title: Effects of a weighted club warm-up on golfing performance and biomechanics

authors: Wardell, George Leslie

subjects: Golf

abstract: Increasing financial incentives associated with tournament results in golf has led to players, coaches, and sport scientists researching different methods of enhancing performance, especially for the long game (> 91.44 m or 100 yards). Indeed, golfing performance has become increasingly reliant on long game performance due to developments in technology, equipment, physical preparation, and golf swing biomechanics. Golfers are using a variety of warm-up strategies to improve driving performance, including the use of weighted equipment. SuperSpeed Golf™ incorporates the use of differing weighted clubs in a golf-specific warm-up, claiming to enhance clubhead speed for up to 30 minutes post use. SuperSpeed Golf™ asserts that over 600 Professional Golfers Association (PGA) players are currently using the product. Although post activation potentiation and overspeed training literature is cited in support of the use of weighted implements in ball striking sports, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to substantiate the enhancement in performance from using the SuperSpeed Golf™ clubs and recommended warm-up protocol. Therefore, the aims of this Thesis were to: (1) systematically review and quality appraise articles addressing golf and 3D biomechanics (Chapter One); (2) systematically review and quality appraise articles addressing weighted equipment used during warm-ups for ball striking sports (Chapter Two); (3) investigate the acute effects of using the SuperSpeed clubs and recommended warm-up protocol on golf driving performance and biomechanics (Chapter Three); and (4) investigate the persistence of the effects of the SuperSpeed warm-up protocol on clubhead, ball, and swing biomechanics during a simulated golf tournament scenario (Chapter Four).

As part of the systematic review in Chapter One, 23 articles on golf and 3D biomechanics in professional or high level amateurs (handicap < 5.0) were assessed for their methodological quality, with only two articles achieving a strong quality score based on the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. From the reviewed studies, the biomechanical measures most consistently reported to relate to clubhead and ball speed were pelvis and torso axial rotation, pelvis and torso rotational velocity, X-factor, and X-factor stretch.

As part of the systematic review in Chapter Two, seven articles on weighted equipment used during warm-ups for ball striking sports were assessed for their methodological quality, with only one article achieving a strong quality score based on the EPHPP quality assessment tool. All articles meeting inclusion addressed the sport of baseball. From the reviewed studies, the use of weighted equipment as a means to enhance subsequent swing performance in baseball was either ineffective or detrimental. The lack of research in ball striking sports outside of baseball and the generally weak quality of articles in the area highlight the need for better quality studies in different ball striking sports. Based on the current systematic review findings, there is limited evidence to substantiate the use of weighted equipment in golf as means to enhance subsequent performance.

In Chapter Three, 12 (7 males, 5 females) high level amateurs (handicap < 3.0) completed a golf-specific control and weighted club (SuperSpeed Golf™) warm-up protocol followed by 5 swings using their own driver assessed using 3D motion analysis (500 Hz, Qualisys AB, Sweden). Swing, angular velocity, X-factor, and centre of mass (COM) parameters were extracted and compared between warm-up conditions using Cohen’s standardised effect size (ES). The SuperSpeed warm-up protocol led to significant (p < 0.05) small (ES > 0.2) and likely (greater than 75% likelihood) changes in clubhead speed (2.6 mph faster), angular velocity of the torso (18.2 °/s faster) and lead arm (36.0 °/s faster), and COM position at the top of backswing in the x direction (0.59 cm closer to the target) and at impact in the y direction (0.34 cm more to the left of the target). However, no significant change was seen in ball speed, leading to a significant moderate and likely negative change in smash factor (-0.3 clubhead speed to ball speed ratio), suggesting that the increased clubhead speed was not efficiently transferred to the ball at impact.

In Chapter Four, the same 12 (7 males, 5 females) high level amateurs (handicap < 3.0) completed five sets of five swings walking 400 m between sets under the two randomised warm-up conditions (golf-specific control and SuperSpeed). The persistence of any meaningful effects detected in the initial set was assessed across sequential sets. The significant small and likely changes in clubhead speed, smash factor, angular velocity of the torso and lead arm, and two COM variables subsequent the SuperSpeed warm-up compared to the control warm-up in the initial set were no longer meaningful from the second set onward after walking the distance of a simulated golf hole. These findings suggest that the SuperSpeed warm-up protocol performed pre-tournament does not meaningfully improve golfing performance in a golf-specific context from the second hole onwards.

Results from the two systematic reviews highlight the need for better quality methodological studies in golf biomechanics and use of weighted implements in ball striking sports. From the golf biomechanics literature reviewed, pelvis and torso axial rotation, rotational velocity, X-factor, and X-factor stretch were identified as factors related to driving performance. Although the weighted equipment literature reviewed did not substantiate its use as part of warm-up for performance enhancement, the literature was limited to baseball, warranting further research specifically in golf. The two experimental studies compared the effects of using the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted clubs and warm-up protocol versus a golf-specific control warm-up protocol in high level amateur golfers. Although SuperSpeed significantly and meaningfully increased clubhead speed and influenced a subset of swing biomechanics acutely, these changes were no longer meaningful after walking the distance of a simulated golf hole. The Royal and Ancient rules of golf prohibit the use of ergogenic aids like the SuperSpeed clubs once tournament play has started. Therefore, the financial, time, and practical value of investing in the SuperSpeed GolfTM weighted clubs product are questionable as might only improve performance on the first hole. Future research is needed to determine the influence of prior exposure to SuperSpeed GolfTM and of changing the sequence or weights of the clubs on the acute and persistence of potentiation effects. The current experimental studies were laboratory-based and involved high level amateurs; hence, generalisation to on-course environments and lesser or better-skilled golfers needs confirmation.

text: Effects of a weighted club warm-up on golfing performance and biomechanics Increasing financial incentives associated with tournament results in golf has led to players, coaches, and sport scientists researching different methods of enhancing performance, especially for the long game (> 91.44 m or 100 yards). Indeed, golfing performance has become increasingly reliant on long game performance due to developments in technology, equipment, physical preparation, and golf swing biomechanics. Golfers are using a variety of warm-up strategies to improve driving performance, including the use of weighted equipment. SuperSpeed Golf™ incorporates the use of differing weighted clubs in a golf-specific warm-up, claiming to enhance clubhead speed for up to 30 minutes post use. SuperSpeed Golf™ asserts that over 600 Professional Golfers Association (PGA) players are currently using the product. Although post activation potentiation and overspeed training literature is cited in support of the use of weighted implements in ball striking sports, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to substantiate the enhancement in performance from using the SuperSpeed Golf™ clubs and recommended warm-up protocol. Therefore, the aims of this Thesis were to: (1) systematically review and quality appraise articles addressing golf and 3D biomechanics (Chapter One); (2) systematically review and quality appraise articles addressing weighted equipment used during warm-ups for ball striking sports (Chapter Two); (3) investigate the acute effects of using the SuperSpeed clubs and recommended warm-up protocol on golf driving performance and biomechanics (Chapter Three); and (4) investigate the persistence of the effects of the SuperSpeed warm-up protocol on clubhead, ball, and swing biomechanics during a simulated golf tournament scenario (Chapter Four).

As part of the systematic review in Chapter One, 23 articles on golf and 3D biomechanics in professional or high level amateurs (handicap < 5.0) were assessed for their methodological quality, with only two articles achieving a strong quality score based on the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) quality assessment tool. From the reviewed studies, the biomechanical measures most consistently reported to relate to clubhead and ball speed were pelvis and torso axial rotation, pelvis and torso rotational velocity, X-factor, and X-factor stretch.

As part of the systematic review in Chapter Two, seven articles on weighted equipment used during warm-ups for ball striking sports were assessed for their methodological quality, with only one article achieving a strong quality score based on the EPHPP quality assessment tool. All articles meeting inclusion addressed the sport of baseball. From the reviewed studies, the use of weighted equipment as a means to enhance subsequent swing performance in baseball was either ineffective or detrimental. The lack of research in ball striking sports outside of baseball and the generally weak quality of articles in the area highlight the need for better quality studies in different ball striking sports. Based on the current systematic review findings, there is limited evidence to substantiate the use of weighted equipment in golf as means to enhance subsequent performance.

In Chapter Three, 12 (7 males, 5 females) high level amateurs (handicap < 3.0) completed a golf-specific control and weighted club (SuperSpeed Golf™) warm-up protocol followed by 5 swings using their own driver assessed using 3D motion analysis (500 Hz, Qualisys AB, Sweden). Swing, angular velocity, X-factor, and centre of mass (COM) parameters were extracted and compared between warm-up conditions using Cohen’s standardised effect size (ES). The SuperSpeed warm-up protocol led to significant (p < 0.05) small (ES > 0.2) and likely (greater than 75% likelihood) changes in clubhead speed (2.6 mph faster), angular velocity of the torso (18.2 °/s faster) and lead arm (36.0 °/s faster), and COM position at the top of backswing in the x direction (0.59 cm closer to the target) and at impact in the y direction (0.34 cm more to the left of the target). However, no significant change was seen in ball speed, leading to a significant moderate and likely negative change in smash factor (-0.3 clubhead speed to ball speed ratio), suggesting that the increased clubhead speed was not efficiently transferred to the ball at impact.

In Chapter Four, the same 12 (7 males, 5 females) high level amateurs (handicap < 3.0) completed five sets of five swings walking 400 m between sets under the two randomised warm-up conditions (golf-specific control and SuperSpeed). The persistence of any meaningful effects detected in the initial set was assessed across sequential sets. The significant small and likely changes in clubhead speed, smash factor, angular velocity of the torso and lead arm, and two COM variables subsequent the SuperSpeed warm-up compared to the control warm-up in the initial set were no longer meaningful from the second set onward after walking the distance of a simulated golf hole. These findings suggest that the SuperSpeed warm-up protocol performed pre-tournament does not meaningfully improve golfing performance in a golf-specific context from the second hole onwards.

Results from the two systematic reviews highlight the need for better quality methodological studies in golf biomechanics and use of weighted implements in ball striking sports. From the golf biomechanics literature reviewed, pelvis and torso axial rotation, rotational velocity, X-factor, and X-factor stretch were identified as factors related to driving performance. Although the weighted equipment literature reviewed did not substantiate its use as part of warm-up for performance enhancement, the literature was limited to baseball, warranting further research specifically in golf. The two experimental studies compared the effects of using the SuperSpeed Golf™ weighted clubs and warm-up protocol versus a golf-specific control warm-up protocol in high level amateur golfers. Although SuperSpeed significantly and meaningfully increased clubhead speed and influenced a subset of swing biomechanics acutely, these changes were no longer meaningful after walking the distance of a simulated golf hole. The Royal and Ancient rules of golf prohibit the use of ergogenic aids like the SuperSpeed clubs once tournament play has started. Therefore, the financial, time, and practical value of investing in the SuperSpeed GolfTM weighted clubs product are questionable as might only improve performance on the first hole. Future research is needed to determine the influence of prior exposure to SuperSpeed GolfTM and of changing the sequence or weights of the clubs on the acute and persistence of potentiation effects. The current experimental studies were laboratory-based and involved high level amateurs; hence, generalisation to on-course environments and lesser or better-skilled golfers needs confirmation.

year: 2019

title: Observations of nonlinear run-up patterns on plane and rhythmic beach morphology

authors: Bryan, Karin R.

subjects: nonlinear

abstract: Application of non-linear forecasting and bispectral analysis to video observations of run-up over cuspate topography shows that these alongshore patterns in the morphology are accompanied by changes to the fundamental behaviour of the run-up timeseries. Nonlinear forecasting indicates that at beach cusp horns, the behaviour of swash flow is more predictable and global (meaning that characteristics of individual swash events are well represented by the behaviour of the timeseries as a whole). Conversely, at beach cusp bays, the behaviour of swash flow is less predictable and more local (meaning that the characteristics of individual swash events are best represented by the behaviour of a small fraction of the timeseries). Bispectral analysis indicates that there is a nonlinear transfer of energy from the incident wave frequency f to infragravity frequency ~f/2 which only occurs in the bay, suggesting that the local behaviour is caused by interactions between successive swash cycles which are magnified by channelling caused by the beach cusp geometry. The local behaviour and the bispectral signatures are not present in offshore measurements, and are not present in runup timeseries collected when the beach was planar. These results provide evidence that interactions between successive run-ups are a fundamental characteristic of beach cusp bays. Ultimately, these interactions could lead to the growth of an infragravity wave with an alongshore wavelength forced by the presence of beach cusps.

text: Observations of nonlinear run-up patterns on plane and rhythmic beach morphology Application of non-linear forecasting and bispectral analysis to video observations of run-up over cuspate topography shows that these alongshore patterns in the morphology are accompanied by changes to the fundamental behaviour of the run-up timeseries. Nonlinear forecasting indicates that at beach cusp horns, the behaviour of swash flow is more predictable and global (meaning that characteristics of individual swash events are well represented by the behaviour of the timeseries as a whole). Conversely, at beach cusp bays, the behaviour of swash flow is less predictable and more local (meaning that the characteristics of individual swash events are best represented by the behaviour of a small fraction of the timeseries). Bispectral analysis indicates that there is a nonlinear transfer of energy from the incident wave frequency f to infragravity frequency ~f/2 which only occurs in the bay, suggesting that the local behaviour is caused by interactions between successive swash cycles which are magnified by channelling caused by the beach cusp geometry. The local behaviour and the bispectral signatures are not present in offshore measurements, and are not present in runup timeseries collected when the beach was planar. These results provide evidence that interactions between successive run-ups are a fundamental characteristic of beach cusp bays. Ultimately, these interactions could lead to the growth of an infragravity wave with an alongshore wavelength forced by the presence of beach cusps.

year: 2010

title: Raising Māori Student Achievement - Journeys of Success

authors: Kaumoana, Cadence

abstract: Educational success for Māori students is influenced by confidence in one’s identity, positive role models and support; and positive attitudes to learning and success.
This project asked Māori tertiary graduates about their educational experiences. Half of the participants in this study had successfully completed secondary school and the other half did not complete secondary school education. This selection of participants was selected to highlight that although some students don’t complete secondary school it is still possible to successfully pursue and complete tertiary level qualifications. The feedback given from the participants highlighted the positive factors that influenced their successful completion. From these factors recommendations have been developed to support Māori student success. The objective of this study is to encourage the development of increased self-confidence for Māori rangatahi and to promote the continuation of lifelong learning.
When Māori students are supported both at school and in the home they are more likely to achieve educational success, particularly at secondary school level. Similarly, at tertiary level study; students who graduate with a completed degree qualification are likely to have had positive support and successful role models, they are likely to be secure within their own identity and wh!nau network. Māori students that successfully complete tertiary study are more likely to have positive attitudes to learning and to achieving; knowing how to access support and feeling confident in their efforts.
The key to this study is the link between successful completion of secondary school and the follow-on to successful tertiary study. When Māori students are supported appropriately in the development of their identity their confidence soon follows. This support would ideally come from wh!nau in the home and the school. When Māori students are confident in their learning journeys through high levels of confidence in identity they are more likely to persevere under pressure and despite setbacks.
Influencing factors to developing self-confidence for Māori students include awareness of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, responsibility at home, responsibility at school and the positive influence of role models. The study then concludes by providing recommendations for learners, educators and wh!nau to support the educational achievement of their tamariki.

text: Raising Māori Student Achievement - Journeys of Success Educational success for Māori students is influenced by confidence in one’s identity, positive role models and support; and positive attitudes to learning and success.
This project asked Māori tertiary graduates about their educational experiences. Half of the participants in this study had successfully completed secondary school and the other half did not complete secondary school education. This selection of participants was selected to highlight that although some students don’t complete secondary school it is still possible to successfully pursue and complete tertiary level qualifications. The feedback given from the participants highlighted the positive factors that influenced their successful completion. From these factors recommendations have been developed to support Māori student success. The objective of this study is to encourage the development of increased self-confidence for Māori rangatahi and to promote the continuation of lifelong learning.
When Māori students are supported both at school and in the home they are more likely to achieve educational success, particularly at secondary school level. Similarly, at tertiary level study; students who graduate with a completed degree qualification are likely to have had positive support and successful role models, they are likely to be secure within their own identity and wh!nau network. Māori students that successfully complete tertiary study are more likely to have positive attitudes to learning and to achieving; knowing how to access support and feeling confident in their efforts.
The key to this study is the link between successful completion of secondary school and the follow-on to successful tertiary study. When Māori students are supported appropriately in the development of their identity their confidence soon follows. This support would ideally come from wh!nau in the home and the school. When Māori students are confident in their learning journeys through high levels of confidence in identity they are more likely to persevere under pressure and despite setbacks.
Influencing factors to developing self-confidence for Māori students include awareness of Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori, responsibility at home, responsibility at school and the positive influence of role models. The study then concludes by providing recommendations for learners, educators and wh!nau to support the educational achievement of their tamariki.

year: 2013