Correlation between pelvic rotation and gluteus maximus strength in golfers

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between shoulder-pelvic separation and gluteus maximus strength during the golf swing. Problem. It is important to examine the correlation between gluteus maximus strength and transverse plane pelvic rotation as it may create stress on the low back area during the golf swing. If we know gluteus maximus strength is related to pelvic rotation we can enhance the gluteus maximus strength in order to prevent or decrease a golfer's low back pain. Method. Twenty subjects from California University of Pennsylvania participated in K-VEST 3D motion analysis of a golf swing. A Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis was applied to measure the correlation between shoulder-pelvic separation and gluteus maximus strength during the golf swing. Moreover, a hand-held manual dynamometer was used to measure gluteus maximus strength. Findings . The K-VEST TPI motion analysis and hand-held dynamometer were found to be both a reliable and valid measure of shoulder-pelvic separation and gluteus maximus strength respectively.