Golfing can be a great way to get exercise (provided you forgo the cart and walk the course). A golfer needs strength, flexibility, precise coordination and stamina to play a decent game of 18 holes. But the constant swings of the golf club can put stress on the lower back, hips and shoulders.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a program to reduce injury in golfers. It's called "Par Without Pain". First, the investigators use biomechanic analysis to monitor a golfer's swing - watching body movement, shifts in weight, force on the joints and resulting flight characteristics of the ball. Therapists use that information to determine a golfer's strengths and weaknesses. Next, the golfer is given a program of up to 22 exercises to address his/her weaknesses.

Par Without Pain was developed by studying the motion of 15 golfers. After an 8-week training program, the participating golfers experienced a significant improvement in balance, flexibility, strength and/or swing mechanics. Golfers who went through the training exercises not only reduced their risk of injury, they improved their game as well - increasing speed of the ball and driving distance by about 20 yards.

SOURCES

LearnAboutGolf.com, http://www.learnaboutgolf.com