Benefits of Traditional and Golf-specific Resistance Training in Amateur Female Golfers

A randomized control trial to compare the effects of 10 weeks of two different types of training in recreationally active female golfers was performed. Participants were recruited through postings at local country clubs and public golf courses, as well as through emails to state and local women's golf associations. Following written informed consent approved by the university's institutional review board, participants completed a medical and golf history questionnaire. Golf-specific information gathered via the history form included self-reported number of years playing golf, handicap, frequency of play, frequency of practice. Baseline testing followed, consisting of measurement of height and weight using a stadiometer, bone density and body composition using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), 7-iron and driver club speed and total ball distance using a golf simulator (High Definition Golf, Interactive Sports Technologies, Vaughan, Ontario), and physical performance tests. Participants were then randomly assigned, using a random number generator, to either a traditional resistance training group (TRAD) or a golf-specific resistance training group (GSRT). Resistance training was conducted 3 days per week for 10 weeks. Each training session was directly supervised by at least one of the researchers, such that correct technique and appropriate resistance could be monitored. Following the 10 weeks of training, participants repeated the testing procedures under similar conditions as baseline testing.

Inclusion criteria

• females ≥18 years of age,
• and an official handicap or completion of at least 5 rounds of golf within the last year

Exclusion criteria

• Exclusion criteria were current episode of musculoskeletal pain,
• unable to stand and swing a golf club independently,
• systemic disease including but not limited to rheumatologic disease or cancer,
• or psychological or other cognitive impairment.