Source
Wolfe-Harris Center for Clinical Studies, Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN 55431, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate effects of orthotic intervention on balance and proprioception among a group of experienced golfers.
SETTING:
Northwestern College of Chiropractic.
PARTICIPANTS:
Twelve experienced golfers were included in the study.
METHOD:
Balance and proprioception were measured before and after nine holes of simulated golf using piezo-electric film sensor platforms. Subjects wore custom-made, flexible orthotics daily for 6 wk and were then retested using the same objective measurement parameters.
OUTCOME MEASURE:
Primary outcome measures included stabilization index and stabilization time.
RESULTS:
Statistical trends suggest that the custom-made, flexible orthotics used in this study were effective in enhancing balance and proprioception and may have reduced the relative effects of fatigue associated with nine holes of simulated golf.
CONCLUSION:
Although individual differences were anticipated, data trends suggest that nine holes of simulated golf promotes changes in standing balance and proprioception and that 6 wk of wearing these custom-made, flexible orthotics has a positive influence in promoting balance and proprioceptive symmetry.