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A $51,000 grant will enable University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers to determine whether sophisticated new imaging technologies can help them achieve pinpoint placement of deep-brain stimulation electrodes in patients with Parkinson’s disease. George Mandybur, MD, a neurosurgeon with the Mayfield Clinic and the UC Neuroscience Institute, is leading the pilot study, which will take place at University Hospital.

Dermatologic conditions are a common presenting complaint in the athletic training room. There are many different causes for rashes, and treatment options vary depending on the condition and the severity. Bacterial infections of the skin have a variety of different appearances and can spread rapidly among individuals. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus when making the choice of antibiotics. Other infectious rashes, including tinea and herpes, are well-described conditions in wrestlers; however, these rashes can be seen in any athlete, especially those engaged in contact sports. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are important to clear the rash and reduce the spread to others. In addition to infectious rashes, athletes are prone to mechanical rashes and skin conditions due to friction and tight-fitting equipment. Sports medicine providers must not only diagnose and treat these conditions but also be aware of the return-to-play guidelines set forth by the governing bodies under which he or she operates.

Background

No fine-wire electromyography studies have been performed to compare the activity of forearm muscles in professional golfers versus amateur golfers.

Hypothesis

The fine-wire electromyographic activity of forearm muscles differs between professional and amateur golfers during the different phases of the golf swing.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Ten male right-handed amateur golfers and 10 male right-handed professional golfers without history of elbow symptoms were tested with fine-wire electromyographic electrodes inserted into the flexor carpi radialis, pronator teres, flexor carpi ulnaris, and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles of both forearms. Electromyographic data were synchronized with video data, and the muscle activity was expressed as a percentage of maximum manual muscle test activity for each phase of the golf swing.

Results

Compared with professional golfers, amateur golfers had more muscle activity in the pronator teres of the trail arm (right arm in a right-handed golfer) in the forward swing phase (120.9% maximum manual muscle test vs 57.4% maximum manual muscle test; P = .04) and a trend toward increased activity in the acceleration phase (104.8% maximum manual muscle test vs 53.1% maximum manual muscle test; P = .08). In contrast, professional golfers had more muscle activity in the pronator teres of the lead arm (left arm in a right-handed golfer) in the acceleration phase (88.1% maximum manual muscle test vs 36.3% maximum manual muscle test; P = .03) and a trend toward increased activity in the early follow-through phase (58.1% maximum manual muscle test vs 28.8% maximum manual muscle test; P = .06).

Conclusion

Pronator teres muscle activity in the golf swing differs significantly between professional and amateur golfers.

Clinical Relevance

Exercises with an emphasis on stretching and strengthening of the pronator teres may be useful in treating and/or preventing medial epicondylitis in amateur golfers.