Effects of a golfers’ low back pain exercise prevention program on physical function and golf performance in adolescent golfers: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: Injury prevention programs for adolescent athletes include pre-game exercise programs designed to improve individuals physical function. This study aimed to determine the impact of Golfers’ Low back pain Exercise prevention Program (GLEP) on physical function and golf performance. Methods: A total of 45 adolescent golfers participated in this double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to the GLEP or sham exercise program. Physical function and golf performance was measured at baseline, 4-week, 8-week, and 12-week. Measurements included hip rotation, trunk lateral flexion and rotation range of motion (ROM), hip external rotation (ER) muscles strength, trunk endurance, and golf performance. Data were compared before the intervention and at each measurement point. Statistical analysis consisted of a mixed-model analysis of variance. Results: Both hip rotation ROM and trunk endurance improved significantly over time in both groups (p.05). Lead hip ER muscle strength showed a significant interaction, with greater values in the GLEP group (p =.017). There was no significant difference in golf performance measures between groups (p >.05). Conclusions: The addition of a pre-game exercise program for adolescent golfers may have the potential to affect hip ROM and trunk endurance without negatively impacting performance. The GLEP significantly improved lead hip ER muscle strength when compared to a sham. The GLEP is an effective pre-game exercise program for golfers seeking to enhance hip ER strength. Trial registration: This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as a clinical trial (ID: UMIN000051318; registration date: 01/08/2023).