Analysis of Questions on Golf Related Pain on the Internet

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to understand the distribution of golf-related pain and associated factors by analysing the questions posted at Internet golf site. METHOD: Total 69 questions and its access number of golfers at two Korean internet golf sites (www.rhygolf.com, www.golfsky.com) were analyzed in the period of June, 2000 to July, 2001. We also conducted a supplementary e-mail survey to know demographic data and other informations of those who posted the questions. RESULTS: In both categories of numbers of questions and access rate, upper extremity including shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand was the most common area of pain complaints, followed by spine, lower extremity, chest in orders. Golf career of upper extremity pain group were significantly low compared with other groups (p<0.05). Female golfers had more tendency to complain multiple pains than male golfers (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Golf itself relatively imposes more burden on upper extremity and spine. Among factors, sex and golf career were associated with anatomical distribution of golf-related pain. Even though the result is comparable to previous report, more complementary follow-up field study should be done.