Electromyographic and Motion Analysis of the Trunk and Pelvis during the Golf Swing

The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the trunk muscle activity and range of motion in male and female golfers. With the use of surface electrode electromyography and motion analysis, three male and three female Division II collegiate golfers were evaluated. The EMG activity of the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, and external oblique muscles was measured bilaterally during the golf swing. The main emphasis in analyzing the trunk range of motion was comparing relative pelvis to shoulder rotation (X-factor) throughout the swing. The researchers found definitive differences in the patterns of muscle activity and range of motion between male and female golfers. The male golfers\u27 muscle activity occurred slightly earlier in the swing than the female golfers. The males also had a greater X-factor by about 10° and a faster swing by approximately .20 seconds than the females. These findings demonstrate the importance of the trunk and pelvic muscles in stabilizing and initiating motion in the spine during the golf swing. This study, along with previous studies, provides the framework for developing rehabilitation and training programs for the golfer stressing stability, strength, and mobility of the trunk

Windfall: How Oklahoma's Turbines Affect Rural School Funding

Oklahoma’s rural schools are struggling to effectively educate their students. Because of the sparsity of students and geographic isolation, rural schools have higher transportation costs, have trouble affording capital outlay spending, and have difficulties in recruiting and retaining teachers. Oklahoma’s current funding measures are insufficient to address these unique needs as the inability to pass bonds and the disparities in local property tax revenue create significant funding and learning inequities in Oklahoma schools. The state’s production tax credit incentivized a boon in wind turbine installation during the past couple decades. The sudden and exogenous increase in property taxes gives us an opportunity to evaluate the effect of the policy on Oklahoma schools, providing information more broadly on the rural school funding pipeline, from commercial ventures to benefits for students. The installation of a turbine in a district dramatically increased per pupil expenditures by thousands of dollars. School districts hired more staff and teachers while also increasing their capital outlay spending