Deficits in the Star Excursion Balance Test and Golf Performance in Elite Golfers with Chronic Low Back Pain.

Researchers studied 15 elite college golfers to understand how chronic low back pain affects balance and golf performance. Six golfers had experienced low back pain for more than six months, while nine were pain-free. The study used the Star Excursion Balance Test, where participants reach as far as possible in different directions while balancing on one leg, to measure dynamic balance control. They also analyzed golf swing data using advanced tracking technology.

The golfers with chronic low back pain showed notably reduced balance abilities in most directions tested, particularly when reaching toward the back and sides. This suggests their bodies have developed compensatory movement patterns to protect the painful area. More importantly, these balance deficits translated directly into golf performance—players with back pain had slower club speeds and shorter ball distances compared to healthy golfers. The painful group also displayed a more upright swing plane, likely an unconscious adaptation to avoid aggravating their back pain.

These findings are significant because they demonstrate how chronic low back pain creates measurable physical limitations that affect athletic performance. The Star Excursion Balance Test proved to be a simple, accessible way to identify these deficits without expensive equipment. For golfers struggling with persistent back pain, these results suggest that addressing both pain and the underlying balance and movement dysfunction is essential for returning to peak performance. Acupuncture has shown promise in managing chronic low back pain and may help restore normal movement patterns when combined with appropriate rehabilitation exercises. If you're considering acupuncture for sports-related back pain, seek a licensed acupuncturist with experience treating athletes.

This study examined 15 Division 1 collegiate golfers (6 with chronic low back pain >6 months, 9 controls) using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and TrackMan Golf Launch Monitor to assess dynamic postural control and swing biomechanics. The CLBP group demonstrated reduced SEBT scores bilaterally in medial, lateral, posterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, indicating compromised dynamic stability. Unexpectedly, they scored higher in the right anterolateral direction, suggesting compensatory movement patterns. Performance metrics revealed decreased club speed and ball carry distance in the CLBP cohort, accompanied by a more upright swing plane—likely a pain-avoidance strategy. These findings establish a clear relationship between chronic low back pain, impaired dynamic balance, and diminished golf performance in elite players. The SEBT appears to be a valid, cost-effective screening tool for identifying movement dysfunction in golfers with CLBP. Clinical takeaway: Addressing both pain management and functional movement deficits through multimodal treatment approaches, including acupuncture and corrective exercise, may be essential for restoring optimal performance in athletes with chronic low back pain.