The importance of wrist flexion and X-factor in the golf swing: a forward kinematic approach

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Author(s)
Sweeney, Matthew
Mills, Peter
Alderson, Jacqueline
Elliott, Bruce
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2011
Metadata
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This study aimed to investigate the importance of wrist flexion and trunk rotation relative to the pelvis about a vertical axis (X-factor) in the golf swing, through the use of kinematic simulation. Empirical data of 5 highly skilled golfers were collected using a 3D optoreflective system. A full body, 3D forward kinematic model was created that predicted the endpoint of the club to within 0.02 mm of the empirical data. X-factor rotation, then flexion of the wrist was locked at zero degrees throughout the downswing, with the effect on the kinematics of the club-head analysed. The results indicated that effective extension/flexion ...
View more >This study aimed to investigate the importance of wrist flexion and trunk rotation relative to the pelvis about a vertical axis (X-factor) in the golf swing, through the use of kinematic simulation. Empirical data of 5 highly skilled golfers were collected using a 3D optoreflective system. A full body, 3D forward kinematic model was created that predicted the endpoint of the club to within 0.02 mm of the empirical data. X-factor rotation, then flexion of the wrist was locked at zero degrees throughout the downswing, with the effect on the kinematics of the club-head analysed. The results indicated that effective extension/flexion at the wrist is of great importance to performance with an average reduction of club-head velocity at impact of 46%, when wrist flexion is restricted during the downswing. Effective rotation of the trunk was also important to performance variables.
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View more >This study aimed to investigate the importance of wrist flexion and trunk rotation relative to the pelvis about a vertical axis (X-factor) in the golf swing, through the use of kinematic simulation. Empirical data of 5 highly skilled golfers were collected using a 3D optoreflective system. A full body, 3D forward kinematic model was created that predicted the endpoint of the club to within 0.02 mm of the empirical data. X-factor rotation, then flexion of the wrist was locked at zero degrees throughout the downswing, with the effect on the kinematics of the club-head analysed. The results indicated that effective extension/flexion at the wrist is of great importance to performance with an average reduction of club-head velocity at impact of 46%, when wrist flexion is restricted during the downswing. Effective rotation of the trunk was also important to performance variables.
View less >
Conference Title
Proceedings of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports XXIXth Conference
Publisher URI
Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2011. The attached file is reproduced here in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher. For information about this conference please refer to the conference’s website or contact the authors.
Subject
Biomechanics