Detailed Search Results
| Author/Association: | Thompson CJ, Cobb KM, Blackwell J |
| Title: | Functional training improves club head speed and functional fitness in older golfers [with consumer summary] |
| Source: | Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 2007 Feb;21(1):131-137 |
| Method: | clinical trial |
| Method Score: | 3/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: No. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed* |
| Consumer Summary: | PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Although integrated periodized training models such as the optimal performance training model are prevalent in strength and conditioning programs for various athletic populations, such a model had never been used to provide the framework for a research study until now. The results of this study lend strong support to its effectiveness in improving golf performance in older golfers. It is reasonable to believe that athletes of any age and in other sports could benefit from exercise programs similar to this that emphasize multiplanar exercises in a proprioceptively enriched environment. Many of our selected exercises, which were chosen to be appropriate for older, deconditioned golfers, could be significantly progressed in difficulty to accommodate even the most accomplished and/or younger athletes. However, careful attention must be given to the initial assessment of flexibility, spinal stabilization, balance, and functional strength to properly initiate and progress the training program. Additionally, because the primary goal of periodized training is to ensure that the athlete peaks during the competitive season, such a program should be constructed well in advance and progress through all relevant phases (ie, development of maximum strength and power) in preparation for competition. It is also important to note that such a periodized training model has applications outside of the athletic domain. This training program was effective at improving several dimensions of functional fitness in the study sample. Community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults, whose balance and strength deficits greatly increase their risk for falls, can benefit from exercise programs such as this that integrate multiple components of fitness. Careful preparticipation health screenings, quality exercise leadership, and slow but regular exercise progressions should be used and will contribute to beneficial functional outcomes. |
| Abstract: | Functional training programs have been used in a variety of rehabilitation settings with documented success. Based on that success, the concept of functional training has gained popularity in applied fitness settings to enhance sport performance. However, there has been little or no research studying the efficacy of functional training programs on the improvement of sport performance or functional fitness. Thus, it was the purpose of this study to determine the effect of a progressive functional training program on club head speed and functional fitness in older male golfers. Eighteen male golfers (age 70.7 +/- 9.1 (SD) years) were randomly assigned to an exercise (n = 11) or control (n = 7) group. The exercise group participated in an 8-week progressive functional training program including flexibility exercises, core stability exercises, balance exercises, and resistance exercises. Pre- and postmeasurements included club head speed of a driver by radar (exercise and control) and Fullerton Senior Fitness Test measurements (exercise only). One-way analysis of covariance was performed on club head speed measurements using pretest measurements as the covariate. Paired t-tests were performed to analyze Senior Fitness Test variables. After the intervention, maximal club head speed increased in the exercise group (127.3 +/- 13.4 to 133.6 +/- 14.2 km/hr) compared with the control group (134.5 +/- 14.6 to 133.3 +/- 11.2 km/hr; p < 0.05). Additionally, improvements (p < 0.05) were detected for most Senior Fitness Test variables in the exercise group. In summary, this functional training program resulted in significant improvements in club head speed and several components of functional fitness. Future research should continue to examine the effect of functional training programs on sport performance and functional fitness in older adults. Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):  help |
