Daisuke ICHIKAWA, PhD. Professional affiliations: Sports and Health Science Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering (Toyo University, JAPAN). 2012 Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering (University of Yamanashi, JAPAN), Doctor of Philosophy (Life Science). 2001 Master's Program in Health and Sport Sciences (University of Tsukuba, JAPAN), Master of Physical Education (Coaching Science). Current areas of interest:Evaluation of athlete performance, Educational value of physical education, Sarcopenia investigation for the aging society.
Research Interests
Pedagogy of physical education Practical studies for education Educational psychology Training Science Exercise physiology Exercise performance evaluation Sports biomechanics A three dimensional motion analysis Shot skill TrackMan (Doppler radar ball trackers) Physical test Kinetic chain Functional training Ground reaction force University Physical Education Class Self-efficacy Factor of pro-exercise and anti-exercice Thermoregulation Heat stress Heat disorder Sarcopenia De-training Cerebral autoregulation Muscle thickness Evaluation of Lower limb muscle strength
Pedagogy of physical education Practical studies for education Educational psychology Training Science Exercise physiology Exercise performance evaluation Sports biomechanics A three dim...See More
Pedagogy of physical education Practical studies for education Educational psychology Training Science Exercise physiology Exercise performance evaluation Sports biomechanics A three dimensional motion analysis Shot skill TrackMan (Doppler radar ball trackers) Physical test Kinetic chain Functional training Ground reaction force University Physical Education Class Self-efficacy Factor of pro-exercise and anti-exercice Thermoregulation Heat stress Heat disorder Sarcopenia De-training Cerebral autoregulation Muscle thickness Evaluation of Lower limb muscle strength
Research Areas
Humanities & social sciences / Primary/secondary education and curricula
Humanities & social sciences / Educational psychology
Life sciences / Physical and health education
Life sciences / Nutrition and health science
Life sciences / Sports science
Academic & Professional Experience
2024/04 - Today Toyo UniversityFaculty of Science and Engineering Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringProfessor
2023/04 - 2024/03 Toyo UniversityFaculty of Science and Engineering Department of Biomedical EngineeringProfessor
2015/04 - 2023/03 Toyo UniversityFaculty of Science and Engineering Department of Biomedical EngineeringAssociate Professor
2010/04 - 2015/03 Toyo UniversityFaculty of Science and Engineering Department of Biomedical EngineeringLectuer
2009/04 - 2010/03 Toyo UniversityFaculty of Information Sciences and Arts非常勤講師
2007/04 - 2009/03 Aoyama Gakuin UniversityCollege of LiteratureAssistant Professor
2004/04 - 2007/03 Aoyama Gakuin UniversityCollege of LiteratureResearch Assistant
Education
2009/04 - 2012/03 University of Yamanashi, JAPAN. Doctor of Philosophy, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering Life Science
1999/04 - 2001/03 University of Tsukuba, JAPAN. Master's Program in Health and Sport Sciences, Coaching Science
1995/03 - 1999/04 University of Tsukuba, JAPAN.
Association Memberships
National Strength and Conditioning Association JAPAN SOCIETY OF GOLF SCIENCES JAPAN SOCIETY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION,HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES International Journal of Golf Science European College of Sports Science Japan Society of Baseball Science Japan Wellness Society Japan Society of Sports Performance Research
National Strength and Conditioning Association JAPAN SOCIETY OF GOLF SCIENCES JAPAN SOCIETY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION,HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES International Journal of Golf Science European Colle...See More
National Strength and Conditioning Association JAPAN SOCIETY OF GOLF SCIENCES JAPAN SOCIETY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION,HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES International Journal of Golf Science European College of Sports Science Japan Society of Baseball Science Japan Wellness Society Japan Society of Sports Performance Research
The journal of Tokyo International University, Interdisciplinary Studies 東京国際大学人間科学・複合領域研究論叢編集委員会 (10) 1 - 9 2025/03
A Survey on Baseball 5 Skills and Strategies in University Physical Education Class -Analysis of the Exercise-Confidence Scale and Text Mining-Takaaki Koba; Isao Okuda; Daisuke IchikawaThe journal of ...See More
Daisuke Ichikawa; Akihiko Sakai; Takeru Suzuki; Taiki Miyazawa; Isao Okuda; John Patrick Sheahan
Journal of Human Sport and Exercise University of Alicante 19 (3) 874 - 881 2024/06 [Refereed]
Case study based on ball trajectory and motion analysis of international long-drive distance golf playerDaisuke Ichikawa; Akihiko Sakai; Takeru Suzuki; Taiki Miyazawa; Isao Okuda; John Patrick Sheahan...See More
Bulletin of Shigakkan University 至学館大学(大学院健康科学研究科・健康科学部・人文学部・短期大学部) (58) 1 - 9 2024/03 [Refereed]
Male college soccer players show shorter distances and fewer number at high speed running in 8-a-side small-sided games compared to the 11-a-side large-sided games.Kazushi Shinmura; Daisuke Ichikawa; ...See More
Suzuki Takeru; Ichikawa Daisuke; Okuda Isao; Kita Tetsuro
Bulletin of the Musashino Art University Musashino Art University (54) 119 - 124 2023/11 [Refereed]
Changes in relative rate of performance by subjective effort in driver shots —Focusing on golfersʼ intentions and actual results—Suzuki Takeru; Ichikawa Daisuke; Okuda Isao; Kita TetsuroBulletin of th...See More
Golf Sciences Japan Journal of Golf Sciences 35 (1) 1 - 11 2023/06 [Refereed][Invited]
Comparison of Golfers’ Shot Data and Foot Pressure Distribution under Different Slope ConditionsTarutani Yasuaki; Suzuki Takeru; Isao Okuda; Ichikawa DaisukeGolf Sciences Japan Journal of Golf Science...See More
Comparison of Golfers’ Shot Data and Foot Pressure Distribution under Different Slope Conditions
Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa; Isao Okuda
International Journal of Kinesiology and Sports Science Australian International Academic Centre, Australia 10 (4) 7 - 15 2022/10 [Refereed]
Relationship Between Variability in Clubhead Movement Using a Doppler Radar Launch Monitor and Golf Strokes Across 15 Driver ShotsDaisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa;...See More
The effect of the hat maaterial, color, and shape on physiological indicators as well as temperature and humidity inside the hat during sports activities in a hot environmentTetsuro Kita; Takeo Hashig...See More
Golf Sciences Japan Journal of Golf Sciences 34 (1) 15 - 22 0919-5343 2022/03 [Refereed][Invited]
A comparative study of the left and right club head speed to prevent motor dysfunction and improve swing in golfSuzuki Takeru; Ichikawa Daisuke; Okuda Isao; Kita tetsuro; Niwase Toshikazu; Sakai Akihi...See More
Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa; Isao Okuda; Daisuke Ichikawa
The Open Sports Sciences Journal Bentham Science Publishers Ltd. 14 137 - 143 2021/12 [Refereed]
Comparison of TrackMan Data between Professional and Amateur Golfers at Swinging to Uphill and Downhill FairwaysTakeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa; Isao Okuda; Daisuke IchikawaThe Ope...See More
LI Qianqian; KITA Tetsuro; KOBAYASHI Akiyo; NAKAHARA Shunsaburo; ICHIKAWA Daisuke
Bulletin of Japanese Society for the Science of Design Japanese Society for the Science and Design 68 (2) 29 - 34 2021/09 [Refereed]
Characteristics of foot pressure load and center of gravity sway with respect to the conditions of use of canes by the elderly during the standing motionLI Qianqian; KITA Tetsuro; KOBAYASHI Akiyo; NAK...See More
Taiki Miyazawa; Mirai Mizutani; John Patrick Sheahan; Daisuke Ichikawa
Journal of Physiological Anthropology BioMed Central Ltd. 40 (12) 1 - 9 2021/08 [Refereed]
Intermittent face cooling reduces perceived exertion during exercise in a hot environmentTaiki Miyazawa; Mirai Mizutani; John Patrick Sheahan; Daisuke IchikawaJournal of Physiological Anthropology Bio...See More
Takeru Suzuki; John; Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Daisuke Ichikawa
Journal of Human Sport and Exercise 16 (4) 853 - 865 1988-5202 2020/05 [Refereed]
Investigating factors that improve golf scores by comparing statistics of amateur golfers in repeat scramble strokes and one-ball conditionsTakeru Suzuki; John; Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Daisuke Ic...See More
Daisuke Ichikawa, Kyoko Yamazaki, Seiichiro Shigeto, John Patrick Sheahan, Isao Okuda
Journal of physical exercise and sports science 一般社団法人日本運動・スポーツ科学学会 26 (1) 53 - 58 2020/04 [Refereed]
The investigation of participation in off-campus snowboard camp on exercise self-efficacy and resilience changes in college studentsDaisuke Ichikawa, Kyoko Yamazaki, Seiichiro Shigeto, John Patrick Sh...See More
Japanese Journal of Physical Education and Sport for Higher Education 公益社団法人全国大学体育連合 17 3 - 11 2020/03 [Refereed]
Characteristics of exercise self-efficacy and resilience of college students proactively taking sports practical course. A comparison of psychological transformation in sports practical course student...See More
Research Journal of Sports Performance (11) 361 - 371 2019/08 [Refereed]
Weight training variables for predicting club head speed in collegiate male golfersDaisuke ICHIKAWA; Fumiya YAMAGUCHI; Motoki TAKADA; Taiki MIYAZAWA, John; Patrick SHEAHAN; Isao OKUDAResearch Journal ...See More
International Journal of Golf Science 7 (1) 1 - 15 2019/04 [Refereed]
A comparison of stroke distance error from dominant and non-dominant putting stance in professional and novice golfersDaiTakeru Suzuki; Yoshiaki Manabe; Hiroshi Arakawa; John; Patrick Sheahan; Isao Ok...See More
Japan Journal of Golf Sciences 31 (2) 11 - 17 2019/03 [Refereed]
An investigation on distal training using cylindrical rubber training equipment in collegiate competitive golfersDaisuke ICHIKAWA; Taiki MIYAZAWA; Seiichiro SHIGETO; John; Patrick SHEAHAN; Isao OKUDAJ...See More
An investigation on distal training using cylindrical rubber training equipment in collegiate competitive golfers
Journal of physical exercise and sports science 23 (2) 103 - 109 2018/03 [Refereed]
Effect of experience engaged in sport activity before entering college on two types of self-efficacy and self-love. ―Examination of self-efficacy causality using Structural Equation Modeling―Seiichiro...See More
Taiki Miyazawa; Maki Keika, John; Patrick Sheahan; Daisuke Ichikawa
International Journal of Sports Science 7 (5) 177 - 183 2169-8759 2017/07 [Refereed]
Effect of Opponent Quality on Goal-patterns from Direct Play in Japanese Professional SoccerTaiki Miyazawa; Maki Keika, John; Patrick Sheahan; Daisuke IchikawaInternational Journal of Sports Science 7...See More
Effect of oral administration of gamma-amino butyric acid on temperature sensation under a hot environment in resting humansTaiki Miyazawa; Daisuke ICHIKAWA至学館大学研究紀要 至学館大学(大学院健康科学研究科・健康科学部・人文学部・短期大学部)...See More
Japan Journal for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in Universities 公益社団法人全国大学体育連合 (14) 16 - 23 2017/03 [Refereed][Invited]
Achievements obtained in a golf class evaluated using golf swing motion and putting ability measurementsDaisuke ICHIKAWAJapan Journal for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in Universit...See More
Daisuke Ichikawa; Seiichiro Shigeto; Taiki Miyazawa; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda
Rigakuryoho Kagaku Society of Physical Therapy Science (Rigaku Ryoho Kagakugakkai) 31 (6) 875 - 881 1341-1667 2016/12 [Refereed]
A functional movement screen for golfersDaisuke Ichikawa; Seiichiro Shigeto; Taiki Miyazawa; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao OkudaRigakuryoho Kagaku Society of Physical Therapy Science (Rigaku Ryoho Kagaku...See More
Field-based simplified approach of evaluating knee extensor muscle strength and size in male university freshmen.Yasuda T; Ichikawa DJournal of Sports Science 4 (5) 272 - 278 2332-7839 2016/07 [Refere...See More
Japan Journal for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in Universities Japanese Association of University Physical Education and Sports 13 (13) 35 - 42 1349-1296 2016/01 [Refereed][Invited]
Effect of weekly sports participation through physical education class at university on muscle strength and power in the lower bodyDaisuke ICHIKAWA; Tomohiro YASUDAJapan Journal for Health, Physical E...See More
Japan Journal for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in Universities Japanese Association of University Physical Education and Sports 13 (13) 35 - 42 1349-1296 2016/01 [Refereed][Invited]
Journal of Sports and Health Science 東洋大学スポーツ健康科学委員会 (11) 1 - 10 1346-1087 2014/03
Relationship between lower extremity muscle thickness using B-mode ultrasound and physical test in college students.ICHIKAWA Daisuke; YAMAZAKI Kyoko; YASUDA TomohiroJournal of Sports and Health Scienc...See More
Journal of Sports and Health Science 東洋大学スポーツ健康科学委員会 (11) 11 - 19 1346-1087 2014/03
Relationship between narcissism tendency and self-efficacy in pro-exercise males in college physical education classSeiichiro Shigeto; Isao Okuda; Daisuke IchikawaJournal of Sports and Health Science ...See More
Journal of Sports and Health Science 東洋大学スポーツ健康科学委員会 (11) 11 - 19 1346-1087 2014/03
The effects of 8 weeks of medicine ball training on the distance of medicine ball throwing and golf performance.
Daisuke Ichikawa; John; Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda
Golf Sciences Japan Journal of Golf Sciences 26 (2) 1 - 12 2014/02 [Refereed]
The effects of 8 weeks of medicine ball training on the distance of medicine ball throwing and golf performance.Daisuke Ichikawa; John; Patrick Sheahan; Isao OkudaGolf Sciences Japan Journal of Golf S...See More
The effects of 8 weeks of medicine ball training on the distance of medicine ball throwing and golf performance.
Daisuke Ichikawa; John; Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda
Golf Sciences Japan Journal of Golf Sciences 26 (2) 1 - 12 2014/02 [Refereed]
D. Ichikawa; T. Miyazawa; M. Horiuchi; T. Kitama; J. P. Fisher; S. Ogoh
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports (23) 1 - 10 0905-7188 2013/06 [Refereed]
Relationship between aerobic endurance training and dynamic cerebral blood flow regulation in humansD. Ichikawa; T. Miyazawa; M. Horiuchi; T. Kitama; J. P. Fisher; S. OgohScandinavian Journal of Medic...See More
Face cooling with mist water increases cerebral blood flow during exercise: effect of changes in facial skin blood flowTaiki Miyazawa; Masahiro Horiuchi; Daisuke Ichikawa; Andrew W. Subudhi; Jun Sugaw...See More
Toshinari Akimoto; Jun Sugawara; Daisuke Ichikawa; Nobuyuki Terada; Paul J. Fadel; Shigehiko Ogoh
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 301 (5) R1591 - R1598 0363-6119 2011/10 [Refereed]
Enhanced open-loop but not closed-loop cardiac baroreflex sensitivity during orthostatic stress in humansToshinari Akimoto; Jun Sugawara; Daisuke Ichikawa; Nobuyuki Terada; Paul J. Fadel; Shigehiko Og...See More
The Aoyama standard journal Aoyama Gakuin University 3 341 - 351 1880-6430 2008/01 [Refereed]
A Study on the change of psychological condition during a game in the bowling : Focused on "a strike".Kitamura Tetsu; Soejima Hideharu; Ueno Yukiko; Ichikawa Daisuke; Takabatake RuiThe Aoyama standard...See More
Journal of College of Literature, Aoyama Gakuin University Aoyama Gakuin University 49 197 - 206 0518-1194 2007
Surveying Health Factors of the Japanese Golfer.ICHIKAWA Daisuke; YOSHIHARA Shin; SOEJIMA Hideharu; KITAMURA Tetsu; TAKABATAKE RuiJournal of College of Literature, Aoyama Gakuin University Aoyama Gaku...See More
Heading accuracy improves through heading training using Virtual Reality [Not invited]
Taiki Miyazawa; Ichiyo Okamoto; Daisuke Ichikawa
World Congress on Science and Soccer (WCSS 2025) 2025/06 Poster presentation Ibrox Stadium (Rangers FC) and Celtic Park (Celtic FC), Glasgow University of the West of Scotland (UK)
Heading is an important skill in soccer, and to improve this skill, it is necessary to increase the amount and duration of training. However, considering the potential impact of head impacts during heading on brain function, it is important to carefully select the types of training. Therefore, this study aimed to examine heading training using Virtual Reality (VR), heading training with a limited number of repetitions based on the Japan Football Association's guidelines, and a combination of both training methods in soccer novices, to evaluate the changes in heading skills. By comparing these results, the study aimed to explore the use of VR in heading training. Sixty-four healthy university students with no prior soccer experience were randomly assigned to one of five groups based on the type of training: VR group, soccer ball group, VR and soccer ball combined group, lightweight ball group, and control group. Each participant first received an explanation on how to perform heading, followed by a skill test to assess heading accuracy and strength. Then, each group underwent the assigned heading training for eight weeks, after which the skill tests were repeated. The results showed that the VR-only training group experienced improvements in heading accuracy, but no significant improvement in heading strength. In contrast, the combined VR and soccer ball training group showed a tendency to improve heading accuracy and a significant improvement in heading strength. These findings suggest that combining VR with traditional soccer ball training may be the most effective way to improve heading skills. Using VR in training has the advantage of reducing the risk of head impacts, which could affect brain function. However, while VR can enhance certain aspects of heading technique, the study indicates that traditional soccer ball training still plays a vital role in improving heading strength. Combining both training methods seems to provide the most balanced and effective approach to improving heading skills. This study suggests that VR can be a useful supplementary tool in heading training, offering a safer alternative while still enhancing key aspects of the skill. In conclusion, the study suggests that combining VR with traditional heading training may be the most effective method for developing heading skills while minimizing the risks associated with head impacts.
Heading accuracy improves through heading training using Virtual Reality [Not invited]Taiki Miyazawa; Ichiyo Okamoto; Daisuke IchikawaWorld Congress on Science and Soccer (WCSS 2025) 2025/06 Poster...See More
Heading accuracy improves through heading training using Virtual Reality [Not invited]
Taiki Miyazawa; Ichiyo Okamoto; Daisuke Ichikawa
World Congress on Science and Soccer (WCSS 2025) 2025/06 Poster presentation Ibrox Stadium (Rangers FC) and Celtic Park (Celtic FC), Glasgow University of the West of Scotland (UK)
Heading is an important skill in soccer, and to improve this skill, it is necessary to increase the amount and duration of training. However, considering the potential impact of head impacts during heading on brain function, it is important to carefully select the types of training. Therefore, this study aimed to examine heading training using Virtual Reality (VR), heading training with a limited number of repetitions based on the Japan Football Association's guidelines, and a combination of both training methods in soccer novices, to evaluate the changes in heading skills. By comparing these results, the study aimed to explore the use of VR in heading training. Sixty-four healthy university students with no prior soccer experience were randomly assigned to one of five groups based on the type of training: VR group, soccer ball group, VR and soccer ball combined group, lightweight ball group, and control group. Each participant first received an explanation on how to perform heading, followed by a skill test to assess heading accuracy and strength. Then, each group underwent the assigned heading training for eight weeks, after which the skill tests were repeated. The results showed that the VR-only training group experienced improvements in heading accuracy, but no significant improvement in heading strength. In contrast, the combined VR and soccer ball training group showed a tendency to improve heading accuracy and a significant improvement in heading strength. These findings suggest that combining VR with traditional soccer ball training may be the most effective way to improve heading skills. Using VR in training has the advantage of reducing the risk of head impacts, which could affect brain function. However, while VR can enhance certain aspects of heading technique, the study indicates that traditional soccer ball training still plays a vital role in improving heading strength. Combining both training methods seems to provide the most balanced and effective approach to improving heading skills. This study suggests that VR can be a useful supplementary tool in heading training, offering a safer alternative while still enhancing key aspects of the skill. In conclusion, the study suggests that combining VR with traditional heading training may be the most effective method for developing heading skills while minimizing the risks associated with head impacts.
ISER International conference - Macau (CHN) 2024/11 Oral presentation Macau (CHN) The International Society for Engineers and Researchers
Survey of training time and injury in elite junior golfers [Not invited]Kazuhiro Imai; Baiyang Ding; Zhuo Chen; Xiao Zhou; Yixuan Ma; Daisuke Ichikawa; Yoshitomo Ehara; Yosuke Nagashima; Koji Watarai...See More
Survey of training time and injury in elite junior golfers [Not invited]
15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport, 11th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2024) 2024/07 Poster presentation Epinal Way, Loughborough Loughborough University (UK)
Golf games have ranged from competing for the fewest strokes to team competitions. The Pro Long Drive World Championship uses a competition format in which players hit six balls in 2 minutes and 30 seconds and compete for the longest distance. The game requires appropriate ball control because wind conditions and directions always change. Athletic skills are also needed for control between three different trajectories (straight [S], draw [D], and fade [F]) and flying distance. Very few studies have been published on Long-driving Players (Holt and Holt, 2013), and there is little research on ball trajectory at speeds of approximately 200 mph, which is above the speed of PGA Tour players (Chris and Erik, 2022). This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of shot performance in world-class long-distance golf players, who were randomly instructed to hit three different shots in an indoor environment using ball trajectory and movement analysis.
Ball trajectory and kinematics analysis in professional golf players competing for maximum distance [Not invited]Daisuke Ichikawa; Akihiko Sakai; Takeru Suzuki; Taiki Miyazawa; Isao Okuda15th Interna...See More
Ball trajectory and kinematics analysis in professional golf players competing for maximum distance [Not invited]
15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport, 11th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2024) 2024/07 Poster presentation Epinal Way, Loughborough Loughborough University (UK)
Golf games have ranged from competing for the fewest strokes to team competitions. The Pro Long Drive World Championship uses a competition format in which players hit six balls in 2 minutes and 30 seconds and compete for the longest distance. The game requires appropriate ball control because wind conditions and directions always change. Athletic skills are also needed for control between three different trajectories (straight [S], draw [D], and fade [F]) and flying distance. Very few studies have been published on Long-driving Players (Holt and Holt, 2013), and there is little research on ball trajectory at speeds of approximately 200 mph, which is above the speed of PGA Tour players (Chris and Erik, 2022). This study aimed to clarify the characteristics of shot performance in world-class long-distance golf players, who were randomly instructed to hit three different shots in an indoor environment using ball trajectory and movement analysis.
Wind impact on short-distance putting performance [Not invited]
Takeru Suzuki; Daisuke Ichikawa; Taishi Asai; Tetsuro Kita
15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport, 11th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2024) 2024/07 Poster presentation Epinal Way, Loughborough Loughborough University (UK)
The performance of golfers is significantly affected by weather conditions during extended periods of outdoor play. Thornes (1977) highlighted this aspect in his article “The Effect of Weather on Sport,” noting the unequal interference experienced by golfers due to varying weather conditions. Additionally, Jowett and Phillips (2023) identified wet-bulb temperature and zonal wind speed as the most reliable predictors of mean scores in Masters tournaments over the past 40 years. Previous studies have explored the influence of wind, particularly on airborne shots, and its impact on distance and spin (Malik and Saha, 2021). However, little attention has been paid to the effect of wind on putting strokes on the green, estimated to contribute to approximately 40% of golf scores. Over the past decade, major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, have experienced an average wind speed if 2.7 m/s (Japan Meteorological Agency). Consequently, in this study, wind speeds of 2 and 4 m/s were chosen to evaluate differences in ball-stop positions under artificially generated wind speeds commonly encountered in typical golf play. The objective was to gather fundamental data that could serve as indicators for green reading under
windy conditions.
Wind impact on short-distance putting performance [Not invited]Takeru Suzuki; Daisuke Ichikawa; Taishi Asai; Tetsuro Kita15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport, 11th World Scientif...See More
Wind impact on short-distance putting performance [Not invited]
Takeru Suzuki; Daisuke Ichikawa; Taishi Asai; Tetsuro Kita
15th International Conference on the Engineering of Sport, 11th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2024) 2024/07 Poster presentation Epinal Way, Loughborough Loughborough University (UK)
The performance of golfers is significantly affected by weather conditions during extended periods of outdoor play. Thornes (1977) highlighted this aspect in his article “The Effect of Weather on Sport,” noting the unequal interference experienced by golfers due to varying weather conditions. Additionally, Jowett and Phillips (2023) identified wet-bulb temperature and zonal wind speed as the most reliable predictors of mean scores in Masters tournaments over the past 40 years. Previous studies have explored the influence of wind, particularly on airborne shots, and its impact on distance and spin (Malik and Saha, 2021). However, little attention has been paid to the effect of wind on putting strokes on the green, estimated to contribute to approximately 40% of golf scores. Over the past decade, major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, have experienced an average wind speed if 2.7 m/s (Japan Meteorological Agency). Consequently, in this study, wind speeds of 2 and 4 m/s were chosen to evaluate differences in ball-stop positions under artificially generated wind speeds commonly encountered in typical golf play. The objective was to gather fundamental data that could serve as indicators for green reading under
windy conditions.
Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Taiki Miyazawa; Tetsuro Kita; Hirofumi Jigami; Daisuke Ichikawa
10th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2022) 2022/09 Oral presentation Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sanford Sports Science Institute (USA)
To excel on a golf course, players need to master swing skills in a certain direction. Right-handed swingers occasionally utilize left-handed swinging training to suppress excessive asymmetry in any given direction. However, there is no clarity regarding the fundamental shot data of dominant and non-dominant golf swings. Thus, to analyze the differences between dominant right-handed swings and non-dominant left-handed swings, this study investigated the differences in club head speed (CHS) between amateur golfers (AG) and professional golfers (PG).
Comparing Left and Right Club Head Speed to Prevent Golf-Related Movement Disorders and Evaluation of the Potential for a Reversed Stance [Not invited]Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda;...See More
Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Taiki Miyazawa; Tetsuro Kita; Hirofumi Jigami; Daisuke Ichikawa
10th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2022) 2022/09 Oral presentation Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sanford Sports Science Institute (USA)
To excel on a golf course, players need to master swing skills in a certain direction. Right-handed swingers occasionally utilize left-handed swinging training to suppress excessive asymmetry in any given direction. However, there is no clarity regarding the fundamental shot data of dominant and non-dominant golf swings. Thus, to analyze the differences between dominant right-handed swings and non-dominant left-handed swings, this study investigated the differences in club head speed (CHS) between amateur golfers (AG) and professional golfers (PG).
Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa; Akihiko Sakai; Isao Okuda
10th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2022) 2022/09 Oral presentation Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sanford Sports Science Institute (USA)
Patterns of body movements and golf club head movements are specific to an individual player. With the increasing reliability of Doppler radar launch monitors, it has now become possible to compare parameters related to club head movement at ball impact from a common evaluation. However, analysis to the prediction of golf scores in previous studies has often used independent variables such as money prize and distance, which was a regression analysis model that amateur golfers (AG) and skilled golfers (SG) could not utilize. Our study aims to establish a statistical model that can evaluate golfing performance by analyzing the relationship between club head movement data from 15 driver shots corresponding to one round’s worth and the golf scores of AG versus SG.
An Examination of the 15-ball Driver Shot Test for Predicting Golf Players Scores [Not invited]Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa; Akihiko Sakai; Isao Okuda10th Wor...See More
Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; John Patrick Sheahan; Taiki Miyazawa; Akihiko Sakai; Isao Okuda
10th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2022) 2022/09 Oral presentation Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sanford Sports Science Institute (USA)
Patterns of body movements and golf club head movements are specific to an individual player. With the increasing reliability of Doppler radar launch monitors, it has now become possible to compare parameters related to club head movement at ball impact from a common evaluation. However, analysis to the prediction of golf scores in previous studies has often used independent variables such as money prize and distance, which was a regression analysis model that amateur golfers (AG) and skilled golfers (SG) could not utilize. Our study aims to establish a statistical model that can evaluate golfing performance by analyzing the relationship between club head movement data from 15 driver shots corresponding to one round’s worth and the golf scores of AG versus SG.
An analysis of swing factors when taking either an uphill or downhill stroke [Not invited]
Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; Tateo Inoue; Hideyo Nishigai; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda
9th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2018) 2018/07 Poster presentation Abbotsford, British Columbia University of the Fraser Valley (CAN)
Professional golfers are thought to train repetitively for the purpose of mastering a fixed swing style that they can rely upon regardless of changes in conditions when taking a stroke. However, there is no research found that shows that professional golfers actually aren't changing their swing according to the conditions in which the stroke is being taken. There is also no guarantee that they always self-consciously make minor adjustments to all swings to adapt to a change in conditions. It is also unclear how much influence a change in conditions, namely the perception of information has on a golf swing. In this study club head behavior near the point of impact in professional golfers’ strokes was compared in differing uphill and downhill conditions. The purpose of the study is to verify through scientific investigation of attack angle, dynamic loft, launch angle and club path, how perception of taking an uphill or downhill stroke influences swing factors. Methods: Subjects consisted of 52 Japanese male professional golfers who are A-grade members of the Professional Golfers Association of Japan. The study was conducted at Maoi Golf Resort Driving Range (Hokkaido, Japan). The driving range length was over 330m between the tees meaning there was no risk that a drive taken either direction would reach the opposite tee. Furthermore, there was a height difference of 30m between the tees. Tests were conducted facing both the uphill and downhill slopes. However, the place of the stroke was horizontally level with only the ground between the stroke and the target being uneven. The clubs used were each individual’s own driver. 3 uphill and 3 downhill strokes (6 strokes) were analyzed for data. Participants were only instructed which direction to hit the ball and to use their natural swing. No other instructions were given. Before taking the measured strokes the participants were allowed between 10 and 50 strokes as per their preference, as warming up. In order to avoid polarization due to protocol where possible, half the participants began with 3 uphill strokes followed by 3 downhill strokes and the other half began with 3 downhill strokes followed by 3 uphill strokes. After taking the first 3 strokes the participants were transported to the opposite end where they would take the final 3 strokes by a cart. This allowed the total testing time to be completed within 30mins. Trajectory measurement was conducted using TrackMan (TrackMan A/S, Denmark) with attack angle, dynamic loft, launch angle, and club path as the measurement criteria. Participants could visually check the ball trajectory but were not given any measurement feedback. Statistical analysis was carried out a paired t-test using software SPSS 24.0, IBM, JAPAN with significance set at < 5%. Results: Table 1 shows the uphill and downhill data obtained from TrackMan. Attack Angle, Dynamic Loft, Launch Angle, and Club Path in the uphill stroke were 3.32 ± 2.59deg, 16.16 ± 2.72deg, 16.16 ± 2.73deg, and -2.13 ± 2.42 respectively, which were all significantly larger than in the downhill stroke. Discussion: In this study we scientifically investigated how influence perception of the shot environment being either uphill or downhill has on swing factors. The results showed that there was a significant difference in all 4 measured criteria. Attack angle, Dynamic loft and Launch angle, which are all related to obtaining ball height, were all significantly shown to be trying to attain higher ball elevation in the uphill stroke compared to the downhill stroke. This result suggests that even though professional golfers consciously may be trying to use the same swing form in uphill and downhill conditions as they would in flat conditions, self-consciousness automatically adjusts the swing which in turn influences the swing factors. In this study we did not measure shot accuracy left and right of the target. Therefore, we do not know if the adjustment in form has a positive influence on ball direction. Also, we do not know if this swing adjustment is also more or less prominent in beginner and intermediate level golfers. Due to the measurements being taken outdoors, we were not able to take more precise movement data so further research is necessary.
An analysis of swing factors when taking either an uphill or downhill stroke [Not invited]Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; Tateo Inoue; Hideyo Nishigai; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda9th World Scie...See More
An analysis of swing factors when taking either an uphill or downhill stroke [Not invited]
Daisuke Ichikawa; Takeru Suzuki; Tateo Inoue; Hideyo Nishigai; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda
9th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2018) 2018/07 Poster presentation Abbotsford, British Columbia University of the Fraser Valley (CAN)
Professional golfers are thought to train repetitively for the purpose of mastering a fixed swing style that they can rely upon regardless of changes in conditions when taking a stroke. However, there is no research found that shows that professional golfers actually aren't changing their swing according to the conditions in which the stroke is being taken. There is also no guarantee that they always self-consciously make minor adjustments to all swings to adapt to a change in conditions. It is also unclear how much influence a change in conditions, namely the perception of information has on a golf swing. In this study club head behavior near the point of impact in professional golfers’ strokes was compared in differing uphill and downhill conditions. The purpose of the study is to verify through scientific investigation of attack angle, dynamic loft, launch angle and club path, how perception of taking an uphill or downhill stroke influences swing factors. Methods: Subjects consisted of 52 Japanese male professional golfers who are A-grade members of the Professional Golfers Association of Japan. The study was conducted at Maoi Golf Resort Driving Range (Hokkaido, Japan). The driving range length was over 330m between the tees meaning there was no risk that a drive taken either direction would reach the opposite tee. Furthermore, there was a height difference of 30m between the tees. Tests were conducted facing both the uphill and downhill slopes. However, the place of the stroke was horizontally level with only the ground between the stroke and the target being uneven. The clubs used were each individual’s own driver. 3 uphill and 3 downhill strokes (6 strokes) were analyzed for data. Participants were only instructed which direction to hit the ball and to use their natural swing. No other instructions were given. Before taking the measured strokes the participants were allowed between 10 and 50 strokes as per their preference, as warming up. In order to avoid polarization due to protocol where possible, half the participants began with 3 uphill strokes followed by 3 downhill strokes and the other half began with 3 downhill strokes followed by 3 uphill strokes. After taking the first 3 strokes the participants were transported to the opposite end where they would take the final 3 strokes by a cart. This allowed the total testing time to be completed within 30mins. Trajectory measurement was conducted using TrackMan (TrackMan A/S, Denmark) with attack angle, dynamic loft, launch angle, and club path as the measurement criteria. Participants could visually check the ball trajectory but were not given any measurement feedback. Statistical analysis was carried out a paired t-test using software SPSS 24.0, IBM, JAPAN with significance set at < 5%. Results: Table 1 shows the uphill and downhill data obtained from TrackMan. Attack Angle, Dynamic Loft, Launch Angle, and Club Path in the uphill stroke were 3.32 ± 2.59deg, 16.16 ± 2.72deg, 16.16 ± 2.73deg, and -2.13 ± 2.42 respectively, which were all significantly larger than in the downhill stroke. Discussion: In this study we scientifically investigated how influence perception of the shot environment being either uphill or downhill has on swing factors. The results showed that there was a significant difference in all 4 measured criteria. Attack angle, Dynamic loft and Launch angle, which are all related to obtaining ball height, were all significantly shown to be trying to attain higher ball elevation in the uphill stroke compared to the downhill stroke. This result suggests that even though professional golfers consciously may be trying to use the same swing form in uphill and downhill conditions as they would in flat conditions, self-consciousness automatically adjusts the swing which in turn influences the swing factors. In this study we did not measure shot accuracy left and right of the target. Therefore, we do not know if the adjustment in form has a positive influence on ball direction. Also, we do not know if this swing adjustment is also more or less prominent in beginner and intermediate level golfers. Due to the measurements being taken outdoors, we were not able to take more precise movement data so further research is necessary.
Professional golfers tend to putt over a target when putting with their dominant hand stroke [Not invited]
Takeru Suzuki; Yoshiaki Manabe; Hiroshi Arakawa; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Daisuke IchikawaA
9th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2018) 2018/07 Poster presentation Abbotsford, British Columbia University of the Fraser Valley (CAN)
We theorized that the fine putting skill of professional golfers could only be assessed through comparison with novice golfers using a challenge to stop a ball on a putting target from a certain distance. Furthermore, we took into account that professional golfers have great experience putting with their dominant hand, so we compared this with putting ability in the non-dominant hand to investigate if the motor skill is transferred. The accumulated data was used as a performance indicator for distance and direction. The experiment was conducted with the hypothesis that professional golfers would have a high ability to accurately stop the ball on or near the target with their dominant hand stroke and also have a higher ability with their non-dominant hand stroke than novice golfers have with either their dominant or non-dominant hand stroke. Methods: Participants were 11 collegiate students (Novice group: NG) who had no experience in golf and 9 professional golfers (pro group: PG). All participants were right handed players. The small target (25 cm2 square box) was 2m from the putting position. Participants used a TRANSAM CNC MILLED putter (LYNKS, USA) head that can be used for both right and left-handed putting, and the same golf ball. Each side of putting was performed 15 times alternating each putt between sides making a total of 30 putts each trial. Only one trial was performed a day. The first trial started with putting from the right side and the second trial from the left side. Each following was started with putting from the opposite side of the preceding trial (first trial right to left and second trial left to right and so forth). All conditions were the same for each trial except for the alternation of which putting side was first. The participants completed 4 sessions (S1 to S4) of the putting trial in one week meaning that two trials started from the right side and two started from the left side. The far side was defined as a positive value, the near side a negative value, the right side a positive value, and the left side a negative value. After measuring the positive or negative distance we then converted it to absolute data as the sum of distance of the 15 putts (A: Total Distance Variability). The right and left distance was also calculated by the same formula (B: Total Directional Variability). The diagonal distance calculated from the distance of A and B to the target is defined as Total Linear Variability (C). Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test for the difference of right and left-handed putting in each group (NG and PG). Multi-fractional ANOVAs was used for a comparison among session (S1 to S4) values. A non-paired t-test was used for the difference of each group in the 3 types of distance variability (A to C). Results: Total Distance Variability (A) in PG was significantly less than NG from S1 to S4 in both putting sides. Total Directional Variability (B) in PG was significantly less from S2 to S4 in both putting sides. Total Linear Variability (C) in PG was also significantly less from S1 to S4 in both putting sides. Table 1 shows the variability of D1 and D2 in PG and NG in right and left-handed putts. The percentage of positive distance (D1) in PG in right-handed putts was the highest value (85.9%). On the other hand, the percentage of negative distance (D2) in PG right-handed putts was lowest (14.1%). Discussion The results showed that the Total Distance Variability in PG was significantly smaller than NG, meaning PG possess high motor skill ability. Furthermore, distance data showed that when data was analyzed when separated into over (further than the target) and short (not reaching the target) data, the distance of the right-handed putts of PG were significantly over compared to NG, and also significantly over compared to left-handed putts in PG. In right-handed putts of PG 85.9% were over the target and that percentage didn't significantly change over the 4 sessions. In NG 54.7% of putts finished over the target and 45.3% short of the target. This shows that in PG variability in distance to the target is small but that PG tended to over-shoot the target even when attempting to accurately stop the ball on the target. This means that due to experience gained from many hours of practice, PG have a strong perceptive bias that placing the ball behind the target is important for attaining consistent direction. In this study, it is believed that such a result was due to the trial being conducted in a low-pressure environment, and we have labeled this strong perceptive bias as "Golfers Bias". However, this bias was not apparent in the non-dominant hand and it was made clear there was no change across the 4 trial sessions. Practical Application/ Clinical Relevance: When putting from a distance of approximately 2m, it is thought that golfers do not contemplate how hard they should strike the ball with the aim for it to stop at a particular distance, but rather are repeating an attained automated action. It is thought that by understanding that expert golfers reduce the chance of missing putts in a high-pressure environment by consistently over-shooting the target in a low-pressure environment.
Professional golfers tend to putt over a target when putting with their dominant hand stroke [Not invited]Takeru Suzuki; Yoshiaki Manabe; Hiroshi Arakawa; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Daisuke Ic...See More
Professional golfers tend to putt over a target when putting with their dominant hand stroke [Not invited]
Takeru Suzuki; Yoshiaki Manabe; Hiroshi Arakawa; John Patrick Sheahan; Isao Okuda; Daisuke IchikawaA
9th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2018) 2018/07 Poster presentation Abbotsford, British Columbia University of the Fraser Valley (CAN)
We theorized that the fine putting skill of professional golfers could only be assessed through comparison with novice golfers using a challenge to stop a ball on a putting target from a certain distance. Furthermore, we took into account that professional golfers have great experience putting with their dominant hand, so we compared this with putting ability in the non-dominant hand to investigate if the motor skill is transferred. The accumulated data was used as a performance indicator for distance and direction. The experiment was conducted with the hypothesis that professional golfers would have a high ability to accurately stop the ball on or near the target with their dominant hand stroke and also have a higher ability with their non-dominant hand stroke than novice golfers have with either their dominant or non-dominant hand stroke. Methods: Participants were 11 collegiate students (Novice group: NG) who had no experience in golf and 9 professional golfers (pro group: PG). All participants were right handed players. The small target (25 cm2 square box) was 2m from the putting position. Participants used a TRANSAM CNC MILLED putter (LYNKS, USA) head that can be used for both right and left-handed putting, and the same golf ball. Each side of putting was performed 15 times alternating each putt between sides making a total of 30 putts each trial. Only one trial was performed a day. The first trial started with putting from the right side and the second trial from the left side. Each following was started with putting from the opposite side of the preceding trial (first trial right to left and second trial left to right and so forth). All conditions were the same for each trial except for the alternation of which putting side was first. The participants completed 4 sessions (S1 to S4) of the putting trial in one week meaning that two trials started from the right side and two started from the left side. The far side was defined as a positive value, the near side a negative value, the right side a positive value, and the left side a negative value. After measuring the positive or negative distance we then converted it to absolute data as the sum of distance of the 15 putts (A: Total Distance Variability). The right and left distance was also calculated by the same formula (B: Total Directional Variability). The diagonal distance calculated from the distance of A and B to the target is defined as Total Linear Variability (C). Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test for the difference of right and left-handed putting in each group (NG and PG). Multi-fractional ANOVAs was used for a comparison among session (S1 to S4) values. A non-paired t-test was used for the difference of each group in the 3 types of distance variability (A to C). Results: Total Distance Variability (A) in PG was significantly less than NG from S1 to S4 in both putting sides. Total Directional Variability (B) in PG was significantly less from S2 to S4 in both putting sides. Total Linear Variability (C) in PG was also significantly less from S1 to S4 in both putting sides. Table 1 shows the variability of D1 and D2 in PG and NG in right and left-handed putts. The percentage of positive distance (D1) in PG in right-handed putts was the highest value (85.9%). On the other hand, the percentage of negative distance (D2) in PG right-handed putts was lowest (14.1%). Discussion The results showed that the Total Distance Variability in PG was significantly smaller than NG, meaning PG possess high motor skill ability. Furthermore, distance data showed that when data was analyzed when separated into over (further than the target) and short (not reaching the target) data, the distance of the right-handed putts of PG were significantly over compared to NG, and also significantly over compared to left-handed putts in PG. In right-handed putts of PG 85.9% were over the target and that percentage didn't significantly change over the 4 sessions. In NG 54.7% of putts finished over the target and 45.3% short of the target. This shows that in PG variability in distance to the target is small but that PG tended to over-shoot the target even when attempting to accurately stop the ball on the target. This means that due to experience gained from many hours of practice, PG have a strong perceptive bias that placing the ball behind the target is important for attaining consistent direction. In this study, it is believed that such a result was due to the trial being conducted in a low-pressure environment, and we have labeled this strong perceptive bias as "Golfers Bias". However, this bias was not apparent in the non-dominant hand and it was made clear there was no change across the 4 trial sessions. Practical Application/ Clinical Relevance: When putting from a distance of approximately 2m, it is thought that golfers do not contemplate how hard they should strike the ball with the aim for it to stop at a particular distance, but rather are repeating an attained automated action. It is thought that by understanding that expert golfers reduce the chance of missing putts in a high-pressure environment by consistently over-shooting the target in a low-pressure environment.
Physical fitness tests of evaluating knee extensor muscle strength and size in university freshmen male students [Not invited]
Tomohiro Yasuda; Daisuke Ichikawa
ACSM's 63rd Annual Meeting 2016/06 Poster presentation Boston, Massachusetts The American College of Sports Medicine
Introduction: It is well known that the size and strength of skeletal muscle decreases with increasing age (sarcopenia), notably in the knee extensor muscles. Recent studies have indicated that university students in Japan have low levels of physical activity, and that muscle strength of the lower extremities decreases every year. Therefore, physical fitness for university students should be focused on the size/strength of the knee extensor muscles. However, an appropriate physical fitness test to evaluate knee extensor muscle strength and size in university students has not been designed.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knee extensor muscle strength and size and physical fitness results in university freshmen male students.
Methods: University students from the faculty of science and engineering in Toyo University participated in the study (N=116). The muscle thickness (MTH) of 104 healthy men (aged 18-20 years) was measured at the anterior half of thigh length; they performed maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVC) of knee extensors. Physical fitness [30-second chair stand (CS-30) test, standing broad jump (SBJ), handgrip and thigh girth at 50% of thigh length (mid-thigh girth)] were also measured.
Results: The following were similar to the standard values of the overall Japanese population for the same age group: age (18.2 ± 0.5 years), standing height (1.71 ± 0.48 m), body mass (62.9 ± 7.9 kg), body mass index (BMI, 21.6 ± 2.6), MVC (41.4 ± 12.2 kg), MTH (52.3 ± 6.6 mm), CS-30 (33.1 ± 4.3 reps), SBJ (2.13 ± 0.20 m), handgrip (41.2 ± 6.4 kg) and mid-thigh girth (50.8 ± 4.3 cm). Knee extensor MVC was correlated with SBJ (r=0.361, p<0.001) , hand grip (r=0.523, p<0.001) and mid-thigh girth (r=0.401, p<0.001), but not with CS-30 test (r=0.126, p>0.05). Knee extensor MTH was correlated with handgrip (r=0.317, p<0.001) and mid-thigh girth (r=0.632, p<0.001), but not with SBJ (r=0.038, p>0.05) and CS-30 test (r=0.145, p>0.05).
Conclusions: Our results indicated that the measurements of handgrip and mid-thigh girth are useful methods for evaluating knee extensor muscle strength and size, and thus they could play an important role in the physical fitness of university freshmen male students for the prevention of sarcopenia and to maintain an active life in the future.
Physical fitness tests of evaluating knee extensor muscle strength and size in university freshmen male students [Not invited]Tomohiro Yasuda; Daisuke IchikawaACSM's 63rd Annual Meeting 2016/06 Pos...See More
Physical fitness tests of evaluating knee extensor muscle strength and size in university freshmen male students [Not invited]
Tomohiro Yasuda; Daisuke Ichikawa
ACSM's 63rd Annual Meeting 2016/06 Poster presentation Boston, Massachusetts The American College of Sports Medicine
Introduction: It is well known that the size and strength of skeletal muscle decreases with increasing age (sarcopenia), notably in the knee extensor muscles. Recent studies have indicated that university students in Japan have low levels of physical activity, and that muscle strength of the lower extremities decreases every year. Therefore, physical fitness for university students should be focused on the size/strength of the knee extensor muscles. However, an appropriate physical fitness test to evaluate knee extensor muscle strength and size in university students has not been designed.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knee extensor muscle strength and size and physical fitness results in university freshmen male students.
Methods: University students from the faculty of science and engineering in Toyo University participated in the study (N=116). The muscle thickness (MTH) of 104 healthy men (aged 18-20 years) was measured at the anterior half of thigh length; they performed maximal voluntary isometric strength (MVC) of knee extensors. Physical fitness [30-second chair stand (CS-30) test, standing broad jump (SBJ), handgrip and thigh girth at 50% of thigh length (mid-thigh girth)] were also measured.
Results: The following were similar to the standard values of the overall Japanese population for the same age group: age (18.2 ± 0.5 years), standing height (1.71 ± 0.48 m), body mass (62.9 ± 7.9 kg), body mass index (BMI, 21.6 ± 2.6), MVC (41.4 ± 12.2 kg), MTH (52.3 ± 6.6 mm), CS-30 (33.1 ± 4.3 reps), SBJ (2.13 ± 0.20 m), handgrip (41.2 ± 6.4 kg) and mid-thigh girth (50.8 ± 4.3 cm). Knee extensor MVC was correlated with SBJ (r=0.361, p<0.001) , hand grip (r=0.523, p<0.001) and mid-thigh girth (r=0.401, p<0.001), but not with CS-30 test (r=0.126, p>0.05). Knee extensor MTH was correlated with handgrip (r=0.317, p<0.001) and mid-thigh girth (r=0.632, p<0.001), but not with SBJ (r=0.038, p>0.05) and CS-30 test (r=0.145, p>0.05).
Conclusions: Our results indicated that the measurements of handgrip and mid-thigh girth are useful methods for evaluating knee extensor muscle strength and size, and thus they could play an important role in the physical fitness of university freshmen male students for the prevention of sarcopenia and to maintain an active life in the future.
Biomechanical changes by medicine ball training on skilled golfers. [Not invited]
Isao Okuda; John P Sheahan; Daisuke Ichikawa
7th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2014) 2014/09 Poster presentation Gold Coast, Queensland Griffith University (AUS)
One of the popular training methods to improve sport performance is medicine ball (MB) training. MB training can increase the speed of trunk rotation or the stability of the trunk. Theoretically, both of those changes in a kinetic chain of the body can cause a positive effect on golf swing mechanics; however the effect of the training on golf performance is still unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of 8 weeks of MB training on golf performance for skilled golfers.
Methods: Fourteen competitive university golfers undertook 1 hour of MB training session 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The average golf best score of the participants was 72.4 ± 4.0 with a handicap of 6.4 ± 4.7 (Table 1). Five MB throwing techniques were selected for the training 1) Front throw, 2) Back throw 3) Side throw-right, 4) Side throw-left, and 5) Over head throw. Additional stationary trunk exercises were also executed within the training time period. Kinematic and kinetic variables were obtained while the golfers hit the ball with their 1 Wood club before (Pre) and after (Post) the training program. A three dimensional motion analysis system (Qualisys, Sweden) consisting of eight high speed cameras synchronized with two force plates (Bertec, USA) were used for data collection. Kinematic variables include 1) Club head linear speed, 2) Maximum shoulder angular velocity, 3) Maximum pelvic angular velocity, and 4) Maximum left wrist linear velocity. Vertical component of maximum ground reaction force was also obtained from the participants’ left foot. Distance of the five MB throwing techniques was also measured at Pre, after 4 weeks (Mid), and Post. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the difference of the MB throwing distance among Pre, Mid and Post measurements. A student t-test was used to test the difference of the kinematic and kinetic data between Pre and Post measurements.
Results: The major findings of the study were as follows. The distance of MB throwing techniques significantly increased over Pre to Mid in all of the five throwing techniques and further significantly increased over Mid to Post in Back throw, Side throw-right and Side throw-left (Table 2). No significant increase was found in club head speed (CHS) during the swing (Table 3); however there was a trend of increase in CHS (1.4 ± 3.0 % change, P = 0.114). Angular velocity of the shoulder as well as hip velocity did not significantly change in golf swing or MB throwing technique. A significant increase was found in the maximum left wrist linear velocity and the left foot maximum ground reaction force during the MB throwing technique (P < 0.05, Table 3).
Discussion: A significant increase was found for the maximum left wrist velocity and left foot maximum ground reaction force in the MB throwing measurement; however these changes did not cause any positive effect on the kinematical variables during the golf swing. We believe that time period was not long enough for the golfers to incorporate these changes into their golf swing mechanics. A significant increase in the distance of MB throwing indicated that there was a change in the way of generating power in the golfers’ body. Further investigation is recommended to examine the long-term effects of MB training on golf performance.
Practical Application/ Clinical Relevance: Eight weeks of MB training can change the way of generating power in the golfers’ body. Major benefit of the training could be an improvement of trunk stabilization and an increase in arm swing speed. Longer post training period may be necessary to transfer these changes into the golfer’s swing mechanics in skilled golfers.
Biomechanical changes by medicine ball training on skilled golfers. [Not invited]Isao Okuda; John P Sheahan; Daisuke Ichikawa7th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2014) 2014/09 Poster present...See More
Biomechanical changes by medicine ball training on skilled golfers. [Not invited]
Isao Okuda; John P Sheahan; Daisuke Ichikawa
7th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2014) 2014/09 Poster presentation Gold Coast, Queensland Griffith University (AUS)
One of the popular training methods to improve sport performance is medicine ball (MB) training. MB training can increase the speed of trunk rotation or the stability of the trunk. Theoretically, both of those changes in a kinetic chain of the body can cause a positive effect on golf swing mechanics; however the effect of the training on golf performance is still unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of 8 weeks of MB training on golf performance for skilled golfers.
Methods: Fourteen competitive university golfers undertook 1 hour of MB training session 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The average golf best score of the participants was 72.4 ± 4.0 with a handicap of 6.4 ± 4.7 (Table 1). Five MB throwing techniques were selected for the training 1) Front throw, 2) Back throw 3) Side throw-right, 4) Side throw-left, and 5) Over head throw. Additional stationary trunk exercises were also executed within the training time period. Kinematic and kinetic variables were obtained while the golfers hit the ball with their 1 Wood club before (Pre) and after (Post) the training program. A three dimensional motion analysis system (Qualisys, Sweden) consisting of eight high speed cameras synchronized with two force plates (Bertec, USA) were used for data collection. Kinematic variables include 1) Club head linear speed, 2) Maximum shoulder angular velocity, 3) Maximum pelvic angular velocity, and 4) Maximum left wrist linear velocity. Vertical component of maximum ground reaction force was also obtained from the participants’ left foot. Distance of the five MB throwing techniques was also measured at Pre, after 4 weeks (Mid), and Post. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the difference of the MB throwing distance among Pre, Mid and Post measurements. A student t-test was used to test the difference of the kinematic and kinetic data between Pre and Post measurements.
Results: The major findings of the study were as follows. The distance of MB throwing techniques significantly increased over Pre to Mid in all of the five throwing techniques and further significantly increased over Mid to Post in Back throw, Side throw-right and Side throw-left (Table 2). No significant increase was found in club head speed (CHS) during the swing (Table 3); however there was a trend of increase in CHS (1.4 ± 3.0 % change, P = 0.114). Angular velocity of the shoulder as well as hip velocity did not significantly change in golf swing or MB throwing technique. A significant increase was found in the maximum left wrist linear velocity and the left foot maximum ground reaction force during the MB throwing technique (P < 0.05, Table 3).
Discussion: A significant increase was found for the maximum left wrist velocity and left foot maximum ground reaction force in the MB throwing measurement; however these changes did not cause any positive effect on the kinematical variables during the golf swing. We believe that time period was not long enough for the golfers to incorporate these changes into their golf swing mechanics. A significant increase in the distance of MB throwing indicated that there was a change in the way of generating power in the golfers’ body. Further investigation is recommended to examine the long-term effects of MB training on golf performance.
Practical Application/ Clinical Relevance: Eight weeks of MB training can change the way of generating power in the golfers’ body. Major benefit of the training could be an improvement of trunk stabilization and an increase in arm swing speed. Longer post training period may be necessary to transfer these changes into the golfer’s swing mechanics in skilled golfers.
ViPR functional training for competitive university golfers influence on TrackMan and physiological index during golf pre-season [Not invited]
Daisuke Ichikawa; Nobumitsu Yuhara; Tsunehiro Fuchiwaki; John P Sheahan; Isao Okuda
7th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2014) 2014/09 Poster presentation Gold Coast, Queensland Griffith University (AUS)
Functional training has become very popular in golf training. There is variety of training equipment in the market, and previous studies reported the effect of functional training on golf using various equipment. One of the newest equipment for functional training is ViPR (Vitality Performance Reconditioning). The ViPR consists of a cylinder-like rubber tube (4 to 20 kg) with two handles mounted on it. The shape of the ViPR allows the trainee to move it in various ways with a tight grip. Because it is relatively new to the market, there is no previous scientific study on the effect of the ViPR. Thus, the purpose of this study is to scientifically investigate whether ViPR training is an effective method of training for competitive golfers.
Methods: In this study, under the guidance of 2 specialist instructors for ViPR, 5 competitive university golfers undertook 40 minutes of ViPR functional training 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Main exercises of the training were 1) walking lunge press, 2) standing twist, 3) front skaters, 4) lunge and press and 5) medicine ball rebounder (Figure 1). Each of these exercises was executed 35 to 45 seconds in a circuit training format with 40 to 30 second resting intervals between each exercise. In the each training period, the participants completed 4 to 5 sets of the training. Before and after the entire training period, we obtained ball trajectory data using TrackMan system (TrackMan A/S, Denmark) while the golfers hit the ball with their 5 Iron and 1 Wood club. In all shots, the 3 highest scoring shots on an introspective scale of 1 to 5 were used for the data analysis. Post training TrackMan data was obtained after a one week de-training period after the conclusion of the training program. Physiological data were also obtained at each training period.
Results: The average golf score of the participants was 71.6 ± 2.7 with a handicap of 5.6 ± 2.1 (Table 1). No significant difference was found between body weight, body mass index, percentage of skeletal muscle for the whole body and basal metabolism during the 5-week training period (Table 2). Average heart rate (after training) was significantly decreased between week 2 and week 4, as well as between week 2 and week 5 (P < 0.05, respectively; Table 3 and Figure 2). A significant difference was found in the spin rate for 5 Iron between pre and post measurements. (Pre:5176 ± 776 rpm, Post:4561 ± 554 rpm, P < 0.05, Table 4).
Discussion: Firstly, we found there was an effect of ViPR functional training on golf performance only on the spin rate of the 5 Iron golf shot. Reduction in back spin rate causes less lift of the golf ball which theoretically leads to a more predictable shot distance for each club. The effect of the training on golf performance was found in only this variable. However, the changes in body motion in all exercises in ViPR were obvious from the trainers’ point of view. We believe that there was a change in the movement pattern in the golfers, but this change was not transferred to their golf swing. We concluded that 5 weeks of the ViPR training was not long enough to alter the golf performance in competitive golfers. Secondly, the training improved cardiopulmonary adaptation in the golfers despite the outside temperature progressively becoming lower over the 5-week training program. It is recommended that ViPR training is effective for improving golfer’s fitness level during pre-season or off-season training programs.
Practical Application/ Clinical Relevance: We used the ViPR as a form of circuit training. Exercise and rest times were displayed using a basketball game timer so the participants were able to know how long the exercise lasted. This could lead the participants concentrate on the training. Each of the fives exercises lasted 30 seconds and the resting intervals 40 seconds at the week 1 of the training period. The exercise time get longer (as long as 45 seconds) and the resting intervals get shorter (as short as 30 seconds) toward the end of the training period. The training sets started from 3 and ended 5 through the 5 weeks. It is recommended to begin ViPR training with a light weight and short period of exercise time.
ViPR functional training for competitive university golfers influence on TrackMan and physiological index during golf pre-season [Not invited]Daisuke Ichikawa; Nobumitsu Yuhara; Tsunehiro Fuchiwaki; ...See More
ViPR functional training for competitive university golfers influence on TrackMan and physiological index during golf pre-season [Not invited]
Daisuke Ichikawa; Nobumitsu Yuhara; Tsunehiro Fuchiwaki; John P Sheahan; Isao Okuda
7th World Scientific Congress of Golf (WSCG 2014) 2014/09 Poster presentation Gold Coast, Queensland Griffith University (AUS)
Functional training has become very popular in golf training. There is variety of training equipment in the market, and previous studies reported the effect of functional training on golf using various equipment. One of the newest equipment for functional training is ViPR (Vitality Performance Reconditioning). The ViPR consists of a cylinder-like rubber tube (4 to 20 kg) with two handles mounted on it. The shape of the ViPR allows the trainee to move it in various ways with a tight grip. Because it is relatively new to the market, there is no previous scientific study on the effect of the ViPR. Thus, the purpose of this study is to scientifically investigate whether ViPR training is an effective method of training for competitive golfers.
Methods: In this study, under the guidance of 2 specialist instructors for ViPR, 5 competitive university golfers undertook 40 minutes of ViPR functional training 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Main exercises of the training were 1) walking lunge press, 2) standing twist, 3) front skaters, 4) lunge and press and 5) medicine ball rebounder (Figure 1). Each of these exercises was executed 35 to 45 seconds in a circuit training format with 40 to 30 second resting intervals between each exercise. In the each training period, the participants completed 4 to 5 sets of the training. Before and after the entire training period, we obtained ball trajectory data using TrackMan system (TrackMan A/S, Denmark) while the golfers hit the ball with their 5 Iron and 1 Wood club. In all shots, the 3 highest scoring shots on an introspective scale of 1 to 5 were used for the data analysis. Post training TrackMan data was obtained after a one week de-training period after the conclusion of the training program. Physiological data were also obtained at each training period.
Results: The average golf score of the participants was 71.6 ± 2.7 with a handicap of 5.6 ± 2.1 (Table 1). No significant difference was found between body weight, body mass index, percentage of skeletal muscle for the whole body and basal metabolism during the 5-week training period (Table 2). Average heart rate (after training) was significantly decreased between week 2 and week 4, as well as between week 2 and week 5 (P < 0.05, respectively; Table 3 and Figure 2). A significant difference was found in the spin rate for 5 Iron between pre and post measurements. (Pre:5176 ± 776 rpm, Post:4561 ± 554 rpm, P < 0.05, Table 4).
Discussion: Firstly, we found there was an effect of ViPR functional training on golf performance only on the spin rate of the 5 Iron golf shot. Reduction in back spin rate causes less lift of the golf ball which theoretically leads to a more predictable shot distance for each club. The effect of the training on golf performance was found in only this variable. However, the changes in body motion in all exercises in ViPR were obvious from the trainers’ point of view. We believe that there was a change in the movement pattern in the golfers, but this change was not transferred to their golf swing. We concluded that 5 weeks of the ViPR training was not long enough to alter the golf performance in competitive golfers. Secondly, the training improved cardiopulmonary adaptation in the golfers despite the outside temperature progressively becoming lower over the 5-week training program. It is recommended that ViPR training is effective for improving golfer’s fitness level during pre-season or off-season training programs.
Practical Application/ Clinical Relevance: We used the ViPR as a form of circuit training. Exercise and rest times were displayed using a basketball game timer so the participants were able to know how long the exercise lasted. This could lead the participants concentrate on the training. Each of the fives exercises lasted 30 seconds and the resting intervals 40 seconds at the week 1 of the training period. The exercise time get longer (as long as 45 seconds) and the resting intervals get shorter (as short as 30 seconds) toward the end of the training period. The training sets started from 3 and ended 5 through the 5 weeks. It is recommended to begin ViPR training with a light weight and short period of exercise time.
A study of imaging time of professional golfers and amateur golfers [Not invited]
Yoshihara, S; Ichikawa, D; Kita, T; John, S; Takahashi, M; Kawakami, T; Yamamoto, T; Kato, Z
17th annual Congress of the EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE, (Bruges, Belgium) 2012/07
A study of imaging time of professional golfers and amateur golfers [Not invited]Yoshihara, S; Ichikawa, D; Kita, T; John, S; Takahashi, M; Kawakami, T; Yamamoto, T; Kato, Z17th annual Congress of th...See More
A study of imaging time of professional golfers and amateur golfers [Not invited]
Yoshihara, S; Ichikawa, D; Kita, T; John, S; Takahashi, M; Kawakami, T; Yamamoto, T; Kato, Z
17th annual Congress of the EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF SPORT SCIENCE, (Bruges, Belgium) 2012/07
Cerebral blood flow regulation in endurance athletes [Not invited]
Safety Measures in Golf -The Actual Situation Concerning Accidents (injuries and damages) as Revealed by a Questionnaire Survey of Golf Courses a Possible Measures to Prevent Them- [Not invited]
一川 大輔
12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (Jyvaskyla University, Finland) 2007/07
Safety Measures in Golf -The Actual Situation Concerning Accidents (injuries and damages) as Revealed by a Questionnaire Survey of Golf Courses a Possible Measures to Prevent Them- [Not invited]一川 大輔...See More
Safety Measures in Golf -The Actual Situation Concerning Accidents (injuries and damages) as Revealed by a Questionnaire Survey of Golf Courses a Possible Measures to Prevent Them- [Not invited]
一川 大輔
12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (Jyvaskyla University, Finland) 2007/07
The study about health consciousness and practice methods of the Japanese middle aged golfer [Not invited]
一川 大輔
12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (Jyvaskyla University, Finland) 2007/07
The study about health consciousness and practice methods of the Japanese middle aged golfer [Not invited]一川 大輔12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (Jyvaskyla University, Fin...See More
The study about health consciousness and practice methods of the Japanese middle aged golfer [Not invited]
一川 大輔
12th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (Jyvaskyla University, Finland) 2007/07
Survey of Training Time and Injury in Elite Junior Golfers
Kazuhiro Imai; Baiyang Ding; Zhuo Chen; Xiao Zhou; Yixuan Ma; Daisuke Ichikawa; Yoshitomo Ehara; Yosuke Nagashima; Koji Watarai Proceedings of ISER International Conference 14 -17 2024/11 [Refereed]
Survey of Training Time and Injury in Elite Junior GolfersKazuhiro Imai; Baiyang Ding; Zhuo Chen; Xiao Zhou; Yixuan Ma; Daisuke Ichikawa; Yoshitomo Ehara; Yosuke Nagashima; Koji Watarai Proceedings o...See More
Survey of Training Time and Injury in Elite Junior Golfers
Kazuhiro Imai; Baiyang Ding; Zhuo Chen; Xiao Zhou; Yixuan Ma; Daisuke Ichikawa; Yoshitomo Ehara; Yosuke Nagashima; Koji Watarai Proceedings of ISER International Conference 14 -17 2024/11 [Refereed]
Tomohiro Yasuda; Daisuke Ichikawa 63rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine 48- (5) 94 -94 2016/05 [Refereed]
Physical Fitness Test of Evaluating Knee Extensor Muscle Strength and Size in University Freshmen Male StudentsTomohiro Yasuda; Daisuke Ichikawa 63rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports ...See More
Event, Program, Title : 第2回ゴルフパフォーマンスコンベンション (SPORTEC 2023)
東京ビッグサイト
運動生理学と行動変容の観点からみた一般大学生と大学運動競技者の比較
Date (from-to) : 2013/02/20
Role : Lecturer
Category : Lecture
Sponser, Organizer, Publisher : 工業技術研究所 (東洋大学)
「教養・文化としてのスポーツの役割」~スポーツがもたらす恩恵と弊害~
Date (from-to) : 2013/02/09
Role : Lecturer
Category : Lecture
Sponser, Organizer, Publisher : 川越市体育協会
Event, Program, Title : 平成24年度川越市スポーツ指導者講習会
Others
2021/01 - Today 武蔵野美術大学大学院博士後期課程特別講師
2019/04 - Today 明治大学政治経済学部兼任講師
学部共通必修科目:運動学演習Ⅰ, 運動学演習Ⅱ
2014/04 - Today 東洋大学川越キャンパス教職員ゴルフ愛好会大会幹事
2011/04 - Today 東洋大学川越体育会ゴルフ部 部長
2017/04 -2019/03 東京大学前期教養課程非常勤講師
教養学部前期課程必修科目: 身体運動・健康科学実習, 共通基礎実習
2015/09 -2015/09 National strength and conditioning association (NSCA) mentorship program training certification
Completion of the NSCA mentorship program training held Sep 09-15, 2015 at the NSCA headquarters is Colorado springs, Colorado, USA.
2015/09 -2015/09 National strength and conditioning association (NSCA) mentorship program training certificationCompletion of the NSCA mentorship program training held Sep 09-15, 2015 at the NSCA head...See More
2015/09 -2015/09 National strength and conditioning association (NSCA) mentorship program training certification
Completion of the NSCA mentorship program training held Sep 09-15, 2015 at the NSCA headquarters is Colorado springs, Colorado, USA.