The purpose of this study was to quantify detailed trunk/shoulder complex motions during the golf drives using a new 5-segment trunk/shoulder model (pelvis, abdomen, thorax, and right/left shoulder girdles) and to describe the patterns of the relative motions of the trunk/shoulder segments. Fifteen male golfers were divided into two groups: skilled (n=8, 3-handicap or better) and less skilled (n=7, 13- to 18-handicap). The ranges of the orientation angles of the segments during the downswing were computed. In addition to the dominant rotation of the thorax, substantial frontal plane motions of the trunk segments (abdomen and thorax) and transverse plane motions of the shoulder girdles were observed. Only the frontal plane motion of the left shoulder girdle (elevation/depression) was identified as the factor which differentiated the groups.
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