Do amateur Golfers exhibit restricted hip ROM that could be predispos-ing low back pain? An observational correlation study
Item
- Title
- Do amateur Golfers exhibit restricted hip ROM that could be predispos-ing low back pain? An observational correlation study
- Author(s)
- England, M
- Abstract
- Background: Golf is a popular sport worldwide. The golf swing is considered responsible for the majority of golf-related injuries with the low back being the most com-mon site. Substantial physiological effort and precise neuromuscular control are required to overcome and withstand large compression, torsional and shear forces through the lumbar spine. Previous research suggests that restricted hip ROM could be a risk factor for developing low back pain due to the asymmetrical movement pattern and stress demands required of the golf swing. Most studies have examined the professional or elite golfer with few focusing on amateur players. Objective: To observe if amateur golfers with or without self-reported low back pain (LBP), show evidence of reduced hip range of motion (ROM) when com-pared to non-golfing, healthy controls. Design: Observational correlation study. Methods: A volunteer cohort of amateur golfers were measured using goniometry for internal and external hip ROM in passive, active, and weight-bearing in both standing and the golfer’s stance positions on a custom-made turntable and compared to a voluntary, non-golfing control group of ESO students. Results: Measures of 25 amateur male golfers (aged 18-64) found no significant dif-ferences between Hip ROM across Active, Passive and Weight-bearing test positions. Discussion: Significant differences were only observed between the 2 groups Age and BMI characteristics, both themselves acknowledged risk factors for LBP as they increase. No differences in hip ROM were identified as significant. With-in-group analysis of the golfers suggested a trend towards a lower ROM with-in the more experienced, <10 handicap groups lead hips, although this was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Poorly matched groups and established risk factors for LBP may have been influential on the results observed in this study. Although there is lack of de-finitive causality between LBP and hip rotation, a deficit in lead leg internal hip rotation in amateur golfers who suffer LBP may be relevant for screening or treatment selection.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2019
- Date Submitted
- 19.11.2019 18:31:07
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16493
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
England, M, “Do amateur Golfers exhibit restricted hip ROM that could be predispos-ing low back pain? An observational correlation study”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 1, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/336