The Development of A Basic Golf Swing Analysis Algorithm using a Motion Analysis System

Abstract

Three-dimensional(3D) motion analysis is a useful tool for analyzing sports performance. During the last few decades, advances in motion analysis equipment have enabled us to perform more and more complicated biomechanical analyses. Nevertheless, considering the complexity of biomechanical models and the amount of data recorded from the motion analysis system, subsequent processing of these data is required for event-specific motion analysis. The purpose of this study was to develop a basic g olf swing analysis algorithm using a state-of-the-art VICON motion analysis system. The algorithm was developed to facilitate golf swing analysis, with special emphasis on 3D motion analysis and high-speed motion capture, which are not easily available from typical video camera systems. Furthermore, the developed algorithm generates golf swing-specific kinematic and kinetic variables that can easily be used by golfers and coaches who do not have advanced biomechanical knowledge. We provide a basic algorithm to convert massive and complicated VICON data to common golf swing-related variables. Future development is necessary for more practical and efficient golf swing analysis.