The Effect of Tennis Racket Grip Size on Forearm Muscle Firing Patterns

Abstract

Background Inappropriately sized tennis racket grip is often cited in the popular media as a risk factor for overuse injuries about the forearm and elbow. Currently, a hand measurement technique developed by Nirschl is commonly used by tennis racket manufacturing companies as the method for determining a player's “recommended” grip size. Hypothesis Quarter-inch changes from that recommended by Nirschl in tennis racket grip size will have no significant effect on forearm muscle firing patterns. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Sixteen asymptomatic Division I and II collegiate tennis players performed single-handed backhand ground strokes with rackets of 3 different grip sizes (recommended measurement, undersized 1/4 in, and oversized 1/4 in). Fine-wire electromyography was used to measure muscle activity in extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, extensor digitorum communis, flexor carpi radialis, and pronator teres. Repeated-measure analysis of variance was used for within-group comparisons, comparing different grips in specified phases for backhand ground strokes (P [.lessequal]. 05). Results There were no significant differences in muscle activity between small, recommended, or big grips in any muscle tested. Conclusion Based on these findings, tennis racket grip size 1/4 in above or below Nirschl's recommended measurement does not significantly affect forearm muscle firing patterns. Clinical Relevance Alterations in tennis racket grip size within 1/4 in of Nirschl's recommended sizing do not have a significant effect on forearm muscle activity and therefore may not represent a significant risk factor for upper extremity cumulative trauma, such as lateral epicondylitis.