The BBC detailed a report from the University of Warwick, which found that a percentage of elite golfers have oddly shaped hips.
That’s right, for all your biomechanics enthusiasts and amateur physiologists out there, the University of Warwick has discovered something interesting: In analyzing 55 elite golfers using MRIs, researchers found that golfers had “egg-shaped” right hip joints, while the left hip joint was the expected ball shape.
To be clear, the study didn’t determine that all elite golfers are imbued with egg-shaped right hip joints. Rather, 14 percent of golfers were found to, which is still a statistically significant number and one that will surely alter the way medical professionals think about hip injury in golfers.
It’s assumed, although not stated in the article, that golfers were all right-handed. And, of course, it’s unclear whether golfing causes the hip deformity. Co-researcher Dr. Edward Dickenson took the line of inquiry to its logical conclusion.
“Our findings have brought up new questions to be answered. What remains to be established is whether professional golfers develop these shapes because of the way they are using their hips or whether players with these hip shapes are more likely to become professional.”
The study, which tapped members of the 2015 Scottish Hydro Challenge, also found one-fifth of players had hip pain. More sophisticated communicators of the golf swing from a biomechanical standpoint could offer more insight, but it’s worth noting that in the course of the golf swing, the hips rotate in different direction at different speeds. Researchers posit this cam rotation is a contributing factor to the hip deformity.
Perhaps the results of the study will have tremendous application in the world of golf, perhaps they won’t, but we’re all for thorough scientific analysis of golfers, golf equipment, and the golf swing.
Featured image via Ohio State’s Spine Research Institute
from GolfWRX http://www.golfwrx.com
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