On January 31, theGeorges Charpak Institute of Human Biomechanics,unique facility dedicated to human biomechanics located on the Arts et Métiers campus in Paris, hosted a biomechanical swing analysis experiment. The goal is to improve golfers' technique in order to increase their performance while limiting the risk of injury.
What is the value of biomechanics in analyzing a golfer's movements?
Biomechanics is "the optimal use of one's body to perform a movement, in the mechanical sense" (Philippe Rouch, Director of theGeorges Charpak Institute of Human Biomechanics). Thus, as Philippe Rouch explains, biomechanical analysis of the swing allows, among other things, for the optimization of foot placement and rotation.
The demonstration on January 31 took place in the Institute's motion analysis room and was led by Philippe Rouch, in partnership with the French Golf Federation andthe National Association of Sports Podiatrists (ANPS).
A practical application to improve medical care for golfers
Sensors positioned on the golfer and connected to infrared cameras are used to model the golfer's posture and movement on a computer. This modeling makes it possible to monitor the evolution of the golfer's swing in order to calculate force, intensity, and movement, but also to understand why they are at risk of injury and propose a solution accordingly.
According to ANPS podiatrists, performance and injury risk are key concerns for golfers. Podiatrists regularly treat golfers suffering from injuries. The results of the demonstration will therefore not only provide scientific backing for the observations they make in their practices, but also improve the medical care provided to golfers.
For Jeanne Bernard, podiatrist and vice president of the ANPS:
The challenge is to see how supports can change a movement and posture, what actions we can take based on supports to improve golfers' performance by eliminating certain flaws and optimizing their abilities according to each individual's motor skills. It is an additional tool for golfers to help them perform better, improve their movements, and thus avoid injury.
However, for this analysis to be truly effective, golfers must be able to modify their swing and incorporate the parameters they are given!
