Abstract
Abstract—Golfers often face challenges in refining their swings,
seeking cost-effective ways to enhance their techniques.
Traditional coaching methods are costly and since they rely on the
human eye, these techniques often miss important golf swing
movements owing to the rapid pace of a golf swing. To address this
shortcoming, an investigation into the potential of IMU sensors for
the mapping of golf swings to aid both instructors and golfers was
undertaken. Focusing on the leading shoulder's horizontal
position relative to the club head, the study addresses two
questions: determining whether IMUs can map a golf swing as well
as determining the minimum IMU sensors required to track a golf
swing. Thus, the goal of this pilot study was to identify if there are
optimal placements for IMUs on the body. The premise is that by
performing a consistent golf swing, golfers could improve their
handicap. Thus, by tracking and visually displaying the phases of
the golf swing, such data could aid in increased golf swing
consistency by analysing not only the phases of the golf swing, but
also the bodily movements.
This pilot study relied on six participants who each repeatedly
performed golf swings. IMUs were positioned in eight positions
around the body from ankle to shoulder and several trials were
conducted for each position. The results showed that IMUs were
useful in tracking a golf swing; however, certain bodily positions,
such as the hip, leading knee, and leading foot, did not yield
meaningful data as compared to the other positions. The IMU data
from the back and front of the wrist and the leading shoulder
provided useful mappings of the golf swing, including the timing
and intensity. Analysis of body posture angles, especially wrist
flexion, hip, and shoulder rotation angles, offered valuable data
that may be useful to both coaches and players. By discerning
patterns in successful and unsuccessful swings, coaches could
provide informed feedback to golfers, aiding golfers in refining
their techniques. These findings demonstrate the potential of IMU
sensors in golf instruction, offering a data-driven approach to
enhance golfers' performance and consistency on the golf course.