The immediate effect of spinal manipulative therapy on club head velocity in amateur golfers suffering from mechanical low back pain

Abstract

Background: Back pain among the golfing population is considered endemic as it has been recommended to golfers that they should attempt to use a state of maximal spinal rotation in their golf swing in order to achieve maximum ball distance. Evidence suggests that maximum spinal rotation range of motion will be more restricted in the golfers with low back pain, even though this maximum rotated position has been considered ideal for developing optimal Club Head Velocity (CHV). Research has demonstrated an approximate 1:3 relation between CHV and air travel (i.e. distance) of the golf ball. An increase in 1mph in CHV would increase air travel of the golf ball by approximately 3 yards. If one considers that CHV is primarily influenced by the strength and power of the torso (low back and abdominal muscles), muscle balance and flexibility, which are responsible for the static and dynamic postural stability of the golf swing, it stands to reason that low back pain, which has been identified as the most common problem affecting amateur golfers, will affect CHV. Objective: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the immediate effect of spinal manipulative therapy on club head velocity in amateur golfers suffering from mechanical low back pain in terms of subjective and objective measures.