Collegiate Tennis Players Research Articles

The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of random route multi-directional sprint training (MDST) compared to fixed route MDST on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA), and to investigate the correlation between CODS, RA and short-distance straight sprint speed (SDSS). A total of 19 collegiate tennis players from Beijing Sport University were randomly assigned to either the random route MDST group (RR group, N = 9, age: 22.22 ± 2.22 years) or the fixed route MDST group (FR group, N = 10, age: 21.90 ± 1.66 years). Both groups completed a progressive load intervention training for 3 weeks, three times a week. The RR group's random route, mirroring the distance and number of change-of-direction (COD) in the FR group's fixed route, was specifically designed. The spider run, T-drill, RA test and 5-m straight line sprint test were performed before and after the intervention. Both groups showed improved performance in the spider run (p < 0.05), T-drill (p < 0.01) and 5-m straight (p < 0.001) line sprint test after the intervention. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the improvement of CODS and SDSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). The RA of the RR and FR groups after the intervention was significantly higher than before intervention (p < 0.001), and RR group showed greater improvement in RA compared to the FR group. There was a moderate correlation between spider run and T-drill (r = 0.523), RA (r = 0.388), and no significant correlation between spider run and 5-m straight sprint (p > 0.05). T-drill was moderately correlated with RA (r = 0.347) and 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.321). RA was moderately correlated with 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.551). Three-week multi-directional sprint training can effectively improve the change-of-direction speed, reactive agility and short-distance straight sprint speed of collegiate tennis players. And random route multi-directional sprint training has better effect on improving reactive agility.

Effects of low-volume court-based sprint interval training on anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a potent exercise strategy to enhance athletes’ anaerobic capacity in a time-efficient manner. This study aimed to investigate the impact of low-volume, court-based SIT on the anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players. Twenty-four competitive collegiate tennis players were randomly assigned to either the SIT group (n = 12; three sessions per week of court-based repeated-sprint training) or the traditional endurance training (ET) group (n = 12; three sessions per week of 45-min continuous treadmill running, n = 12) for a 6-weeks intervention. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included the Wingate Anaerobic Test, elimination rate of blood lactate (BLAer), tennis-specific repeated sprint ability (RSA), and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YoYo-IR2). The results showed that SIT group demonstrated significant improvements in peak and average power during the Wingate test (p = 0.07; p < 0.001), along with a notable increase in YoYo-IR2 performance (7.8% increase, p = 0.04). Significant decreases were observed in both mean (5.1% decrease, p = 0.02) and sum RSA time (5.2% decrease, p = 0.02) in the tennis-specific RSA assessments. Additionally, the SIT group showed significantly higher effective training time and TRIMP in the 90–100% HRmax zone compared to the ET group (p < 0.01). This study underscores the potential benefits of low-volume, court-based SIT in enhancing anaerobic capacity and sport-specific performance in competitive tennis players, in comparison to traditional ET.

Tournament Recovery Profiles and Physical Demands in a Collegiate Women's Tennis Team.

Tendero-Ortiz, E, Johnson, MJ, Horsfall, CM, Vondrasek, JD, Grosicki, GJ, Riemann, BL, and Flatt, AA. Tournament recovery profiles and physical demands in a collegiate women's tennis team. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-We aimed to characterize recovery profiles and tournament physical demands in women's collegiate tennis players. A Division 1 team (n = 9) participated in the study. Markers of cardiac autonomic (resting heart rate [HR], HR variability), neuromuscular (isometric handgrip strength, seated single-arm shot-put test [SSAPT], hexagon agility, countermovement jump characteristics), and perceptual recovery were obtained before the tournament (baseline) and again 1 and 2 days posttournament. Cardiorespiratory (HR) and movement characteristics from matches were quantified with wearable devices. p values < 0.05 were statistically significant. No recovery markers differed from baseline (ps > 0.05), although small effect size reductions 1 day posttournament were noted for SSAPT, hexagon agility, and select countermovement jump characteristics. In addition, hexagon agility times and SSAPT were slower (p < 0.01) and shorter (p < 0.05), respectively, at 1 versus 2 days posttournament. Similarly, relative to 1 day posttournament, perceptual makers were improved 2 days posttournament (ps < 0.05). Mean and peak HR were higher for singles versus doubles matches (ps < 0.05). Except for average speed, movement parameters were greater during singles versus doubles matches (ps < 0.05). Markers of recovery were minimally affected 1 day posttournament relative to baseline, but perceptual and select neuromuscular markers were most improved 2 days posttournament. Thus, passive rest or limited intensity training 1 day posttournament seems advisable. Competition HR and movement profiles inform practitioners of the cardiorespiratory and locomotor demands of women's collegiate tennis, which may be useful in designing preparatory conditioning programs to ensure that players attain match-specific physical capacities in training before competition.

Visuomotor coordination with gaze, head and arm movements during table tennis forehand rallies.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the temporal coordination between gaze, head, and arm movements during forehand rallies in table tennis. Collegiate male table tennis players (n=7) conducted forehand rallies at a constant tempo (100, 120, and 150bpm) using a metronome. In each tempo condition, participants performed 30 strokes (a total of 90 strokes). Gaze, head, and dominant arm (shoulder, elbow, and wrist) movements were recorded with an eye-tracking device equipped with a Gyro sensor and a 3-D motion capture system. The results showed that the effect of head movements relative to gaze movements was significantly higher than that of eye movements in the three tempo conditions. Our results indicate that head movements are closely associated with gaze movements during rallies. Furthermore, cross-correlation coefficients (CCs) between head and arm movements were more than 0.96 (maximum coefficient: 0.99). In addition, head and arm movements were synchronized during rallies. Finally, CCs between gaze and arm movementswere more than 0.74 (maximum coefficient: 0.99), indicating that gaze movements are temporally coordinated with arm movements. Taken together, head movements could play important roles not only in gaze tracking but also in the temporal coordination with arm movements during table tennis forehand rallies.

A survey of sun safety habits among Division I National Collegiate Athletic Association golfers and tennis players

Collegiate athletes who play tennis and golf spend significant time outdoors and increase their risk of skin cancer. This study aimed to gain insight into the sun protection behaviors of collegiate golfers and tennis players competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. A survey was distributed to NCAA Division I golf and tennis teams within Power 5 collegiate conferences. Of the 84 respondents, 50% indicated sunscreen use more than 75% of the time while playing their sport, but only 4.8% engaged in sunscreen reapplication. The main barriers to reapplication were due primarily to slippery hands (70.2%) or forgetfulness (63.4%). Most athletes do not apply sunscreen to hands, ears, chest, or lips, and either never or rarely wear sunscreen while outside when they are not playing their sport (54.8%). Thirty-three percent were unsure or did not believe they were at an increased risk for skin cancer, and 16.6% were unsure or did not believe that sunscreen can prevent skin cancer. Most collegiate athletes recognize their increased risk of skin cancer; nevertheless, they are unlikely to reapply sunscreen and often do not apply sunscreen to commonly missed areas. Increased education and resources may help promote lifelong safe sun exposure habits and reduce skin cancer risk.

Importance of head movements in gaze tracking during table tennis forehand stroke

The purpose of this study was to clarify the properties of gaze and head movements during forehand stroke in table tennis. Collegiate table tennis players (n = 12) conducted forehand strokes toward a ball launched by a skilled experimenter. A total of ten trials were conducted for the experimental task. Horizontal and vertical movements of the ball, gaze, head and eye were analyzed from the image recorded by an eye tracking device. The results showed that participants did not always keep their gaze and head position on the ball throughout the entire ball path. Our results indicate that table tennis players tend to gaze at the ball in the initial ball-tracking phase. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between eye and head position especially in the vertical direction. This result suggests that horizontal VOR is suppressed more than vertical VOR in ball-tracking during table tennis forehand stroke. Finally, multiple regression analysis showed that the effect of head position to gaze position was significantly higher than that of eye position. This result indicates that gaze position during forehand stroke could be associated with head position rather than eye position. Taken together, head movements may play an important role in maintaining the ball in a constant egocentric direction in table tennis forehand stroke.

Relationship of Upper Limb Strength and Flexibility among Collegiate Male Tennis Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Tennis is popular sports for people of all ages group. Although there are number of studies examining young tennis players and there is still inconsistent finding regarding the physical characteristic of young tennis player.Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of upper limb strength and flexibility in collegiate male tennis players.Method: This study will examine associations between upper limb strength and flexibility among collegiate male tennis player. In upper limb strength, to assess arm strength, push up test was used and to assess grip strength, hand held dynamometer was used. for flexibility, sit and reach test was used. Result: Arm Strength and flexibility show a moderately positive correlated (Pearson Correlation Coefficient r =0.649), similarly when flexibility was correlate with grip strength a highly positive correlation was reported (r = 0.701).Conclusion: The present study consisting of 30 players found that there is a Moderately positive correlation betweenArmstrength andFlexibility, and Highly positive correlation of Grip strength with Flexibility. Thus, this study concludes that there is positive correlation between upper limb strength and flexibility.

Injuries and Strength Training Practices in Collegiate Tennis.

Strength and conditioning practices may influence injury rates in the sport of tennis. Methods: Coaches reported the number injuries over the past year. Coaches were also surveyed on whether their training program included training related to upper-body or lower-body strength, power, muscle growth, and eccentric exercise. Separate regression analyses were run in the upper and lower body to examine the relationship between injuries and participation in training focused on strength, power, growth, and maximal eccentric exercise. A total of 111 coaches were surveyed. The most frequent injuries observed were ankle sprains (144 injures), followed by paraspinal muscle strains (126 injuries). When pooled, there were a total of 355 lower-body and 260 upper-body injuries. Strength and conditioning practices explained 9.9% of the variance of injury rates in the upper body (R2 = 0.099). The only significant predictor of upper-body injury was participation in upper-body muscle growth training (β = 1.613, p = 0.013). In addition, training practices explained 11.1% of the variance of injury in the lower body (R2 = 0.111). Coaches value injury prevention exercise, sports-specific training and flexibility and mobility training the most, with muscle growth and maximal power ranked lowest. Additionally, the most frequent injuries observed in collegiate tennis players were ankle sprains (144 injures), followed by paraspinal muscle strains (126 injuries).

A Physiological Profile Of Male And Female Division I Collegiate Tennis Players

Tennis requires high levels of reaction time, muscular power, and aerobic capacity. Assessments of these physiological parameters can aid in making decisions on training priorities, adaptations, and overall readiness. PURPOSE: The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate physiological and performance characteristics of male and female tennis players and identify relationships between metrics. METHODS: Collegiate tennis players (male [M]: n = 7, age = 20.7 ± 1.3 y, height = 186 ± 4 cm, body mass = 82.2 ± 4.5 kg; female [F]: n = 10, age = 19.6 ± 1.3 y, height = 166 ± 5 cm, mass = 65.3 ± 9.2 kg) participated in preseason testing to assess body composition, reaction time, muscular power, and aerobic capacity. First, body composition (body fat percentage [%BF], fat-free mass [FFM]) was measured by air-displacement plethysmography (BODPOD), followed by simple (Dynavision D2) and whole-body dynamic (Trazer) reaction time (RT), muscular power via maximal countermovement vertical jump with hands on hips (CMJ), and aerobic capacity (VO2max) via maximal graded exercise testing. Descriptive statistics are presented as mean ± standard deviation, and relationships between metrics were assessed using Pearson’s correlations (r) with an alpha-level of 0.05. RESULTS: Average %BF and FFM were 10.8 ± 4.0% and 73.3 ± 3.6 kg for M and 21.6 ± 6.2% and 51.7 ± 6.7 kg for F. Simple RT was 0.7 ± 0.1 s for both M and F, and dynamic RT was 0.5 ± 0.0 s for M and F. CMJ height was 56.4 ± 6.2 cm for M and 41.9 ± 4.4 cm for F. VO2max was 57.1 ± 5.1 mL/kg/min for M and 47.3 ± 5.8 mL/kg/min for F. %BF was inversely related to both CMJ (r = -0.72; P < 0.01) and VO2max (r = -0.77; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this sample was relatively lean, though M met the “Good-Excellent” category while F met the “Fair” category according to ACSM standards. Both measures of RT were consistent across M and F, though M had higher CMJ. VO2max was also higher in M, but both teams were considered “Excellent.” Correlational findings suggest increased BF% may negatively impact both anaerobic and aerobic performance, as athletes with higher BF% had lower CMJ heights and cardiovascular fitness. Future research should assess how these measures, particularly reaction time metrics, relate to on-court tennis performance.

Changes In Forearm Strength Across A Competitive Season Among Collegiate Tennis Players

Changes In Forearm Strength Across A Competitive Season Among Collegiate Tennis Players

Comparison of explosive leg strength and hand grip strength among collegiate badminton and tennis players

Introduction: Tennis and Badminton are popular sports of all ages of group. Although there are numbers of studies examining collegiate players. Hand grip strength is also important component for badminton and tennis players, but not much comparative studies done on explosive leg strength among Badminton and Tennis players.Purpose of Study: Comparison of Explosive Leg Strength and Hand Grip Strength among Collegiate Badminton and Tennis Players.Methodology: This study will examine comparison of explosive Leg Strength and Hand Grip Strength between collegiate Tennis and Badminton players. For Explosive Leg Strength, Standing Broad Jump test was used and for Hand Grip Strength, Hand held dynamometer was used.Result: There is no significant difference seen in Standing Broad Jump test (F = 0.014) and significant difference was seen in hand grip Strength between collegiate tennis and Badminton Players. (F = 0.335).

The Relationships of Sleep Duration and Inconsistency With the Athletic Performance of Collegiate Soft Tennis Players.

We evaluated the relationships of daily sleep duration and inconsistency with soft tennis competitive performance among 15 healthy collegiate soft tennis players (13 male, 2 female, mean age = 19.7 ± 0.8 years, height = 170.8 ± 7.3 cm, weight = 60.3 ± 5.6 kg, soft tennis experience = 8.7 ± 2.0 years). Sleep duration and inconsistency were determined by a 50-day sleep diary, which recorded sleep and wake times of sleep. Soft tennis athletic performance was evaluated by a service and baseline stroke accuracy test and the spider run test. Mean sleep duration was 7.4 ± 1.7 h. No correlation was found between long-term mean sleep duration and athletic performance. But inconsistency in sleep duration (SD of sleep duration) was inversely correlated with service score after controlling for soft tennis experience and sex (r = −0.56, p = 0.046). There was no significant relationship between sleep inconsistency and other athletic performance. This result indicates that reducing the instability of sleep duration (i.e., sleep regular hours) in the long-term may have a positive effect on soft tennis players’ service performance. Although participants’ current mean sleep duration (7.4 h) was not as sufficient as the recommendation in sleep extension experiments (9–10 h), it revealed the importance for athletes to maintain regular sleep in daily life.

Junior and Collegiate Tennis Players Display Similar Bilateral Asymmetries of Humeral Retroversion.

Overhead throwing athletes consistently display significant bilateral differences in humeral retroversion (HRV). However, there is limited evidence regarding HRV asymmetries in tennis players despite similarities between the overhead throw and tennis serve. To determine if junior and collegiate tennis players demonstrate bilateral differences in HRV, and whether the magnitude of the side-to-side difference (HRVΔ) was similar across different age groups. Cross-Sectional Study Setting: Field-Based Patients or Other Participants: Thirty-nine healthy tennis players were stratified into three age groups: Younger Juniors (n = 11; age = 14.5 ± 0.5 years), Older Juniors (n = 12; age = 17.1 ± 0.9 years), and Collegiate (n = 16; age = 19.6 ± 1.2 years). Three-trial means were calculated for HRV for the dominant and nondominant limbs, and HRVΔ was calculated by subtracting the mean of the nondominant side from the dominant side. Paired-sample t-tests were utilized to determine bilateral differences in HRV, while a one-way ANOVA was used to compare HRVΔ between groups. For all three groups, HRV was significantly greater in the dominant arm compared to the nondominant arm (Younger Juniors: dominant = 62.8° ± 9.1° vs nondominant = 56.3° ± 6.8°, P = .039; Older Juniors: dominant = 75.5° ± 11.2° vs nondominant = 68.6° ± 14.2°, P = .043; Collegiate: dominant = 71.7° ± 8.5° vs nondominant = 61.2° ± 6.9°, P = .001). However, no significant differences were detected in HRVΔ when compared across age groups (P = .511). Consistent with studies involving overhead throwing athletes, tennis players demonstrated significantly greater measures of HRV in the dominant limb. Further, the development of HRV asymmetries appear to have occurred prior to the teenage years as no changes were observed in HRVΔ between age groups.

Full effort compared to partial effort performance of the tennis serve in collegiate tennis players

Interval tennis rehabilitation programs (ITRPs) are advocated during later stages of shoulder and elbow rehabilitation. ITRPs utilize gradual increases in hitting or serving effort, based on perceived effort. Over-estimation of effort may increase stress. This investigation purpose was to determine actual tennis serve velocity when asked to hit serves at perceived effort of 50%, 75%. Thirty-nine healthy college tennis players performed a warm-up of groundstrokes and serves. Five maximal effort serves (100% velocity) functioned as the 100% maximal effort serve. Then, five serves were hit at each of two randomly determined velocities. The average of five trials for maximum effort (100% velocity) was calculated. Based on this number, 75% and 50% of maximum velocity was determined. Using one-sample t-tests, the subjects’ perceived efforts were compared against computed percentages. Differences were found between perceived effort and calculated percent. Overall, actual velocity served was greater than percieved. Because velocity at 100% effort was significantly different for males and females, a separate analyses was done by gender. Both males’ and females’ perceived velocities were significantly greater (p &lt; .05) than the athletes’ computed velocities at 75% and 50%, respectively. Perceived serve effort does not equate to actual ball velocity. A need exists to use other measures to determine effort or intensity during ITRPs. Serving at higher velocity levels early after musculoskeletal shoulder or elbow injury may increase the risk of re-injury or lack of progression. This study provides clinicians with guidance for the progression of tennis players during an interval program.

Energy expenditure and dietary intake of female collegiate tennis and soccer players during a competitive season

This study examined energy expenditure, dietary behavior, and energy balance of female tennis and soccer student-athletes during a competitive season. A sample of 18 (Mage=19.86±1.35 years) Division I female collegiate student-athletes (5 tennis and 13 soccer players) were followed for four days, i. e., during one game/match, two practice sessions, and one recovery day. Physical activity was assessed with accelerometers and dietary behavior with daily food logs. Daily energy expenditure for the game/match, practice, and rest days was 2,848±304kcal, 2,622±248kcal, and 1,833±959kcal, respectively, with a statistically significant main effect (F[2,16]=82.291, p&amp;lt;.001, η2=.91). Daily dietary intake ranged from 1,833±959 to 1849±371kcal, with no significant interaction between different days. There were no sport specific differences in energy expenditure or dietary behaviors. Athletes consumed 4.30±2.07 g/kg carbohydrates, 1.57±.98 g/kg protein, and 1.27±.80 g/kg fats daily. There was a significant main effect in dietary intake (F[2,16]=7.311, p=.006, η2=.48), with a difference between game/match and recovery days (t[17]=3.83, p=.001, d=1.19). This study showed a negative energy balance among female student-athletes. The findings indicate that the lack of carbohydrate intake during game/match days contributed to this energy deficit.

The Effect of Education on Hydration Status of Female Collegiate Tennis Players at Southern Utah University

The Effect of Education on Hydration Status of Female Collegiate Tennis Players at Southern Utah University

Effects of Recovery Nutrition on Body Composition and Session RPE in Collegiate Tennis Players

Athletes often overlook the psychological and physiological importance of recovery nutrition in athletic performance. Little research has investigated the role of recovery nutrition on perceived exertion in college athletes. PURPOSE: To examine the perceived and physiological effects of regular, whole food, recovery nutrition on session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and body composition in collegiate athletes. METHODS: Female tennis players (n=8, age 20.1±1.4 years; weight 66.8±6.9 kg) volunteered for the 8-week study during their competitive season. Air displacement plethysmography was used to estimate fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) at baseline, 4-week, and end of the 8-week intervention. Seven training sessions (60 min), consisting of high intensity strength and power exercises, were performed during each 4-week phase of the study. Athletes continued their normal pattern during the first 4-weeks (T1) and were provided with standardized recovery nutrition at the conclusion of each training session for the second 4-weeks (T2). RPE on a scale of 0-10 was reported immediately after each training session. Recovery nutrition consisted of a 3” red apple, 7” banana, 1.05 oz. peanut butter spread, and an 85g bagel or 99g gluten-free bagel. Nutritional composition for a standard snack bag was 680kcal, 106g carbohydrate, 17.8g protein, 24.7g fat, while a gluten-free snack bag totaled 740kcal, 107g carbohydrate, 18.8g protein, 31.7g fat. Participants were instructed to consume all foods within an hour of the training session. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine changes in session RPE and body composition over time. RESULTS: There was a main effect of recovery nutrition on session RPE (p<0.001) with a lower RPE reported in T2 (3.53±1.24) than T1 (4.50±1.44). FM and FFM decreased 0.05kg and 0.28kg, respectively; however, changes were not significant (p>0.05). Athletes reported an increased quality of training with recovery nutrition. Conclusions: Four weeks of recovery nutrition resulted in a ~10% decrease in session RPE in female tennis players. Further, athletes perceived they trained harder during the sessions with recovery nutrition. Future research would be beneficial to determine the direct effects of recovery nutrition on performance. Supported by EWU’s Start Something Big Grant - 7F16.

Epidemiology of injuries in tennis players.

To review the recent literature regarding the epidemiology of tennis injuries at all levels of play, and to discuss recent findings in injury surveillance by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Following the release of a consensus statement in 2009 calling for standardized documentation and analysis of tennis-related injuries, multiple studies have been published describing longitudinal injury incidences at Grand Slam tournaments and the Davis Cup. Recent efforts by the ATP have further elucidated injury patterns on tour. There have also been recent high-quality studies on injury trends among collegiate and elite junior tennis players, bringing attention to musculoskeletal injuries and systemic illnesses that young tennis players may be susceptible to. Recent efforts in injury surveillance by the ATP and at the collegiate and junior levels have highlighted injury trends that will help guide injury prevention strategies at various levels of play.

Common Injuries of Collegiate Tennis Players

Common Injuries of Collegiate Tennis Players

Inspiratory Muscle Performance is Significantly Related to Agility and Speed in Collegiate Tennis Players

The Illinois Agility Test (IAT) measures sport agility by combining multi-directional skills with sprints. The Test of Incremental Respiratory Endurance (TIRE) evaluates inspiratory muscle strength and endurance via Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Sustained Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (SMIP). The relationship between athletic agility and inspiratory muscle performance (IMP) is unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the association between IMP and IAT results of Collegiate Tennis Players (CTP). METHODS: IMP of 7 male CTP (mean ± SD age = 20.3 ± 0.8 years, height = 186.2 ± 3.4 cm, and weight = 77.7 ± 6.5 kg) and 8 female CTP (age = 20.9 ± 0.8 years, height = 168.9 ± 6.2 cm, and weight = 64.7 ± 6.5 kg) was assessed via TIRE with the best of 3–5 trials providing MIP [measured from residual volume (RV)] and SMIP (measured from RV to total lung capacity). The IAT was performed twice with a 10-min rest between trials. The first and last intervals of the IAT comprised sprints to and from cones set 10 m apart, while the second interval involved weaving back and forth through four cones placed 3.3 m apart. A custom mobile app and tablet were used to time each IAT interval. RESULTS: MIP and SMIP of men were significantly (p<.05) greater than women (134.5 ± 19.4 vs. 99.5 ± 35.3 cm H2O and 791.1 ± 193.9 vs. 471.7 ± 162.8 PTU, respectively). Men were significantly (p<.05) faster during all IAT intervals and had a significant (p<.05) negative correlation between MIP and last sprint times of both trials (r = - .77 and - .89, respectively). In women, significant (p<.05) negative correlations existed between weaving time and SMIP of the first trial (r = - .77) and MIP and SMIP of the second trial (r = - .93 and - .89, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: IMP was significantly correlated to IAT time in CTP but gender differences existed. The correlation between MIP and last sprints in men suggests that men depend on IMP for speed. MIP and SMIP were related to the weave interval in women suggesting that women depend more on IMP for agility. Stronger correlations existed between IMP and IAT during the second IAT trials suggesting that greater IMP provides less susceptibility to performance decrement associated with fatigue. Greater IMP may provide greater balance and contribute to greater agility in women and speed in men, resulting in improved performance in CTP.