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

Background： Various 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. Methods： Sixty 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. Results： Significant 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. Conclusion： The 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.

Various performance-enhancing effects from the same intensity of whole-body vibration training

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of an 8-week whole-body vibration training program in various frequency and amplitude settings under the same acceleration on the strength and power of the knee extensors.Methods:Sixty-four young participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups with the same acceleration(4 g):high frequency and low amplitude(n = 16,32 Hz,1 mm) group,medium frequency and medium amplitude(n = 16,18 Hz,3 mm) group,low frequency and high amplitude(n = 16,3 Hz,114 mm) group,and control(n = 16,no vibration) group.All participants underwent 8 weeks of training with body mass dynamic squats,3 sessions a week.Results:The results showed that the high frequency and low amplitude group increased significantly in isometric contraction strength and 120°/s isokinetic concentric contraction strength;the medium frequency and medium amplitude group increased significantly in 60°/s and 120°/s isokinetic strength of both concentric and eccentric contraction;and the low frequency and high amplitude group increased significantly in 60°/s and 120°/s isokinetic eccentric contraction strength.Conclusion:All frequency and amplitude settings in the 8-week whole-body vibration training increased muscle strength,but different settings resulted in various neuromuscular adaptations despite the same intensity.