J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1997 Nov-Dec; 20(9): 590-601.

Effects of nine holes of simulated golf and orthotic intervention on balance and proprioception in experienced golfers.

Stude DE, Brink DK.

Wolfe-Harris Center for Clinical Studies, Northwestern College of Chiropractic, Bloomington, MN 55431, USA.

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.