Effects of Orthotic Intervention and Nine Holes of Simulated Golf on Club-Head Velocity in Experienced Golfers
David E. Stude, DC, and Jeff Gullickson, DC
Introduction
The scientific literature supports the premise that the function of one body region influences the performance of another, that structural changes in one region of the body can promote compensatory changes in another1-4 and that the human body functions as a whole unit rather than functioning regionally.5-8 In addition, there are studies that demonstrate the global effects of such regional influences.9, 10
Because the spine and lower extremity represent a closed kinetic chain in the upright posture, there is considerable potential for the foundation (i.e., foot and ankle) to influence the function of other regions. There is also evidence to show that shoe selection affects balance performance11-13 and may be very important in reducing the likelihood of overuse injuries, minimizing performance loss from fatigue and impact force from heel strike14 and potentially increasing sports performance capabilities.