Past research has shown that custom moldable insoles allow a golfer's body to establish a better point of contact with the ground when executing a golf swing. These insoles were also shown to help stabilize the foot, evenly redistribute weight and correct your entire body posture during the golf swing. In a study conducted by Stude & Gullickson (2000), 71% of participants felt their balance was improved while using custom insoles and playing golf. As well, 50% of participants felt that they were hitting the ball harder and 38% of participants reported a lower golf score. This research suggests custom moldable insoles helped golfers hit the ball harder. In order to further explore these results, we at SOLE Custom Footbeds decided to conduct a study, to explore the effects of wearing custom moldable insoles on club head velocity (CHV) and yardage after playing simulated golf.
Golf
PARTICIPANTS
The individuals who participated in the study were all employees at a local golf store located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Participants were asked to answer a short questionnaire, which included questions pertaining to their experience in playing golf and if they had sustained any major injuries in the last 5 years. Seven participants (6 men, 1 woman) responded to the questionnaire. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 32 years (M = 25.8, SD = 4.56). Participants had an average golf handicap of 14.4 and have been playing golf for an average of 10 years. It should be noted that none of the participants had sustained a major physical injury in the past 5 years.
PROCEDURE AND DESIGN
The study was conducted at the store, which contained an advanced indoor golf simulator. This simulator was set up to record both number of yards driven and CHV (swing speed in miles per hour). This study was conducted in two phases. The participants were first instructed to take an average of six swings with their own golf shoes. In the second phase, the participants were fitted with a pair of SOLE Custom Footbeds in their golf shoes. After each participant was properly fitted, they were instructed to hit the ball six more times. CHV and yards hit was measured in all subjects before and after wearing custom moldable insoles.
RESULTS
The results of the study can be represented in the following graphs:
Drive Distance (Yards)
Yardage increased by 10.8 yards when the subject was wearing SOLE Custom Footbeds.
Clubhead Velocity (mph)
Club Head Velocity (CHV) increased by 1.8 mph with SOLE
In the first phase of the study (without SOLE), the participants drove the ball an average of 212.6 yrds and their CHV was 94.8 miles per hour. In the second phase of the experiment (while wearing SOLE Custom Footbeds), both the participant’s yards and CHV increased. The participants drove the ball an average of 223.4 yrds and their CHV was 96.6 miles per hour.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the use of SOLE Custom Footbeds has a positive influence on Club Head Velocity and Yardage. While wearing SOLE Custom Footbeds, club head velocity (CHV) increased, and yardage increased by 10.8 yards. In addition, participants reported that SOLE Custom Footbeds reduced the effects of fatigue and thus may improve the likelihood of a more consistent golf performance.
Sole Custom Footbeds are available from 0800sports.co.uk
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