The Seated Trunk Rotation Test

This week, we are discussing TPI’s (Titleist Performance Institute) seated trunk rotation test. This is an essential test in understanding the golfer’s body and biomechanics capabilities for producing a repeatable, effective, and efficient golf swing. This test screens the trunk for rotation in both the back swing and the down swing. If asymmetry or deficiencies from ideal ranges are found, we know to take a closer look at thoracic spine rotation in the golfer.

What is the trunk rotation test?

The trunk rotation test is done on the corner of a chair, bench, or box. We can use the 90-degree angle as a reference for measuring 45 degrees when we have the patient straddle the corner. We then limit the use of the pelvis and lower extremity for rotation by having them cross their legs. The golfer will then rotate towards the side with the leg that went over-top the other. Again, this locks the pelvis in place so we cannot use it and the hips for rotation in this screen. Here is an example of this screening test…

What does the golfer data say?

TPI has done extensive work quantifying values for these tests from both PGA tour professionals and amateur golfers to find what ideal available range of motion is. The data collection shows about 10% of amateur golfers could not reach the minimum mark of 40 degrees turning to the right and 11% of golfers limited in reaching this benchmark to the left (1254 golfers tested). 0% of PGA golfers had limited rotation below 40 degrees on either side (31 tested)! 10% of pro players had the bare minimum of 41-50 degrees with 90% having more!

Why is this test important for golf?

As we can see, the high performers have identified that trunk rotation is non-negotiable. 0% of pro players tested had less than 41% of trunk rotation. And a much higher percentage of players had greater amounts of rotation relative to the amateurs.

If we are lacking mobility in trunk rotation (thoracic mobility), we may compensate in the backswing and down-swing with excessive lumbar spine and shoulder joint rotation. If these joints are lacking the mobility as well, then we are in a world of compensation and injury potential. We are putting the thoracic spine at risk by maxing out the range of motion these spinal segments have, the lumbar spine is at risk for the same reason since the thoracic spine is running out of mobility so quickly, and the shoulder is at risk as it is asked to pick up all the slack. All in an effort to achieve a backswing position that allows us (or should allow us) to create speed and power.

Unfortunately, when we cannot achieve these positions correctly and use compensations to get there, we lose the power producing advantages that the goal position was supposed to achieve in the first place AND increase our risk for injury. We can never be efficient and create a reproducible and limitless golf swing without easy access to these positions.

A closer look at the thoracic spine.

So we failed the seated trunk rotation test, how do we know what’s really going on? As a golf specialized rehab and performance chiropractor, I would never stop the data collection at just the seated trunk rotation test. I need more information. My next test would be the lumbar locked position. To me, this gives me a better look at true thoracic rotation capacity. Though the seated trunk rotation test does its best to limit compensation and “cheating” to achieve 45+ degrees of rotation of the thorax, I still find people passing this test that do not pass the lumbar locked test. So, if a patient fails or comes close to failing the seated test, I will do the lumbar locked test and compare any follow up treatments by-retesting this lumbar locked position. Here is a video of the lumbar locked test…

Further, a spinal exam is necessary to get a better sense if which areas and segments of the lumbar and thoracic spine are limiting our rotation. I do this with a seated test for joint play and a prone test, again assessing joint play of each segment on the other. From here, we know which areas to manipulate with chiropractic adjustments.

Last, a breathing, rib cage expansion, and other related extremity range of motion tests are indicated to better assess the thoracic spine and trunk’s ability to expand and move.

How can we improve our trunk rotation?

To address thoracic spine rotation, we need to also consider the rib cage. The rib cage and thoracic spine intimately connect with each other, meaning we must address both of these. First, we can open up the upper and middle back and create expansion in these areas with hook-lying breathing and reach. This drill helps pull the shoulder blades away from each other while teaching us to pull our rib cage down with our obliques and breathing. From here, we can create thoracic cage expansion by holding the rib cage down and preventing rib-flare, allowing or forcing the ribs to move and rotate independently instead of flaring as one big unit. Here is an example of that exercise…

To address the spine and create rotation, we first do some work to get the spine moving and the brain comfortable with the end ranges of rotation that we have. Then, we can take a more active approach at creating thoracic rotation while keeping stability in the pelvis and lower extremity. Last, we want to get as much translation to the standing and golfing position as possible with active med ball pull backs. In all examples, we are working on moving the thoracic spine (first passively with the help of gravity and external load, then actively) while maintaining pelvic control to address separation of the trunk and pelvis. It is vital that we don’t only improve rotation of the trunk without also improving or maintaining our ability to move into that rotation without dragging the pelvis along and controlling the trunk and pelvis simultaneously. Notice how all three drills progress from passive to active rotation, include trunk and pelvis separation, and progress towards golf specific positions…

Conclusion

The seated trunk rotation test is a golf specific mobility screen that let’s us know when we need to take a deep dive into thoracolumbar rotation and/or issues in trunk and pelvis separation. When we do identify trunk rotation mobility as an issue, we are triggered to begin thorough examination of every component that contributes to this motion and is needed to create this motion in the golf swing. From here, we make sure to integrate motor control and separation, strength, and speed while working on the mobility. This article only gives a brief overview of example drills and exercises that can be used to help address the seated trunk rotation test. Give a few of these exercises and drills in this article a try and retest in a few weeks!

-Dr. Nick DC, TPI, CSCS

If you would like to learn more about your body, pain, and performance, send Dr. Nick an email at contact@integratedrpc.com or call at (585)478-4379, or schedule a FREE discovery visit at Contact.