Abstract

Elite competitive golfers commonly use physical conditioning as a way of improving playing results. Multiple studies have investigated the use of different training methods for improving performance in golf but few studies have investigated the use of isokinetic power training as a way of improving clubhead speed (CHS). The specific objective of the study was to investigate if nine weeks of isokinetic training was more effective than traditional strength training in improving CHS. A 9 weeks intervention study implementing the isokinetic 1080 Quantum system was designed. 20 intercollegiate golfers (13 male and 7 women) all competing at an elite level participated in the study. The participants were divided into two groups, one group (n=10) received the isokinetic power intervention (IK) and the other group (n=10) continued with their normal pre-season strength-and power training regime and served as the control group (CNT). The strength/power tests consisted of countermovement jumps (CMJ), loaded vertical squat jumps (LVSJ) and sitting abdominal rotations. CHS was used as a measurement of golf performance. Statistically significant improvements were observed in both groups for rotational power on the non-dominant side. The IK group also increased their rotational power on the dominant side. There were no significant differences in CMJ height, peak power during squats or in CHS following the intervention period. There was no evidence suggesting that isokinetic training, as performed in this study, are more effective than traditional strength training when it comes to increasing CHS. Neither is there any evidence suggesting that the isokinetic training lead to any detriments in performance.