The Effect of Reactive Neuromuscular Training on Golf Swing Kinematic Sequence

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) on golf swing kinematic sequence. RNT aims to promote effective dynamic stability and movement, reduce reliance on verbal and visual instruction, and encourage self-response to external stimuli such as forces applied via elastic bands. Since the golf swing is a complex motor skill requiring coordinated movement across multiple body segments—referred to as the kinematic sequence—RNT was applied to amateur golfers who typically sway their body or head during swings. The intervention used an inertial overloading technique, where a 5 kg clubbell created external perturbation during swing movements. Twenty-four male amateur golfers were randomly assigned to either an RNT group or a control group. A FlightScope Kudu ball tracking system and K-vest 3D motion analysis system were used to measure outcomes during 7-iron full swings. Dependent variables included carry distance, maximum angular velocity (pelvis, thorax, wrist), and deceleration timing of the same segments. The RNT group showed superior performance in carry distance and had significantly higher maximum angular velocities in the pelvis and wrist. Additionally, the deceleration timing of the pelvis and thorax shifted earlier toward the mid-downswing phase in the RNT group. These findings confirm that RNT has a beneficial motor learning effect on golf swing kinematic sequencing and performance, particularly in improving distance and segmental coordination.