ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE HIP AND KNEE DURING THE GOLF SWING

As golf increases in popularity, more golfers seek the proper mechanic s necessary for the perfect golf swing. Surprisingly little scientific work has been published on the contribution of the hip and knee. musc les during the golf swing even though most professionals have recogniz ed their vital contribution. Recent studies have described the electro myographic (EMG) muscle activity of the shoulder, back, and trunk duri ng the golf swing. The purpose of this study was to describe the elect rical muscle activity in seven hip and knee muscles of both the left ( lead) and right (trail) leg in competitive golfers while performing th e golf swing. Sixteen golfers were studied with indwelling electrodes and high-speed cinematography. The EMG was synchronized with the film to discern five phases of the golf swing. Means, SDs, and t-tests were done. The results revealed that the trail hip extensors and abductors in conjunction with the lead adductor magus initiated pelvic rotation during forward swing. The lead hamstrings maintained a flexed knee an d provided a stable base on which pelvic rotation took place. The peak EMG muscle activity recorded in the hips and knees occurred in an ear lier phase than that measured previously in the trunk and shoulder. Th is confirmed the sequential firing pattern of the hip and knee muscles that takes place during the competitive golf swing. Information gaine d from this study can be used by players and coaches to optimize perfo rmance and to minimize injury.