LifeMOD (University of Ulster) determining the relationship between golfer mechanics and clubs of varying length
Client:
University of Ulster
Business:
Sport & Exercise Sciences Research Institute
Challenge:
How do you create a golf club optimized for the average player? How can sports scientists better understand the complex interaction between human and club mechanics?
Solution:
An elite male golfer performed 24 shots in a laboratory, comprised of 8 trials using each of three drivers of different shaft lengths. A motion capture system was used to collect the motion data of the swings and a launch monitor was used to record the experiment club head launch conditions.
A LifeMOD musculoskeletal model of the golfer was developed using physical measurements of the golfer. The motion capture data was used to train the muscles to deliver the forces appropriate for the golf swing, while remaining within physiological limitations. A flexible golf club was introduced into the LifeMOD model. The golf club model was parameterized so as to permit fast re-sizing of the club in the model.
Simulations were performed for each swing pattern. The model was validated by comparing the model motion and the club head launch conditions to the human trials.
There was a high level of agreement (r=0.995) between experimental kinematic data and the predicted trajectory of the model. There was also a high level of correlation (r=0.989) between the model predicted mean values for club head speed and the experimental values for each of the club lengths, both demonstrating increased club head velocity as club length increased. Muscle contraction force output by the model showed a significant difference between driver simulations, demonstrating its capability to illustrate the link between gross muscle force production and club length, as evidenced by the increased force output for the longest shafted club.
A LifeMOD musculoskeletal model of the golfer was developed using physical measurements of the golfer. The motion capture data was used to train the muscles to deliver the forces appropriate for the golf swing, while remaining within physiological limitations. A flexible golf club was introduced into the LifeMOD model. The golf club model was parameterized so as to permit fast re-sizing of the club in the model.
Simulations were performed for each swing pattern. The model was validated by comparing the model motion and the club head launch conditions to the human trials.
There was a high level of agreement (r=0.995) between experimental kinematic data and the predicted trajectory of the model. There was also a high level of correlation (r=0.989) between the model predicted mean values for club head speed and the experimental values for each of the club lengths, both demonstrating increased club head velocity as club length increased. Muscle contraction force output by the model showed a significant difference between driver simulations, demonstrating its capability to illustrate the link between gross muscle force production and club length, as evidenced by the increased force output for the longest shafted club.
Value:
With a validated, parametric model of the golfer and club, further variable couplings may be studied to further understand the relationship between human and club mechanics.
See publication.
See publication.