Despite an increase in the number of full-body three-dimensional
computer models of the golf swing reported in the literature, many authors do
not report in detail how the models are validated. Therefore, the aim of this
study was to create and validate a three-dimensional full-body computer model
of a golfer with a driver in terms of its kinematic output. Single-subject
analysis was used whereby one elite female golfer (handicap 0) performed 16
shots with her own driver club. A 6-camera Motion Analysis infrared
camera system operating at 400 Hz recorded the kinematic data of the 27 markers
located on the subject and golf club. Subsequently, this data was used to drive
a computer model created in ADAMS/LifeMOD software. Model construction methods
closely follow that of Nesbit (2005). Additional markers were placed on the subject
and were used for model validation as opposed to driving the model. In order to
initiate the movement of the model, inverse and forward dynamics calculations
were carried out with the imported motion data captured from one representative
trial captured during experimentation. The results illustrate a high level of
correlation (average r=0.949) between the kinematic data collected in
experimentation and the predicted trajectory of the virtual markers of the
model. Furthermore, a comparison of the difference between the simulated and
actual displacements of these markers between certain key events of the golf
swing indicated there were on average small differences (0.06 m between address
and top of backswing and 0.06 m between top of backswing and impact) between
the model simulation and the displacement recorded during experimentation. An
analysis of the temporal differences of key events (i.e. swing tempo) indicated
that there was little difference (0.59% difference in both backswing and
downswing time between model and actual trial) in this variable between the
model and the experimental trial used to drive the model. Collectively, these
results indicate that this model can accurately predict the kinematic movement
pattern of the subject used to drive the model. Future work will encompass
kinetic validation. At present, a full-body computer model was created and
validated in terms of its kinematic output; future work will utilize data
derived from this model to further investigate the golf swing.