Electromyographic analysis of the shoulder during the golf swing

Electromyography is a method of analyzing the electrical activity that accompanies muscle contraction. This method of examination can lead to a detailed analysis of the timing of firing of individual muscles or portions of muscles involved in a complex action around a joint. In this study, the actions of eight individual shoulder muscles of both arms were investigated during a golf swing. Electromyography allowed investigators to examine the synergist action of the muscles involved in the motion. Six male and seven female professional golfers participated in the study. Previous studies have demonstrated that there is no fundamental difference in the muscle activity of male and female golfers. All golfers were right handed. Electrodes were placed into the muscles of the shoulder and the electrical activity in the various muscles was recorded during a golf swing, which was simultaneously recorded by two high-speed cameras. The individual components of the swing are discussed and associated with the various muscles and muscle groups. The results show that a golf swing is a rapid movement that does not require strenuous arm motion. It does, however, require well orchestrated firing of the shoulder muscles to provide the harmonious movement that is typical of a well executed golf swing. This action is reflected by electromyographic firing patterns of the shoulder muscles. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)