Grey Dog followers will know that we very often highlight the golf benefits of being fit and flexible, particularly as we age. We continuously explore and evaluate easily-employable ways for senior golfers to safely expand swing capacity and performance and we recently had the privilege of going through a comprehensive “Golf Biomechanics Evaluation” at Northwell Health’s Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT). Wow! This was really something!
Under the leadership of the colorful genius of Malachy McHugh, Ph D, NISMAT research has scientifically identified the specific physical and biomechanical attributes that make an effective golf swing. Based on this research, the evaluation process begins with an interview with the golfer that includes golf ability, injury history and current wellness. That is followed by a thorough measurement of a golfer’s trunk and hip flexibilities in a clinical (“passive”) manner. Then, using high speed cameras, sensors, and force plates, the golfer’s unique golf swing biomechanics (hip rotation, trunk rotation, and weight shift) are assessed as shots are made in a state-of-the-art simulator. The process is smartly augmented with simultaneous measurements using the Trackman system, collecting insight on traditional criteria including swing speed, ball speed, launch data, and spin rate. Use of the Trackman data allows for a comparative assessment vs. a samples of “proficient” players, “average” golfers, and “unskilled” players.
All in, it’s about a 75- to 90-minute process in the facility. A few days later, an extremely rich report is provided to the golfer which identifies very specific strengths and deficiencies in the golf swing from a biomechanical perspective, with relative comparisons within each of the three sample categories. Now, as Grey Dog Golf ALWAYS strives to provide followers with information that is both pertinent and applicable, how is all of this useful to senior golfers?
The report includes a “prescription” of clearly-explained, easily-performed stretches and/or exercises that target the areas that can be improved to enable a more efficient and effective golf swing. The custom prescription is developed by TPI-certified Physical Therapist Madison Maisel who is present for every stage of the evaluation and golfer interview (thereby insuring individuality, safety and efficiency for each subject). For instance, Grey Dog Tommy’s report warned that “trunk rotation range of motion during the golf swing exceeds the available passive motion. This will place strain on the spine and also affect swing consistency.” Holy Cow…is that ever accurate! Tommy has had lower back issues in the past, AND tends to hit his driver like Rod Carew used to hit a baseball: all over the yard! For those data nerds (like Grey Dog Wes) who really want to dive into the analytics, the report is complete with all the collected data presented in text, graph, and chart form.
NISMAT is located in mid-town Manhattan and offers the program to both male and female golfers for a fee. We encourage senior golfers to consider this exciting assessment as a means to safely developing a more efficient swing! For more detailed information, visit their website at https://www.northwell.edu/rehabilitation-network/programs-and-services/sports-biomechanics-assessment