PowaKaddy have revealed the results of their commissioned research study into the potential health and performance benefits of using an electric trolley.
PowaKaddy have revealed the results of their commissioned research study into the potential health and performance benefits of using an electric trolley conducted by golf physiotherapist Andrew Caldwell, whose clients include the PGA and England Golf.
The review suggests that some golfers who choose to carry their clubs could be at a higher risk of certain musculoskeletal injuries and impaired golf performance.
As well as potentially elevating the likelihood of musculoskeletal injuries by lifting the golf bag using an asymmetrical, dominant hand lift, carrying was shown to contribute to the onset of Golf Specific Fatigue, resulting in reduced clubhead velocity and potentially playing a factor in poor decision-making.
“Although claims have been made about the health benefits of electric trolley use for many years now, this literature review has evaluated the best available research and collated the current evidence on factors, such as energy expenditure cost, injury risk and golf performance,” said Caldwell, Clinical Director of Active Therapy – Physiotherapy & Golf Sports Injury Clinic, based at the Chase Golf Health Club & Spa in Staffordshire.
Other headline findings included the significant reduction in energy expenditure and heart rate amongst golfers using electric trolleys over those who carried. This reduced metabolic demand of not carrying could help them to perform at their peak level for a longer period of time.
Significantly, less well-conditioned golfers, or those with reduced walking efficiency, may benefit most from not carrying and instead using an electric trolley.
There is also meaningful evidence to suggest that carrying could contribute to a 2.5% reduction in clubhead speed experienced over the course of a round of golf, which may result in a loss of up to 10 yards on tee shots.
