A randomized trial of traditional and golf-specific resistance training in amateur female golfers: Benefits beyond golf performance

Abstract

Objective: Compare golf-specific resistance training (GSRT) with traditional resistance training (TRAD) with regard to golf performance and other outcome measures.

Design: Randomized controlled study.

Setting: Outpatient gym.

Participants: 45 female golfers were randomized into TRAD or GSRT, both of which targeted muscles active during the golf swing. Participants performed supervised training 3d^.wk^-1 for 10 weeks.

Outcome measures: Golf performance, bone density, body composition, and physical performance tests.

Results: 29 individuals (58.1 ± 2.1y; 15 TRAD, 14 GSRT) completed training. Completers were older (p = 0.048) and played golf more frequently than non-completers (p = 0.002), but were not otherwise different. Training decreased whole body fat mass (p = 0.013) and visceral fat mass (p = 0.033) across groups, but did not influence lean mass (p = 0.283) or bone mineral density (p = 0.205). Training increased driver speed (p = 0.001), driver distance (p = 0.020), and 7I distance (p < 0.001), but not 7I speed (p = 0.160), but no group or interaction effects were present. Training increased all physical performance tests (p ≤ 0.005) regardless of group, but the seated medicine ball throw was most related to baseline driver speed (r² = 0.384), and also most responsive to training (r² = 0.250).

Conclusion: 10 weeks of supervised TRAD and GSRT provided similar improvements in body composition, golf performance, and physical performance in amateur female golfers.

Keywords: Functional training; Golf; Physical performance tests; Strength training.