Playing Golf Can Cause Hip Problem

October 29, 2016

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 


1. excessive /ɪkˈsɛs ɪv/ (adj.) – more than the usual or normal
Example: Some studies claim that excessive exercise can cause health problems.

2. posture /ˈpɒs tʃər/ (n.) – the position of one’s body when standing or sitting
Example: Back pains are usually connected to bad posture.

3. suspect /səˈspɛkt/ (v.) – to think that something is the cause of something bad
Example: The doctor suspects that my brother has a broken hip, so he asked him to undergo some tests.

4. deformity /dɪˈfɔr mɪ ti/ (n.) – a condition in which a body part does not have a normal shape
Example: Fetal deformities may occur during the first three months of pregnancy.

5. enthusiast /ɛnˈθu ziˌæst, -ɪst/ (n.) – a person who is very interested in something and spends a lot of time doing it
Example: Many golf enthusiasts attended the tournament.

Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
A study from the University of Warwick /ˈwɔɪk/ reveals that excessive golf practice can cause hip joints to have odd shapes.

According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, several professional golfers who participated in the Scottish Hydro Open complained about hip pain. Following this report, researchers from the University of Warwick examined fifty-five professional golfers. The study established that most of the golfers have an unnaturally egg-shaped right hip, while their left hip is ball-shaped.

According to lead researcher Damian Griffin, the mismatch in the shape of the golfers’ hips must be the result of their posture when playing. He noted that while practicing golf swings, both hips quickly move in two different directions. This repeated action causes one hip to be egg-shaped. He also suspects that this deformity causes the pain some European professional players complain about.

Many sports enthusiasts are surprised by these findings since golf does not require players to be very aggressive, unlike in other sports like football and basketball. However, sports doctor Andrew Murray explained that golf puts too much stress on the hips when players swing the club.

The research highlights that this problem is unique to golfers and is not observed in others. However, there is still the risk of developing an egg-shaped hip among non-golfers. Daily activities such as running and exercising, as well as long hours of sitting and incorrect sleeping posture, can damage the hips.

Simple exercises can be done at home to strengthen the hips and avoid hip deformity. According to the website LIVESTRONG, the key to keeping the hips from having an unnatural shape is stretching.


Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Aside from mismatched hip shapes, what are other health risks associated with golf?
·         In your opinion, what measures can golfers take to prevent injuries?

Discussion B


·         In your opinion, what sport has the most health risks? Why do you say so?
·         What health benefits are associated with sports? 

October 29, 2016