A rapid review to identify physical activity accrued whilst playing golf

Objective: To identify physical activity accrued whilst playing golf, and modifiers of physical activity accrued.
Design: A rapid review of primary research studies. Quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies.
Methods and outcomes: The following databases were searched from 1900 to March 2017: SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Google Advanced Search, ProQuest, World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. All primary research investigating golf or golfers with any of the following outcomes was included: metabolic equivalent of task, oxygen uptake, energy expenditure, heart rate, step count, distance covered, strength, flexibility, balance, sedentary behaviour.
Results: Phase one searching identified 4944 citations and phase two searching identified 170 citations. In total 19 articles met inclusion criteria. Golf is primarily a moderate intensity physical activity, but may be low intensity depending upon the playing population and various modifiers. Less physical activity is accrued by those who ride a golf cart compared to those walking the course.
Conclusions: Golf can be encouraged in order to attain physical activity (PA) recommendations. Further research is required into the relationship between golf and strength and flexibility physical activity recommendations, and how modifiers affect physical activity accrued.