Physical and physiological responses in Paddle Tennis competition

Abstract

Paddle-tennis is a racket sport practised by 4.5 million people around the world and it is increasing each year. The aim of this study was to analyse physical responses, i.e., partial and total distances covered, and physiological responses, i.e., mean heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and lactate, during competition. Sixty sets were analysed on twenty-four male paddle-tennis players. Differences in physical and physiological variables were evaluated using one way ANOVA. High level players (C1) covered lower distance than middle (C2) and lower level (C3) players during set and match play (P<0.05). In addition, HR in C1 was 131.7±16.3 beats/min and versus 156.4±15.6 and 150.8±14.4 beats/min of C2 and C3, respectively (P<0.05). Finally, C1 remained 43.7% and 12.9% of the playing time in HR2 (50-70% of maximum HR) and HR4 (80-90%of maximum HR) zones, respectively; while that C2 and C3 registered 15-20% and 30-32% in HR2 and HR4 zone, respectively (P<0.05). RPE was also significantly lower in C1 with regard to the one found in C2 and C3. These results reveal that C1 shows lower physical and physiological responses than C2 and C3, and these responses are similar to single tennis and table-tennis sports but lower than squash and badminton in match play.