Correlation between passive and dynamic range of rotation in lead and trail hips during a golf swing

Abstract

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the association between the passive range of motion versus golf dynamic rotation range of both the lead hip and trail hip of healthy adult male golf players. Seven skilled male golfers between the ages of 18 and 40 years were selected randomly. Passive hip rotation range of movement (ROM) measurements were collected with a hand-held inclinometer. Dynamic kinematic hip rotation data were captured with a high-speed opto-electric 3-D motion capture system during a golf swing. There was a positive correlation (r= 0.42) between the passive hip ROM and dynamic hip range of movement during the golf swing of the lead hip, but the correlation was not significant (p= 0.34). There was a weak negative correlation (r=-0.05) that was not significant (p= 0.9) between the passive hip range of movement and dynamic hip range during the golf swing of the trail hip. Clinicians and coaches should thus note that improving passive hip ROM might not be associated with an increased hip rotation utilised during the golf swing.

Key words: Lower limb rotation; Golf swing biomechanics; Hip kinematics; Lower back pain.