Effects of core and non-dominant arm strength training on drive distance in elite golfers

Abstract

BackgroundVarious training schemes have sought to improve golf-related athletic ability. In the golf swing motion, the muscle strengths of the core and arms play important roles, where a difference typically exists in the power of arm muscles between the dominant and non-dominant sides. The purposes of this study were to determine the effects of exercises strengthening the core and non-dominant arm muscles of elite golf players (handicap < 3) on the increase in drive distance, and to present a corresponding training scheme aimed at improving golf performance ability.MethodsSixty elite golfers were randomized into the control group (CG, n = 20), core exercise group (CEG, n = 20), and group receiving a combination of muscle strengthening exercises of the non-dominant arm and the core (NCEG, n = 20). The 3 groups conducted the corresponding exercises for 8 weeks, after which the changes in drive distances and isokinetic strength were measured.ResultsSignificant differences in the overall improvement of drive distance were observed among the groups (p < 0.001). Enhancement of the drive distance of NCEG was greater than both CG (p < 0.001) and CEG (p = 0.001). Except for trunk flexion, all variables of the measurements of isokinetic strength for NCEG also showed the highest values compared to the other groups. Examination of the correlation between drive distance and isokinetic strength revealed significant correlations of all variables except trunk flexion, wrist extension, and elbow extension.ConclusionThe combination of core and non-dominant arm strength exercises can provide a more effective specialized training program than core alone training for golfers to increase their drive distances.

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“…Significance of arm's strength training as factors of success was confirmed in swimming (Dummer, et al, 1985), in golf (Sung, Park, Kim, Kwon, & Lim, 2014), Nordic Walking (Song, Yoo, Choi, & Kim, 2013). It was detected that maximal power training improves efficiency of muscles' work and their endurance (Kemi et al, 2010; Hassanlouei, Falla, Arendt-Nielsen, & Kersting, 2014).…”

Prognostication of Successfulness in Arm-Wrestling on the Base of Morphological Functional Indicators’ Analysis

“…et al proved prognostic significance of arms' strength for successfulness in swimming [25]. Analogous studies were fulfilled in golf [39]. Klimczyk M. et al studied correlations between efficiency and physical parameters of pole vaulting jumpers [33].…”

Relationship between Trunk Muscularity and Club Head Speed in Male Golfers

“…In addition, it has been shown that low-handicap golfers have greater activation of the right ES at the start of the downswing than highhandicap golfers [7]. Improving muscle strength of the back lumbar region leads to faster CHS [14,15]. Taking these into account, it is assumed that greater ES size, especially in the right side, leads to greater mechanical work and power production during the downswing, and consequently this may be a reason for the selection of the ES as a significant contributor for CHS.…”

“…CHS during the golf swing correlates positively with the trunk angular velocity towards the downswing direction [12,13]. Resistance exercises for the trunk muscles, such as the crunch, trunk twist, and good morning (trunk flexion/extension), are known to improve trunk muscle strength and golf driving performance [14,15]. It is also reported that the muscle volume of the lower region of the trunk in throwers significantly cor-This study examined how the volume of trunk muscles and its bilateral asymmetry are related to club head speed in golfers.…”