The effects of Golf Training on Static and Dynamic Balance of Children

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of golf training on static and dynamic balance parameters.

Eighteen children between the ages of 8-12, who were in need of care and protection that live in a children village (İstanbul) participated in the study. Children in experimental group were trained in golf for three years (GO) (n=9) and children in control group were sedentar and had no prior golf training (DSY) (n=9). Mean age: GO;10,31±1,69 and DSY;9,27±2,23, mean height: GO;140,33±7,85 and DSY;131,44±5,83, mean weight: GO;35,11±6,37 and DSY;29,44±5,63. Force platform was used to evaluate static balance by examination of centre of pressure area, distance, anterior-posterior and medio-lateral sway parameters. Star Excursion Balance Test was used to assess dynamic balance.

Within group comparison analysis revealed that double limb eyes open and eyes closed centre of pressure distance covered by golf players were shorter than children who don’t do regular physical activity (p<0,05). There was no significant difference in eyes open single leg static balance parameters between groups (p>0,05) with either leg. Right and left leg dynamic balance test results showed significant differences between groups in the favor of the golf players (p<0,05).

In this study, it was shown that golf training had markedly positive effects on double leg static and dynamic balance in children, but positive effects of the training couldn’t be found on single leg balance performance.