Ultrasound Biofeedback of the Core Muscles in Golfers with Low Back Pain

The main purpose of this research is to compare the effectiveness of traditional instruction to ultrasound feedback to increase thickness of the core muscles, both during a table exercise and during a golf swing. This feedback may help individuals with low back pain to use their core muscles more effectively than without the feedback, which could reduce their pain.

You will be asked to come to the laboratory for one visit lasting approximately one hour. After filling out brief surveys electronically, you will perform 12 repetitions of a core exercise while lying on the table, then perform 12 golf swings. An ultrasound device will be placed on your abdomen to view the thickness of the muscles of your core. After a rest period, you will repeat the table exercise and golf swing 12 more times each, while watching your muscles on the ultrasound screen.