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.