Self-report vs. kinematic screening test: prevalence, demographics, and sports biography of yips-affected golfers

Abstract

The yips is considered a task-specific movement disorder. Its estimated prevalence, however, is high compared to similar neurological movement disorders, possibly resulting from previous studies' restriction of samples based on skill level, and self-report bias. Alternatively, this high prevalence might be an indication of additional aetiologies, for example the influence of previously played racket sports. We estimated the prevalence of the putting yips across the skill range, using self-reports in one study and a screening test in a second study. We explored if previously played sports matter for the development of the yips. In study 1, yips prevalence (N = 1,306) and golfers' sports biographies (n = 264) were examined via two online surveys, in which golfers indicated if they were yips-affected. In study 2, golfers (N = 186) putted in a standardised putting test while kinematic and performance measures were recorded. Prevalence was estimated via a kinematic threshold. Sports biographies (n = 119) were obtained via an online survey. Prevalence of currently yips-affected golfers was 22.4% in study 1 and 16.7% in study 2. In both studies, more yips-affected than unaffected golfers had experience in playing racket sports. Yips prevalence remained higher than previously estimated prevalence of other movement disorders but decreased when the whole skill range including professionals and novices was considered. Future studies should use the kinematic screening test instead of self-reports to detect the yips and further investigate the influence of previously played racket sports.

Association of the Yips and Musculoskeletal Problems in Highly Skilled Golfers: A Large Scale Epidemiological Study in Japan

“…Our findings revealed that 39% of the golfers experienced the yips, confirming the findings of previous reports with 22–48% of golfers experiencing the yips in their careers [ 9 , 10 , 22 ]. As evidenced by a high percentage of respondents who were aware of the yips (98%) in our study, it is undeniably a well-known condition among golfers’ circles.…”

“…To clarify the temporal relationship between musculoskeletal problems and the yips, a prospective analysis of the study is warranted. Second, our survey consisted of a self-reporting questionnaire; this might have overestimated the actual number of golfers experiencing the yips [ 22 ]. Among musicians, approximately 1% of all professional practitioners are estimated to have task-specific dystonia [ 19 ].…”

Modulation of sensorimotor cortical oscillations in athletes with yips

“…With recent evidence showing the yips in other sports 2 – 4 , however, it was redefined as “a psycho-neuromuscular impediment affecting the execution of fine motor skills during sporting performance” 5 , 6 , characterized by twitches, jerks, freezing, and tremors of a planned movement. Although the yips has been reported to be observed in a relatively large number of golfers (17–48%) 1 , 7 , 8 and has been apparent in athletes in other sports 2 – 4 , its scientific research has been scarce so far.…”

Perception of yips among professional Japanese golfers: perspectives and challenges

“…The rationale behind this exercise was to observe the influence of self- perception on their symptoms, their golfing habits and their compliance towards getting professional support (psychological, neurological or orthopedic) with respect to the performance deficit. This study, and several others focusing on western populations 12,15,17 , provided a promising approach to triage yips symptoms via participant derived responses to facilitate management of such golfers.…”

“…Several well-designed experimental work and case-reports have addressed crucial psychogenic components or movement-disorder related aspects of yips 1,3,11,12 . On the other hand, studies have also employed questionnaires or semi-structured interviews to evaluate the causative symptoms of yips [13][14][15] . Notably, Smith et.…”