A rapid review to identify physical activity accrued while playing golf

Abstract

ObjectiveTo identify physical activity (PA) accrued while playing golf and modifiers of PA accrued.DesignA rapid review of primary research studies. Quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies.Methods and outcomesThe following databases were searched from 1900 to March 2017: SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Google Advanced Search, ProQuest, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. All primary research investigating golf or golfers with any of the following outcomes was included: metabolic equivalent of task, oxygen uptake, energy expenditure, heart rate, step count, distance covered, strength, flexibility, balance, sedentary behaviour.ResultsPhase one searching identified 4944 citations and phase two searching identified 170 citations. In total, 19 articles met inclusion criteria. Golf is primarily a moderate intensity PA, but may be low intensity depending on the playing population and various modifiers. Less PA is accrued by those who ride a golf cart compared with those walking the course.ConclusionsGolf can be encouraged in order to attain PA recommendations. Further research is required into the relationship between golf and strength and flexibility PA recommendations and how modifiers affect PA accrued.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017058237.

The seasonal variation of physical activity and quality of life during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Finnish older golfers: A cross‐sectional study

“…8 Considering their work‐life situation, it seems they have more time to enjoy playing golf than younger players which can lead to higher round activity values during the playing season. Based on the results of this study, more than 90% of participants enjoyed the beneficial health effects of golf 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 29 by playing regularly at least once a week during the summer season. Previous researchers have demonstrated that using a nonelectronic (push or pull) cart during the round increases the intensity of playing compared with driving a golf buggy.…”

“…In contrast to the wider population, women golfers were more active than male golfers both in the summer ( p = 0.045) and in the winter seasons ( p = 0.017). With the best available evidence 11 highlighting that golf can provide moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, >95% of participants reported playing at least once per week and would exceed World Health Organization minimum recommendations. 80% of participants ( n = 223) achieved a high physical activity level in the summer season, and the majority (73%, n = 201) also in the winter season.…”

“…Previous researchers have demonstrated that using a nonelectronic (push or pull) cart during the round increases the intensity of playing compared with driving a golf buggy. 11 However, we should remember that using a golf buggy for health reasons allows more individuals to play golf, otherwise their health conditions would make it impossible. In Finland, and in many other countries, where the lockdown regulations in the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic were very restrictuve, golf clubs were able to engage with policy makers and scientists to find a way to enable playing golf during the restrictions.…”

“… 9 It is a health‐enhancing physical activity that includes low‐risk resistance activity and episodes of moderate to vigorous aerobic walking and swinging golf clubs which promotes physical fitness for all ages. 10 , 11 , 12 In addition, golf has been found to promote not only physical health benefits but also prevent mental health problems while increasing overall well‐being. 12 , 13 Furthermore, because of the social aspect of playing golf, it may have a bigger positive impact on mental health and well‐being compared with other popular sports for older adults.…”

Effects of Continuous Carbohydrate Intake with Gummies during the Golf Round on Interstitial Glucose, Golf Performance, and Cognitive Performance of Competitive Golfers: A Randomized Repeated-Measures Crossover Design

“…Golf is reported to be a moderate-intensity sport with a physical activity level of 4.8 METs, with an extended duration of 18 holes (a round) lasting anywhere from 4 to 5 h while covering distances over 10 km [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. When played competitively, golf involves high cognitive loads, critical shot-making decisions, hand–eye coordination, high-level motor and biomechanical skills, and an extended duration of play that exceeds most other sports [ 7 , 8 ].…”