Introduction: The x-factor is considered an important measure in rotational sports such as golf and is typically assessed using three-dimensional motion capture analysis. Due to equipment costs and lengthy time periods to analyse measurements it is not practical for coaches. Although three-dimensional motion capture analysis is recognised as the gold standard, a cheaper and quicker tool is needed to evaluate such measurements. The Turning Point Core Trainer (TP) is a device designed to measure the x-factor and angular velocities of the upper torso and hips; however, data regarding reliability of the TP is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine between session reliability of the TP as a measure of the x-factor and angular velocity of the upper torso (SAV) and hips (HAV). Methods: Sixty two college adults volunteered for this study (male = 35, female = 27, age 24.85 ± 4.54 years, height 1.72 ± 0.09 m, weight 71.09 ± 12.81 kg, BMI 23.78 ± 2.89 kg/m2 ). Participants completed three 30 second trials on two separate testing days using the TP with zero resistance in the upright position with no forward incline. A one minute rest period separated each trial. Participants were asked to return to the lab 3 to 14 days following the initial testing. The TP measured SAV and HAV about the body’s y-axis and was recorded in (°/s). Intraclass correlations (ICC) were used to examine reliability between testing sessions. Paired t-tests were used to examine differences between testing sessions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. All data was analysed using PASW Statistical software 18.0 (IBM Inc., Chicago, IL). Results: ICC’s were very strong for both the right and left directions for x-factor (0.86 vs. 0.80), SAV (0.96 vs. 0.95),and HAV (0.91 vs. 0.91), respectively. Only HAVR reached statistical significance between testing days (72.85±29.22°/s vs. 76.82±26.06°/s, p=0.04). Discussion and Conclusion: These results suggest excellent test-retest reliability using the TP and support its use for assessing the x-factor, SAV, and HAV.
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Journal of Fitness Research / Vol. 4, No. 3, pp.55-62