gms | German Medical Science

Physical activity and successful aging
10th International EGREPA Conference

European Group for Research into Elderly and Physical Activity

14.09. - 16.09.2006 in Köln

Staying healthy over time: performance & injury prevention for the older golfer

Meeting Abstract

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  • corresponding author P. Geisler - Ithaca College, USA
  • G.A. Sforzo - Ithaca College, USA
  • B.C. Belyea - Ithaca College, USA
  • J.A. Sigg - Ithaca College, USA

Physical activity and successful aging. Xth International EGREPA Conference. Cologne, 14.-16.09.2006. Düsseldorf, Köln: German Medical Science; 2006. Doc06pasa115

Die elektronische Version dieses Artikels ist vollständig und ist verfügbar unter: http://www.egms.de/de/meetings/pasa2006/06pasa115.shtml

Veröffentlicht: 18. Dezember 2006

© 2006 Geisler et al.
Dieser Artikel ist ein Open Access-Artikel und steht unter den Creative Commons Lizenzbedingungen (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/deed.de). Er darf vervielfältigt, verbreitet und öffentlich zugänglich gemacht werden, vorausgesetzt dass Autor und Quelle genannt werden.


Gliederung

Text

Golf is fast becoming one of the most popular leisure and competitive activities for peoples of all ages worldwide. In fact, over 30 million golfers who spend over $25 billion on their sport are counted in Europe and the United States (NGF, 2006; EGA, 2006). This presentation will review relevant and recent findings regarding golf injuries, golf swing mechanics/differences and golf performance strategies of specific importance for older golfers. Age-related health, fitness, and performance issues will be highlighted. Following this theoretical overview, an outline for healthy, functional golf specific exercises designed to safely address the common physical limitations and injury patterns seen in older golfers will be discussed and demonstrated. This applied information is presented with the practitioner and/or athlete in mind. Despite common misconceptions, we know that golf can provide significant cardiovascular benefits. The game also requires a significant level of athleticism (strength and flexibility), and practice, in order to play well (Geisler, 2001). Furthermore, the golf swing generates substantial amounts of physical torque, compression and shearing forces that often leads to injuries in the spine, shoulders, upper extremities and hips. Recent studies have concluded that senior golfers lose lumbo-pelvic rotation and hip mobility, two very significant factors for the full golf swing. It is also well known that aging alters skeletal muscle integrity and lessens muscle strength. Subsequently, many older golfers face an uphill battle for performance improvement, a significant risk for acute and chronic injury, and the prospect of overcoming various pre-existing physical limitations that inhibit performance and enjoyment of the game. Accordingly, the game presents unique physical challenges to older golfers that are not insurmountable given the right planning and practice. Older golfers can improve muscle strength, flexibility, and golf specific strength. Moreover, even golfers with total joint replacements can play golf safely (Mallon et al., 1996). The reality is that golfers of all abilities face a multitude of challenges and obstacles that can be overcome. With well-guided performance-related instruction and training, the older individual can achieve life-long enjoyment of the game while avoiding debilitating injury (Lindsey, Horton & Vandervoort, 2000). It is necessary to select and implement effective, functional and safe exercise programs suited both to the individual’s golf game and physical condition. This presentation is intended to address many of the myriad concerns and challenges confronting physicians, physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and exercise professionals working with golfers wishing to enjoy the game, and safely improve functional performance in their latter years.