ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana - Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2022 March;181(3):110-4

DOI: 10.23736/S0393-3660.20.04377-6

Copyright © 2020 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The effect of walking versus riding on energy expenditure in golf

G. William LYERLY ✉, Danielle N. LUDLAM, Sarah M. HENRY, Stacey L. BEAM, Gregory F. MARTEL

Department of Kinesiology, College of Science, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, USA

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that increases in physical activity (PA) may potentially decrease health issues and risk factors associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). According to the 2018 PA guidelines, individuals should expend between approximately 562.5-1106.25 kcals/week while engaging in moderate-intensity exercise (3-5.9 METs or 45-64% VO2max) to achieve health benefits. Golf may appeal to those who are at an increased risk for CVD by increasing energy expenditure (EE) and potentially eliciting health benefits. Purpose: To compare the EE associated with playing golf, either walking (W) or riding in a cart (R).
METHODS: Twenty-five participants (30.87±12.71 years old, 88.23±15.06 kg) completed nine holes of golf W and/or R (14 R and W, 7 only R and 4 only W). The following measurements were collected: 1) medical history; 2) demographic info; 3) pre/post BP; 4) pre/post HR; 5) height; 6) weight; 7) dietary intake. While playing golf, each participant wore an accelerometer to determine EE. Significance was set at P<0.05.
RESULTS: Completing nine holes while W required an EE of 624.07 kcal compared to 335.72 kcal R (P<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate a significant difference in EE when comparing W and R, suggesting a greater intensity in W vs. R. The data suggests that an individual could potentially meet the weekly 2018 PA guidelines requirements by playing nine holes while W twice a week (1248.14 kcal) or R three times a week (1007.16 kcals). This data indicates that golf, W or R, may elicit health benefits.

KEY WORDS: Exercise, Energy intake; Golf