An Investigation into the Biomechanical Role of Peak Pelvic Rotation in Golf Swing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.4.09Keywords:
IMU-based,, golf biomechanics, peak pelvic rotation angle, clubhead speedAbstract
Background. Clubhead speed (CHS) is a key determinant of golf performance and is influenced by the efficient transfer of energy throughout the kinematic sequence. Peak pelvic rotation angle (PPRA) at the top of the backswing has been proposed as an important biomechanical factor contributing to swing performance; however, previous studies have reported conflicting findings regarding whether greater pelvic rotation is associated with superior outcomes. Consequently, the biomechanical role of PPRA in golf performance remains unclear.
Objectives. This study aimed to (1) determine the association between PPRA and CHS, (2) compare PPRA characteristics between golfers with different performance levels, and (3) clarify the biomechanical role of PPRA in golf swing performance.
Materials and Methods. Eighteen male amateur golfers performed 30 valid swings using a 7-iron under standardized conditions, resulting in 540 analyzed swings. PPRA was measured using an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion capture system, while CHS was assessed using Golfzon Vision. A Linear Mixed Model (LMM) was applied to examine the association between PPRA and CHS, and independent-samples t-tests were used to compare PPRA between the high-CHS and low-CHS groups.
Results. PPRA was significantly associated with CHS (β = 0.164, p < 0.001), indicating that greater pelvic rotation contributed to increased clubhead speed. However, golfers in the high-CHS group demonstrated significantly smaller PPRA values than those in the low-CHS group (18.49 ± 1.86° vs. 22.45 ± 4.38°; p = 0.019, Cohen’s d = 1.085). Additionally, the high-CHS group exhibited lower variability in PPRA, suggesting greater movement consistency.
Conclusions. PPRA contributes to CHS generation; however, superior performance appears to depend more on the optimization and consistency of pelvic rotation than on greater rotational magnitude. These findings suggest that PPRA should be interpreted as a movement coordination characteristic within the kinematic sequence rather than as a performance variable that should simply be maximized.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Minh Hieu Vo, Thi Tham Nguyen, Ngoc Tuyet Minh Cao
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