The Effects of Core Stability Training on Muscle Activation, X-factor, and Postural Stability during Golf Swing

Research Objectives To investigate the effects of core stabilization training (CST) and general core training (GCT) on muscle activation and x-factor, and postural stability during the golf swing in male golfers. The hypothesis is that there will be significant difference in the improvements in muscle activation, x-factor, and postural stability between the CST training group and the GCT group. Design Randomized control trial with a two-group pre-test/post-test design. Setting A biomechanics lab in Yonsei University. Participants The participants in this study were male golfers aged 20-65 years, who had been playing golf for at least 2 years and had a handicap between 10 to 30. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to the GCT or CST group, then completed an 8-week GCT or CST exercise program. Both groups were instructed to continue with their normal levels of physical activity including playing golf. However, they were asked not to undertake in any golf lessons or make any conscious technique changes. Main Outcome Measures Outcome measures entailed kinematic data (x-factor), muscle activity of obliquus externus (EO) and internus abdominis (IO), rectus abdominis (RA), lumbar erector spinae (LES), vastus lateralis oblique (VLO), and biceps femoris (BF) muscles collected with electromyogram(EMG), as well as center of pressure (COP) with force plate, respectively. Results At baseline, there were no significant differences in muscle activation and x-factor between the two groups for any of the muscles measured (p > 0.05). After 8 weeks of training, the CST group showed significantly greater activation of the EO (p< 0.001) and IO (p< 0.001), slightly decreased COP (p< 0.05) and a significant increase in x-factor (p = 0.001) compared to the GCT group. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of incorporating core stability training into golfers' training programs to optimize performance and prevent injury. Author(s) Disclosures The authors report no conflict of interest.