Neurológia pre prax 4/2015

Neuro(physio)logy of golf

Golf is a specific sport, involving brief physical acts combining strength and precision interleaved with much longer pauses suitable for reflection and planning. Modern functional imaging and neurophysiological techniques have generated interesting information on brain and autonomic nervous system activity during top expert performance in this sport. Elite performance of professionals is supported by specific dynamic balance in participation of motor and non-motor structures of the brain. Whereas neurophysiological research provides leads to increased golf performance, the sport itself may, on the other hand, offer a motivating medium for rehabilitation of neurological patients.

Keywords: golf, functional magnetic resonance, electroencephalography, autonomic nervous system, motor planning.