To investigate kinetic sequences of ground force reactions in proposed inherent balance mediated golf swings.

Ground reaction force evaluation has become a popular quantitative assessment in golf swing instruction.  Low back injury in golfers is also an increasing problem among golfers at all levels. Ground reaction force instruction and enhancement has the potential to improve performance and prevent low back injury.

74 golfers were studied.  The age range was 14 to 82.  The cohort included professional, college, elite junior and amateur players. Handicaps ranged for +4 to 22. Wrightbalance core region determination was measured in each player using a standardized protocol to measure lead, center or trail balance dominance. A Bertec force plate was used with Swing Catalyst evaluation software and high speed video.  Golf machine position nomenclature was employed. Horizontal, torque and vertical forces were measured. Kinetic sequences were inspected in each player and categorized by peak force generation.

51 players were lead balance, 16 were center balance and 6 were trail balance dominant.  Lead balance players had a kinetic sequence characterized by a flat horizontal phase or peak followed by peak torque at P5 and peak vertical at P5 ½.  Lead balance players had the most prominent vertical force. Center balance players had peak horizontal force in transition followed by peak torque at P5 and peak vertical force at P5 ½.  Trail balance players had prominent horizontal peaks in transition followed by peak torque at P5 ½ and little or no vertical force.

Ground reaction force patterns vary based on inherent balance dominance.  Specific motor pattern training has the potential to both improve performance and reduce low back injury.