Recovery of golfing ability in someone with an incomplete spinal cord injury: a case report.

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this case report was to describe the elements needed to play golf, detail a rehabilitation program designed to teach someone with an incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) to play golf and to document outcomes of such a program. Methods: The participant was a 58-year-old male who sustained an incomplete C3-C6 SCI. The program was divided into three phases. Phase one (nine sessions) consisted of balance, strengthening and flexibility activities to prepare him to play golf. During phase two (12 sessions), he practiced his golf swing in a clinical setting and in phase three (seven sessions) focused on task-oriented training at a golf course. The ability to play golf, putting accuracy, driving distance, quality of swing, balance, physical functioning, walking capacity, muscle strength, endurance and quality of life were measured before and after the intervention. Results: The participant was able to complete 9-holes of golf with assistance and demonstrated greater ability to drive...