Research article - (2009)08, 648 - 656
Improved Motor-Timing: Effects of Synchronized Metro-Nome Training on Golf Shot Accuracy
Marius Sommer, Louise Rönnqvist
Department of Psychology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

Marius Sommer
✉ Department of Psychology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
Email: marius.sommer@psy.umu.se
Received: 16-07-2009 -- Accepted: 14-10-2009
Published (online): 01-12-2009

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effect of synchronized metronome training (SMT) on motor timing and how this training might affect golf shot accuracy. Twenty-six experienced male golfers participated (mean age 27 years; mean golf handicap 12.6) in this study. Pre- and post-test investigations of golf shots made by three different clubs were conducted by use of a golf simulator. The golfers were randomized into two groups: a SMT group and a Control group. After the pre-test, the golfers in the SMT group completed a 4-week SMT program designed to improve their motor timing, the golfers in the Control group were merely training their golf-swings during the same time period. No differences between the two groups were found from the pre-test outcomes, either for motor timing scores or for golf shot accuracy. However, the post-test results after the 4-weeks SMT showed evident motor timing improvements. Additionally, significant improvements for golf shot accuracy were found for the SMT group and with less variability in their performance. No such improvements were found for the golfers in the Control group. As with previous studies that used a SMT program, this study’s results provide further evidence that motor timing can be improved by SMT and that such timing improvement also improves golf accuracy.

Key words: Golf accuracy, motor timing, golf shot variability, metronome training

Key Points
  • This study investigates the effect of synchronized metronome training (SMT) on motor timing and how this training might affect golf shot accuracy.
  • A randomized control group design was used.
  • The 4 week SMT intervention showed significant improvements in motor timing, golf shot accuracy, and lead to less variability.
  • We conclude that this study’s results provide further evidence that motor timing can be improved by SMT training and that such timing improvement also improves golf accuracy.








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