(8) RELATIONSHIP OF BIOMETRICS, BIOMECHANICS, PERFORMANCE, AND SPORT RANKING IN DISC GOLF PLAYERS: A PILOT STUDY

Disc golf is one of the fastest growing sports globally, however, little evidence exists examining the influence of player biometrics, sport biomechanics, & individual sport ranking on successful disc golf performance. Furthermore, to our knowledge, no evidence-based, sport-specific training programs are available to improve disc golf performance.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between biometrics, biomechanics, performance, & sport ranking in adult male disc golfers.  

Methods: A convenience sample of 13 male disc golfers (x̄ age =38.5±10.8yrs, x̄ hheight=179.8±8.1cm, x̄ bwt=103.1±21.4kg, x̄ BMI=31.6±7.1, x̄ bodyfat %=27.1±7.8) competitive disc golfers volunteered for the study. Subjects gave IRB-approved informed consent prior to participation, then completed the PAR-Q+ questionnaire. Subject height was measured with a stadiometer (Seca) & scale (GE). Body fat % was determined by BIA (Omron). Grip strength was measured with a handgrip dynamometer (Jamar). Subjects then performed three maximal-distance forehand & backhand throws each to determine: elbow valgus torque (MOTUS sleeve); arm slot (MOTUS sleeve); arm velocity (LoggerPro); horizontal disc velocity (LoggerPro), &; throw distance (Bushnell). Best-of-3 trials was used for each performance outcome. Means & SDs were calculated for all variables. The Pearson-product moment correlation was used to determine relationships among all variables. A 1-way ANOVA was used to determine if differences existed between groups divided by median Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) rating. Significance level was set at p≤0.05.

Results: Several significant positive & inverse correlations were observed, including: bwt & backhand arm velocity (r=0.78, p=0.002), backhand valgus torque (r=0.65, p=0.02), & forehand arm slot (r=-0.65, p=0.02); BMI & backhand arm velocity (r=0.81, p< 0.001), backhand valgus torque (r=0.66, p=0.02), forehand arm slot (r=0.68, p=0.01), & PDGA rating (r=-0.60, p=0.05); backhand valgus torque & backhand arm velocity (r=0.90, p=< 0.001), & backhand distance (r=-0.56, p=0.05); forehand distance & forehand valgus torque (r=0.71, p=0.006), & forehand arm slot (r=0.58, p=0.04). No differences were observed between higher & lower rated PDGA groups.

Conclusions: The positive correlation between forehand distance, valgus torque, & arm slot was expected, given that more torque and a higher arm slot (re: longer lever arm) should equate to greater throwing distance. A significant relationship existed between subject biometrics (bwt, BMI) & multiple backhand & forehand performance measures, indicating that larger biometrics may contribute to better performance for some less physically fit amateur players. This conclusion is possibly supported by an inverse relationship of PDGA rating & BMI in the present population. Future research should include a larger, more diversified subject pool, including elite professional disc golfers, to further delineate those kinetic, kinematic, & biometric attributes contributing to better disc golf playing performance.
Practical Application: To our knowledge, there are no evidence-based sport-specific S&C programs available for disc golf athletes. Our data preliminarily indicates that disc golfers should strive to improve thoraco-rotational kinetics, enhance core strength & stability, & utilize constant external resistance training modes specific to the unique neuromuscular coordination characteristics of forehand & backhand disc golf throws.

Acknowledgements: None