surface electromyography (EMG) sensors were placed over the ECU muscle belly and inertial measurement unit sensors were placed bi-laterally on the distal forearm and dorsum of the hand. There was a statistically greater recruitment of the trail ECU muscle during the downswing (p < 0.001) for all clubs. The lead ECU muscle was recruited more during the backswing (p < 0.001) and follow through (p < 0.024) phases. There were statistically different tri-planar movement patterns between the lead and trail wrist throughout all three phases of the golf swing. No significant relationships were found between downswing EMG data and clubhead kinematics at impact. In conclusion, differing wrist kinematics and associated muscle activity may contribute to the asymmetrical injury pattern seen clinically.

The use of physically constraining tools for grip-specific skill development in racket, stick and club sports: A scoping review

Coaches use physically constraining tools to supplement their coaching when developing sport-specific skills, however, their effectiveness is unknown. This scoping review aimed to understand the efficacy of physically constraining tools used in racket, stick, and club sports for grip-specific skill development. This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed research, including quasi-experimental, true-experimental, case studies, and grey literature were considered. Peer-reviewed sources were searched on Web of Science, Medline, and SPORTDiscus until October 6th, 2022. Exclusion criteria were (1) not original peer-reviewed research; (2) disabled participants or used for rehabilitation; or (3) not available in English. Data extracted were the type of tool, research foci, measures, and outcomes of the tool's efficacy. Zero peer-reviewed sources were identified on the efficacy of using physically constraining tools for grip-specific skill development. Common trends identified from the excluded sources were explored to provide a basis for the importance of using physically constraining tools for grip-specific skill development. Many tools are used in coaching despite their unclear efficacy, however, the current results can guide future work to assess the acute and longitudinal effects of using these tools, specifically within the development and performance of sport-specific skills.

Do the Pelvic and Thorax Movements Differ between the Sexes and Influence Golf Club Velocity in Junior Golfers?

The aim of this study was to determine the differences in golf swing execution in terms of the parameters of the pelvis and thorax movement between the sexes in junior golfers and their relation to the golf club velocity. Elite female and male players (age: 15.4 ± 1.0 and 15.8 ± 1.7 years, respectively) performed 10 golf swings with a driver under laboratory conditions. Pelvis and thorax movement parameters and golf club velocities were measured using a three-dimensional motion capture system. Statistical parametric mapping analysis of pelvis–thorax coupling revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between boys and girls during backswing. Analysis of variance showed a significant effect of sex on the parameters of maximal pelvic rotation (F = 6.28, p = 0.02), X-factor (F = 5.41, p = 0.03), and golf club velocity (F = 31.98, p < 0.01). No significant relationship was found between pelvis and thorax movement parameters and golf club velocity in the girls. We found a significant negative relationship between the parameters of maximal thorax rotation and golf club velocity (r = −0.941, p < 0.01) and between X-Factor and golf club velocity (r = −0.847, p < 0.05) in the boys. We suggest that these negative relationships in males were caused by the influence of hormones during their maturation and biological development, where there is decreased flexibility (lower shoulders rotation and X-factor) and growth of muscle strength (higher club head velocity).

Golf Swing Biomechanics: A Systematic Review and Methodological Recommendations for Kinematics

Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate golf swing performance in both preventing injury and injury occurrence. The objective of this review was to describe state-of-the-art golf swing biomechanics, with a specific emphasis on movement kinematics, and when possible, to suggest recommendations for research methodologies. Keywords related to biomechanics and golf swings were used in scientific databases. Only articles that focused on golf-swing kinematics were considered. In this review, 92 articles were considered and categorized into the following domains: X-factor, crunch factor, swing plane and clubhead trajectory, kinematic sequence, and joint angular kinematics. The main subjects of focus were male golfers. Performance parameters were searched for, but the lack of methodological consensus prevented generalization of the results and led to contradictory results. Currently, three-dimensional approaches are commonly used for joint angular kinematic investigations. However, recommendations by the International Society of Biomechanics are rarely considered.

Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain in the Athlete: Sport-Specific Demands, Clinical Presentation, and Management Options

ABSTRACT

Ulnar-sided wrist injuries are common in sports that require repeated pronosupination, wrist radial/ulnar deviation, axial loading, and gripping equipment. Common anatomic structures affected include the triangular fibrocartilage complex, extensor carpi ulnaris tendon, distal radioulnar and ulnocarpal joints, and hamate bone. Presenting symptoms include pain with activity, swelling, possible snapping or clicking, and reproduction of symptoms with provocative maneuvers. Imaging may confirm or rule out pathologies, but abnormal findings also may present in asymptomatic athletes. Initial treatment is usually nonoperative with splinting, load management, activity modification, strengthening the components of the kinetic chain of the particular sport, and pain management. Surgery is usually indicated in ulnar-wrist pain pathology such as hook of hamate fractures and required in associated instability. Future research should address specific treatment and rehabilitation protocols, emphasizing the complete kinetic chain along with the injured wrist.

The effect of grip position on golf driving accuracy and distance

The grip position (GP) in golf substantially affects performance outcomes such as shot accuracy and hitting distance. However, it is unknown which specific GP (i.e., strong, neutral, weak) produces the desired shot outcomes. The current study investigated the impact of five systematically manipulated GPs using 15° increments between -30° (strong) and +30° (weak) on driving accuracy and distance. Data were collected using a Trackman™ doppler radar-based system for 28 amateur recreational golfers with a driver clubhead-speed range between 120 km/h and 153 km/h (M = 138.93 km/h, SD = 14.41) and a handicap range between -3 and -36 (M = -15.0, SD = 8.0). The results showed that GP significantly affected six dependent variables on accuracy (sideways deviation (left and right), accuracy absolute, clubface angle, club path angle, face to path angle, launch direction) and two outcomes on distance (clubhead speed and driving distance total). Overall, the optimal performance on driving accuracy and distance was found for the neutral and stronger GPs. Weaker GPs revealed significantly more adverse accuracy and distance effects. These results suggest asymmetric outcome effects of symmetrical GP manipulation. They also have practical implications for coaches and golfers intending to improve driving accuracy while maximizing driving distance.

The influence of tracking marker locations on three-dimensional wrist kinematics

OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of tracking marker locations on wrist kinematics during free movements and the golf swing, with the intention of recommending a solution that generates meaningful three-dimensional wrist kinematics.

DESIGN

Repeated measures.

METHODS

Six participants performed free movements of flexion/extension, radial/ulnar deviation and forearm supination/pronation, with a further sixteen participants performing golf drives. A passive motion capture system tracked four different marker sets located on participants' hand and forearm segments. Variables of peak angle and range of motion were used to compare marker sets during free movements and angles at the top of the backswing and impact were compared during the golf swing.

RESULTS

Wrist marker set had a large (η²≥0.557) and often significant (p≤0.051) effect on the variables measured during free movements, and a mixed (η²≥0.108, p≤0.198) effect on wrist angles during the golf swing. Wrist axial rotation range of motion during free forearm supination/pronation revealed the greatest difference between marker sets (∼42°). The large values generated by two of the marker sets for this rotation appeared to influence the values of flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation during the golf swing.

CONCLUSIONS

The location of markers used to measure wrist kinematics can have a large effect on the angles generated. A solution of two markers located at the distal end of the forearm and one at the proximal, appears to minimise values of wrist axial rotation during free forearm supination/pronation and, consequently, produce more meaningful three-dimensional wrist kinematics.

Could knee joint mechanics during the golf swing be contributing to chronic knee injuries in professional golfers?

Full three-dimensional movements and external moments in golfers' knees and the possible involvement in injuries have not been evaluated using motion capture at high sample frequencies. This study measured joint angles and external moments around the three anatomical axes in both knees of 10 professional golfers performing golf drives whilst standing on two force plates in a motion capture laboratory. Significant differences were found in the knee joint moments between the lead and trail limbs for the peak values and throughout all stages during the swing phase. A significantly higher net abduction moment impulse was seen in the trail limb compared with the lead limb (-0.518 vs. -0.135 Nms.kg^-1), indicating greater loading over the whole swing, which could contribute to knee lateral compartment or anterior cruciate ligament injuries. A significant correlation (r = -0.85) between clubhead speed at ball contact and maximum joint moment was found, with the largest correlations being found for joint moments at the top of the backswing event and at the end of the follow-through. Therefore, although knee moments can contribute to high clubhead speeds, the large moments and impulses suggest that they may also contribute to chronic knee injuries or exacerbate existing conditions.

A kinematic analysis of the upper limb during the topspin double-handed backhand stroke in tennis

The purpose of this study was to compare double-handed backhand kinematics of the non-dominant wrist of tennis players using either an eastern or continental grip position with the non-dominant hand. Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers on sixteen sub-elite right-handed tennis players using a 12-camera VICON motion capture system (250 Hz). Participants executed double-handed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (Eastern [E] and Continental [C]), aiming for two crosscourt zones (Deep [D] and Short [S]), totalling to four conditions (ED, CD, ES and CS). Three successful attempts from each condition were selected for analysis. The eastern grip demonstrated faster horizontal racket head velocity compared to the continental grip. However, no differences were observed in accuracy or spin rate between grips (p > 0.05). In the non-dominant upper limb, elbow flexion was smaller in the continental condition throughout the swing, whilst wrist extension and ulnar deviation was larger. Collectively, these data suggest that the continental grip may place the wrist in a position vulnerable to overuse injury. Future research into the kinetics of the double-handed backhand would help better understand the onset of ulnar-side wrist pain in tennis.