Background. Females' golf course lengths have been reduced due to their strength characteristics, leading to shorter shot distances than men. Although the golf game requires different physical conditions for females and males, the physiological demands of both genders are unknown. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the physiological responses of female and male golfers during 18 holes golf games. Methods. Twentynine elite golf players (females:11, males:14) with 1-10 handicaps participated in the study (age: 17.76±2.05 years and handicaps: 5.4±2.9). The players' physiological responses were assessed using BioHarness 3 Zephry wireless supported heart rate monitor. Perceived exertion rates of the players were enrolled using Borg Scale. Results. Female golf players had significantly higher heart rate values and energy expenditures than male golf players during 18 holes golf games (P<0.05). Although playing golf produced higher physiologic demands in female players, there was no difference in perceived exertion rates (P>0.05). Conclusion. Although the golf game is facilitated by changing the course length for female golf players, it has been investigated that they encountered greater physiological demands than males. However, the perceived exertion rates of females were similar to those of males during the golf course play. This study provides a comprehensive insight into the physiological demands of female and male golf players during 18 holes golf games. It can be suggested that female players should not compete in the same category as male players, despite the game being simplified by changing the course length.
Objective: Although lower extremity plays an important role for postural control and to produce power during the golf swing, it has not been clearly examined. The aim of this study was to identify the left-right, and agonist-antagonist knee muscle strength profiles and its correlation with performance in proficient golfers.
Materials and Methods: Eight male elite golfers, age 21.6±1.1 years, height 174.1±6.1 cm, and body mass 68.6±2.7 kg, with handicaps of 0-5 participated in the study. Knee flexor and extensor peak torques of the golfers were measured by using isokinetic dynamometer (at 60°/s, 120°/s and 240°/s). The number of golf shots on an 18-hole golf course was recorded to determine golf performance.
Results: In golf players, knee strength difference between right and left extremities were 0.53%, 5.77% and 5.35% for flexor muscles and 5.71%, 3.60% and 7.91% for extensor muscles at 60°/s, 120°/s and 180°/s, respectively. Right and left knee Fcon/Excon ratio was between 0.67-0.99. No correlation was found between golf performance and peak torques except for right knee flexor muscle at 120°/s angular velocity.
Conclusions: Knee muscle strength variations between right-left and agonist-antagonist muscles were below the injury risk limits. Those negligible imbalances may be the result of functional differences of knee muscles during each part of the golf swing. It is important to add appropriate drills to the training programs so that these differences do not cause injury and poor performance in the long term.
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