Analysis of Downswing in Golf Swing Using EMG to Examine Muscles

Analysis of Downswing in Golf Swing Using EMG to Examine Muscles

By analyzing a golf swing from the front side via video, it is possible to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the swing plane and spinal axis. Additionally, the roles of the hips, shoulders, arms, and hands can be more clearly seen.

Using a Golf Simulator provides an in-depth analysis of a golfer's swing, including measures such as club head speed, distance, and ball direction. This data can be used to improve the overall performance of a golfer's game.

Even though we may have a detailed understanding of the various components of the body involved in a golf swing, it is still impossible to replicate the exact swing of a famous golfer. Furthermore, since no two golfers have the same physiology, joint weaknesses, and muscle strength, their swings will vary even further.

In order to be successful, it is important to focus on the fundamentals of golf swing technique and to tailor them to our individual physical condition. As we get older, we may have been playing golf for many years, so it is important to remember that the training course of a famous golfer should be adapted to our own physical condition. With regular practice since a young age, we may be able to achieve the same results as a professional golfer.

Self-training golfers without a skilled coach face a big problem in developing their golfing skills due to lack of knowledge and understanding of muscle function and joint movement. Without this understanding, it is impossible to develop the muscular strength required to play golf, as well as proper stretching of the muscles.

Pictures and animations can be deceiving when observing a golf swing, as it takes a very short amount of time to complete. The downswing from the point of impact to the end of the swing takes less than 1/5 of a second, and many different parts of the body must be moving in the correct order to generate maximum clubhead speed.

Golf Tip Magazine provides a variety of downswing tips that even expert golfers may not be familiar with, making it difficult to replicate what they are used to doing.

By conducting EMG analysis of the muscles critical to the golf swing, it is possible to ascertain whether the body is moving in the correct sequence and utilizing the correct muscles for optimal performance.

Studies of the downswing of the most famous golfers typically display similar behavior, starting with the lower body while still performing the backswing. The not-full weight transfer is accompanied by hip rotation to correctly engage the muscles to propel the arms, hands and club head.

The use of the lower back muscles is a type of work that is not commonly used in daily life or other sports, making it difficult to correct and maintain.

Barry Nolan, author of "Biomechanics of the Golf Swing", compiled a study of the 24 key muscles required in the golf swing. The only muscle that works 100% of the time is the Right hip musculature (Gluteal muscle). When the left leg is loaded and fully anchored to the ground, the left thigh muscle (Quadriceps muscle) works 88%, causing rapid hip rotation. This helps to straighten the left knee and pushes the left hip joint back. When working with the right hip muscle, the right side of the torso rotates on the left hip joint.

In Ben Hogan's book Five Fundamentals, he states that the hip is the key to initiating the downswing and that the faster it is pulled back and forth, the better the results. This has been confirmed by EMG studies, affirming the validity of Hogan's claim.

David Phillips of PGA.TOUR.com asserts that the hip flexor is the most crucial muscle for a proper golf swing. An EMG study showed that the right hip muscles were highly engaged during the downswing, helping to shift the weight to the left side.

The downswing requires both sides of the body to work together in order to stabilize the core and generate power. This helps to promote a consistent, powerful swing.

Studies of electromyography (EMG) have determined that the gluteal muscles and the abdominal oblique muscles play a critical role in increasing golfing distance and preventing injuries in the back area.

Fig. 1 Muscles used for EMG at the beginning of the downswing of the torso, hips, and legs.

Fig. 2 EMG examination of the hip and leg muscles of Japanese golfers.

Hidemichi Tanska is a professional golfer with a height of 1.66 m, weight of 65 kg, and an age of 30 years. He placed 11th in the U.S. PGA championship in the year 2000, and his longest drive was 332 yards, with an average driving distance of 282 yards (Reference: Science and Golf IV 2002). To maximize performance, his muscles and golf swing positions are examined both horizontally (X) and vertically (Y).

At the top of the swing, two muscles activate: the Right Gluteus Maximus (RGM) and the Right Biceps Femoris (RBF). The RGM is located in the right buttock, while the RBF is located in the back of the right thigh.

Start the 4th vertical downswing by engaging the 4th horizontal back of the left thigh (LBF), the front of the right and left thighs (horizontal lines 5, 6), the right hip flexors (RGM), the right and left posterior thigh muscles (RBF, LBF), and the right calf muscles (RGA). Maintaining this engagement throughout impact and into the follow through will reduce the amount of effort required.