The Effect of Biological Movement Variability on the Performance of the Golf Swing in High- and Low-Handicapped Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of neuromotor noise on golf swing performance in high- and low-handicap players. Selected two-dimensional kinematic measures of 20 male golfers (n = 10 per high- or low-handicap group) performing 10 golf swings with a 5-iron club was obtained through video analysis. Neuromotor noise was calculated by deducting the standard error of the measurement from the coefficient of variation obtained from intra-individual analysis. Statistical methods included linear regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS. Absolute invariance in the key technical positions (e.g., at the top of the backswing) of the golf swing appears to be a more favorable technique for skilled performance.

Key words:

• athletic performance
• experience level
• motor skills
• variance

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Elizabeth J. Bradshaw

Please address all correspondence concerning this article to Elizabeth Bradshaw, School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Locked Bag 4115, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC, Australia 3065.