Female Tennis Players Research Articles

Treatment of Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears with Bio-Inductive Collagen Implant for Paraplegic Tennis Player: A Case Report

In patient with lower limb disability, rotator cuff disorders are prevalent, with partial thickness tears occurring at nearly twice the rate of full thickness tears. For those with acromion spurs unresponsive to conservative treatment, rotator cuff repair via the take-down method poses a retear risk and requires extensive rehabilitation. Conversely, surgery utilizing bio-inductive collagen implants shows a lower retear risk and enables faster recovery, making it an appealing option for wheelchair athletes. Thus, the authors aim to present favorable outcomes from isolated bio-inductive collagen implant repair in a 45-year-old female wheelchair tennis player with a bursal side partial thickness tear, alongside a literature review.

Joint position and force senses in young female tennis players and untrained adolescents.

The aim of the study was to determine the differences between tennis players and untrained peers in the development of upper limb proprioception in 10-15-year-olds. A group of 67 girls (12.75 ± 1.46 years old), including 33 tennis players and 34 age-matched untrained controls, was divided into three age groups: A1, 10-11-years-old; A2, 12-13-years-old; and A3, 14-15-years-old. Joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) were assessed by reproducing memorized target angle or torque value of three joints: glenohumeral, elbow, and radiocarpal. The JPS error for the elbow joint in group A1 was 71% and 80% higher (p < 0.01) than that in groups A2 and A3, respectively, and the performance of all tennis players was 27.5% (p = 0.01) better than that of untrained controls. For FS, proprioception of only the more demanding task tested (reproduction of 50% maximal voluntary contraction) and specific function (elbow and radiocarpal extension, and glenohumeral internal rotation) showed development with age. The error values for elbow extension (A1, A2) and the glenohumeral joint (A3) of tennis players were lower than those of age-matched controls. We conclude that the development of FS in the upper limb varied and was related to the specific functions and joints. The 10-13-year-old tennis players showed elbow extensor FS performance at the level of the older participants, while the 14-15-year-old tennis players were characterized with superior FS internal rotation performance in the glenohumeral joint.

Side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability are not related to serve velocity in tennis players with different levels of training experience

ObjectiveTennis is characterised by repetitive serves and strokes predominately performed with one arm. This can lead to differences in upper quarter mobility/stability between the stroke and non-stroke arm, which could even enlarge with increasing training experience and negatively affect serve velocity. Thus, we determined side differences (i.e., limb symmetry index) in upper quarter mobility/stability and their association with flat and slice serve velocity in advanced (ITN ≤ 4) female and male tennis players (N = 42, mean age = 23.9 ± 9.3 years) with different levels of training experience (< 2 years: n = 14, 2–5 years: n = 17, 6–8 years: n = 11).ResultsY Balance Test-Upper Quarter (YBT-UQ) side difference (i.e., composite score) and performances (i.e., medial reach) were largest in players with the lowest level of training experience (i.e., < 2 years). Further, YBT-UQ performances (i.e., medial reach and composite score) but not side differences were significantly correlated with flat and slice serve velocity, particularly in less experienced players. Our results suggest that significant side differences in upper quarter mobility/stability occur in less experienced players (indicative of increased injury risk) but they are not related to tennis-specific performance (i.e., serve velocity).

One-year developmental changes in motor coordination and tennis skills in 10–12-year-old male and female tennis players

BackgroundTo date, no longitudinal studies of quarterly changes have been conducted on the differences in the development of motor coordination between boys and girls in relation to changes in their tennis skills level. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the development of motor coordination of 10–12-year-old tennis players over the course of 1 year, in the light of changes in tennis skills preparation.MethodsOne-hundred eighty male and female tennis players aged 10, 11, or 12 years old participated in the study. Each age group comprised 30 boys and 30 girls. To investigate their motor coordination development, a battery of general tests (simple reaction, complex reaction, Spalding test, spider test, hexagon jumping, Starosta’s test, hand–eye test, balance, plate tapping, jump rope) and specific tennis skills tests (wall game and 100-tennis ball tests) were performed 4 times quarterly over 1 year. Differences between sexes and the time points were assessed. The rate of development evaluation was based on beta coefficient of linear regression.ResultsBoys generally performed better in tennis skills tests than girls. The boys performed better also in one motor coordination test (Spalding test) among 10-year-olds, in two additional tests (spider and plate tapping tests) among 11-year-olds, and another three more tests (simple reaction, complex reaction and Starosta’s tests) among 12-year-olds. Jump rope test among 10-year-olds and hexagon jump test among 12-year-olds were the only tests where girls performed better than boys. On the other hand, girls showed higher rate of development in balance and complex reaction tests than boys.ConclusionsWe conclude that motor coordination and tennis skills development over 1 year is age-, sex-, and task-dependent, with the 10–12-year-old male tennis players performing better in tennis skills and overall motor coordination than females.

The role of increased post-impact ball speed on plantar pressure during open and square stance groundstrokes in female tennis players

BackgroundIt is firmly established that achieving a high ball speed during the execution of groundstrokes represents a relevant factor for success in tennis. However, little is known about how plantar pressure changes as post-impact ball speed is increased during open and square stance groundstrokes. The objective of the study was to determine how tennis players change the plantar pressure in each foot when they execute open versus square stance forehand groundstrokes in order to increase post-impact ball speed.MethodsFifteen healthy female tennis players with ITN 2 or better (mean age: 22.7 ± 7.8 years) participated in this study. The players performed open and square stance longline forehand groundstrokes (topspin) at the following four post-impact ball speed levels: 80 km/h, 90 km/h, 100 km/h, and vmax. Flexible pressure-detecting insoles were used to measure plantar pressure in each foot [i.e., dominant (equals the stroke arm) and nondominant].ResultsThe repeated measures ANOVA showed significant stance style × foot dominance interactions and post-hoc analyses revealed larger maximal and mean forces during open compared to square stance for the dominant but not non-dominant foot. Further, the ball speed × stance style × foot dominance interaction reached the level of significance and post-hoc analyses showed increased/decreased mean forces in the dominant/non-dominant foot during the square but not open stance when players increased their post-impact ball speed.ConclusionLarger values in the open stance, but post-impact ball speed-adjusted values in square stance indicate different advantages in both styles, suggesting their situation-specific application.

Development of Upper-Extremity Morphological Asymmetries in Male and Female Elite Youth Tennis Players: A Longitudinal Study.

This 2-year longitudinal study examined the development of upper-extremity bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and lean mass (LM) asymmetry magnitudes in male and female youth tennis players. Dominant and nondominant upper-extremity BMD, BMC, and LM values of 49 male and 31 female players were measured yearly using dual X-ray absorptiometry. From these values, asymmetry magnitudes were calculated and expressed as a percentage. Maturity offset was estimated using anthropometric measurements. Linear mixed effect models examined the development of BMD, BMC, and LM asymmetry magnitudes according to players' maturity offset, sex, and training volume. Adjusted for sex and training volume, a 1-year increment in maturity offset was associated with a significant increase in BMD (1.3% [2.2%]; P < .001) and BMC (0.6% [2.4%]; P = .011) asymmetry magnitudes. Male players displayed significantly higher LM asymmetry magnitudes (Δ3.2% [8.4%]; P = .002) compared with their female counterparts. Training volume was not significantly associated with asymmetry magnitude development. In contrast to LM, male and female youth tennis players' upper-extremity bones are still responsive to mechanical loading with a significant increase in BMD and BMC asymmetry magnitudes according to maturity offset.

Comparing and analyzing elite soft tennis players

Analysing data from high-level matches soft tennis from elite players is something that coaches and athletes can use to improve their training and competition. The study aimed to compare the match workload action areas and analyse techniques between male and female soft tennis players in high-level competitions from soft tennis in 10 final matches. Data analysis of match workload, techniques, and action areas occur in matches performed using the Dartfish software. The data is analysed statistically, compared between males and females for match workload, and presented as percentages for each technique and action area. The results of the analysis showed that Rally time shots, Rally total time Work Density, and Percentage rally during the match of male players were significantly higher than those of female players, p ≤ .05. The Flat technique was used more at the competition (Male; Forehand 38.77% Backhand 39.19% and Female player, Forehand and Backhand are equal at 36.91%) with the correlation between both techniques being r = .0974. Slice and Lob techniques 3.00-10.08%, and Volley and Smash techniques used the least during matches. The playing area of all players will be at the Mid left, up to 31.99-41.10%. Fore right is the area with the least play, 1.97-3.21%. Data from the study shows that male players have a higher match workload than women. However, there are no differences in the use of techniques in the competition, including the playing action area. This result will help coaches and players practice and develop their abilities at a higher level.

A STUDY OF EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE OF TENNIS PLAYERS AND SUBSEQUENT GENDER COMPARISON

This research work was undertaken to study and compare the emotional intelligence of male and female tennis players from Delhi, NCR, India. The emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS- SANS) by Dr. Arun Kumar Singh and Dr. Shruti Narain was used as a tool in the present study. 70 state and national level tennis players (38 males and 32 females) in the age group of 16 to 21 years from various sports academies and schools in Delhi, NCR, India were randomly selected. Upon gender analysis, the study revealed that subjects showed the same level of emotional intelligence for both genders (p &gt; .05). However, there seemed to be a difference between the male and female tennis players on understanding motivation (p &lt; .05). partial correlation showed that there was no significant relationship between emotional intelligence and body mass index of tennis players while controlling for their age, r(67) = -.132, N = 70, p &gt; .05.

Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Serve Speed in Young Female Tennis Players.

In tennis, the serve plays a key role in determining the success of a player. The speed of a serve is influenced by a multitude of interconnected skills and abilities. The objective of this study was to establish the correlation between the explosive strength of the throwing type, the grip strength and flexibility of the arms, and the shoulder girdle with the serve speed in young female tennis players. Additionally, the study aimed to develop a regression model that accurately predicts the serve speed by analyzing the interplay among these variables. The study was carried out on a group of 20 tennis players, who had an average age of 13.10 ± 0.74 years. Additionally, their height was recorded as 165.70 ± 4.90 cm, and their body mass was measured at 51.45 ± 5.84 kg. To assess the motor abilities of the upper extremities, four tests were used that aimed to measure the explosive strength of the throwing type; one test was for the strength of the hand and forearm muscles, and one test was for the flexibility of the arms and shoulder girdle. Of all the variables examined, the medicine ball throw shot put (MBTSP) (r = 0.75), overhead medicine ball throw (OMBT) (r = 0.70), and grip strength (GS) (r = 0.71) displayed a notable correlation with serve speed (p < 0.05). The results obtained from the multiple regression analysis indicate that the combination of selected predictors (MBTSP-medicine ball throw shot put, OMBT-overhead medicine ball throw and GS-grip strength) explained 75% of the variability in serve speed. Significantly, MBTSP surfaced as the predominant predictor, autonomously elucidating 51% of the variability in serve speed. The importance of improving the analyzed motor skills of young female tennis players to enhance their serve in terms of speed is emphasized by the findings of this research.

Changes in Body Composition and Physical Performance after a Six-Week International Tour in Young Chilean Female Tennis Players.

Junior tennis players travel a lot to play tennis tournaments; this causes them to spend a lot of time away from their homes and disrupts their training, which could reduce their performance and increase the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in physical performance and body composition after a six-week international tour in young Chilean female tennis players. Thirty young female tennis players (15.4 ± 0.6) participated in this study. Body weight, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5 m sprint, the 505 with stationary start test (505 test), the pro-agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. The results show a significant increase in BFP and decrease in SMM (p < 0.01; d = -0.18 and 0.19, respectively). In terms of physical performance, 5 m sprint, the 505 test (p < 0.01; d = -0.95 and -0.95, respectively), CMJ, MBT, and HJ significantly decreased post-tour (p < 0.05; d = 0.96, 0.89 and 0.47, respectively). We conclude that, after a six-week international tour, there were changes in body composition and a significant decrease in 5 m sprint, the 505 test, CMJ, and MBT.

The relative age effect and its influence on athletic performance in Chinese junior female' tennis players.

The relative age effect (RAE) has been the focus of numerous studies; however, there are still fewer studies in women's sports than in men's sports. In this study, all female players (N = 2,255) who participated in Chinese junior tennis competitions (U12, U14, U16, and the National Junior Team) from 2014 to 2019 were investigated in terms of competitors' birth dates and year-end rankings. For the purposes of the analysis, the birth dates were also separated into quarters and half years. The study's objectives were to analyze the prevalence of the RAE among young Chinese female tennis players and to further examine how the RAE affects athletic performance. Differences between the observed and expected distributions of birth dates were tested using the chi-square statistic, and subsequent calculations were tested using odds ratios. The RAE was discovered to be present in every group of Chinese junior female tennis players (p < 0.001), with the proportions of those born in the first half of the year being 56.4% (U12), 53.1% (U14), and 57.0% (U16), respectively. The RAE for athletes selected for the National Women's Junior Tennis Team was even more significant, with the percentage of birth dates in the first half of the year at 61.2%. Finally, we observed a tendency for the effect of the RAE on the athletic performance of adolescent female tennis players to diminish with age.

Successful therapy of complex regional pain syndrome after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a case report

BackgroundComplex regional pain syndrome is a neuropathic pain disorder associated with ongoing pain that persists beyond the usual expected tissue healing time and that is disproportionate to the degree of tissue injury present. Complex regional pain syndrome after hip arthroscopy has not been reported before. Hip arthroscopy is a fast-growing domain that could lead to an increasing number of complex regional pain syndrome cases, probably owing to the high traction forces that are necessary.Case presentationWe report the case of a 30-year-old German female semiprofessional tennis player who presented with complex regional pain syndrome type I in the lower leg 3 weeks after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with suture anchor labral repair and femoroplasty. After 2 months of immediate multimodal conservative therapy including administration of gabapentin, prompt full weight-bearing, and intensified physiotherapy, complete recovery was achieved.ConclusionComplex regional pain syndrome does occur after elective hip arthroscopy. Disproportionate postoperative pain or other symptoms raising suspicion of complex regional pain syndrome should be promptly evaluated and treated through a multimodal approach. Postless hip arthroscopy may be advantageous.

Relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry and linear multidimensional running in female tennis players.

Tennis requires movement abilities in changing playing situations. This article investigates the relationship between lower extremity strength asymmetry ratio and linear and multidimensional running performances in female tennis players. A total of 56 female tennis players, with a mean age of 15.44 ± 0.50 years, participated in the study-the research design involved three sessions at 48-hour intervals. In the first session, athletes performed dominant and non-dominant countermovement jump (CMJ) and board jump (BJ) tests. The second (sec) session included 10-meter (-m) and 30-m linear running performance tests, while the final session assessed multidimensional running performance with a change of direction (COD) test. The relationship between CMJ and BJ asymmetry ratios and linear and multidimensional running performances was analysed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Bilateral asymmetry rates in linear and multidimensional running performance were determined through linear regression analysis. The dominant CMJ recorded 17.56 ± 3.47 cm, while BJ was 130.23 ± 21.76 cm, and the non-dominant CMJ measured 16.79 ± 4.51 cm with a BJ of 147.52 ± 30.97 cm. The athletes had a CMJ asymmetry rate of 12.67 ± 11.29% and a BJ asymmetry rate of 7.19 ± 5.28%. A relationship was seen between the CMJ asymmetry rate and 30-m running performance (r=0.368, p<0.05). There was no correlation between BJ asymmetry rate and 10-m running performance. Significant correlations were found between 30-m (r=0.364) and COD (r=0.529) running performances (p<0.05). It can be said that the CMJ asymmetry ratio may negatively affect 30-m and the BJ asymmetry ratio may negatively affect 30-m and COD performance.

Interlimb and trunk asymmetry in the frontal plane of table tennis female players.

An interesting and little-reported problem in the literature is the scale of asymmetry in table tennis players, the magnitude of which should perhaps be treated as a risk for injury. Determining the degree of asymmetry in table tennis players can indicate the need to appropriately manage the training process, including compensatory or corrective exercises in the training program, especially since recent studies confirm that training interventions can reduce sporting asymmetries and improve performance. This study aimed to assess the amount of asymmetry in the trunk regarding the frontal plane and the difference between limb circumferences in female table tennis players compared to the control group (non-athletes). Twenty-two women took part in the study. Ten of them were table tennis professionals with an average training experience of 7±4.3 years (the exclusion criterion of the study was a minimum of 3 years of training experience). As a comparison group, the study included 12 female students who did not participate in competitive sports. Body posture was assessed in all subjects using equipment for computer analysis of asymmetry in the torso using the photogrammetric method. Additionally, all the subjects had their upper and lower limb circumferences measured. The results of the conducted research showed asymmetry in the frontal plane in the table tennis player group. As many as six parameters-regarding the pelvic rotation angle, angle of trunk inclination, the height of the angles of the lower shoulder blades and their distance from the spine, as well as the waist triangles, difference in the width and height of the waist triangles and the angle of trunk inclination-indicated asymmetry in this group but significantly differed from the control group (p≤0.05) only in the first parameter given above. The calculated differences in circumference between the right and left sides in the individual groups were statistically different in several cases (p≤0.05). This concerned the circumferences of the arms, forearms, elbows, and knees of table tennis players. The research carried out in this study allowed us to determine the occurrence of asymmetry in the frontal plane of the trunk and between the limbs of table tennis players. According to some studies, this may be a risk factor for injury. However, despite the lack of uniform views in the literature on the importance and threats resulting from asymmetries, it appears that, if only for aesthetic reasons, table tennis would require compensatory or corrective training aimed at developing symmetry of the body structure.

Characterization of the serve-receive techniques of Chinese outstanding female table tennis players with hearing impairment

Characterization of the serve-receive techniques of Chinese outstanding female table tennis players with hearing impairment

Energy Expenditure of Elite Male and Female Professional Tennis Players During Habitual Training.

Understanding the daily energy expenditure of athletes during training is important to support recovery, adaptation, and the maintenance of performance. The aim of the current research was to assess the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and the acute energy expenditure (EE) of tennis training sessions during habitual training of elite tennis players. Using a cohort study design, 27 (n = 10, male; age; 22.3 ± 3.2years and n = 17, female; age: 23.8 ± 3.5years) elite singles tennis players were assessed for TDEE and tennis training EE. Using Actiheart activity monitors during a 2- to 5-day training period, male players were analyzed for 26days and 33 (1.3 ± 0.5sessions/day) tennis training sessions, and female players for 43days and 58 (1.2 ± 0.4sessions/day) tennis training sessions. Male TDEE (4,708 ± 583kcal/day) was significantly higher than female (3,639 ± 305kcal/day). Male absolute and relative tennis training EEs (10.2 ± 2.3kcal/min and 7.9 ± 1.4kcal·hr-1·kg-1) were significantly higher than those of females (7.6 ± 1.0kcal/min and 6.8 ± 0.9kcal·hr-1·kg-1). The resting metabolic rate was assessed via indirect calorimetry. The physical activity level for both groups was 2.3AU. The TDEE of male and female players during habitual training now highlights the continual cycle of high energy demands experienced by the elite tennis player. The broad ranges of TDEE and EE reported here suggest individual assessment and nutritional planning be prioritized, with a particular focus on carbohydrate requirements.

Eye Movement on Predicting Serve Return of College Female Tennis Players of Different Levels in Henan Province

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the influence of sports level on the behavioral indexes and eye movement indexes of female tennis players by independent sample T test analysis, and to provide strategic basis for visual search of athletes. Methods: In this study, 20 female tennis players from colleges and universities in Henan Province were randomly selected as professional group, and 20 female tennis students from colleges and universities in Henan Province were randomly selected as amateur group. All the tested players had normal vision (5.0 after correction), healthy body, and were right-handed racket holding players. The experiment was conducted to compare the two groups of subjects' prediction accuracy rate, reaction time, total number of effective gaze, gaze track and interest area and other eye movement characteristics when watching videos. Results: The professional group had shorter reaction time, and the correct rate was obviously higher than the amateur group. The total effective fixation point of the professional group was more than that of the amateur group, and the professional group could focus more information. The professional group had a mature grasp of cognitive processing strategies, and their visual search times were targeted; Athletes in the professional group can allocate more attention to the key areas of interest that affect the serve landing point, and highly focus on the interest areas directly related to the direction of the serve, so that they can search information more accurately and improve the accuracy of the prediction.

Analyzing game statistics and career trajectories of female elite junior tennis players: A machine learning approach.

Tennis is a popular and complex sport influenced by various factors. Early training increases the risk of career dropout before peak performance. This study analyzed game statistics of World Junior Tennis Final participants (2012-2016), their career paths and it examined how game statistics impact rankings of top 300 female players, aiming to develop an accurate model using percentage-based variables. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including neural networks, were employed. Four machine learning models with categorical predictors and one response were created. Seven models with up to 18 variables and one ordinal (WTA rank) were also developed. Tournament rankings could be predicted using categorical data, but not subsequent professional rankings. Although effects on rankings among top 300 female players were identified, a reliable predictive model using only percentage-based data was not achieved. AI models provided insights into rankings and performance indicators, revealing a lower dropout rate than reported. Participation in elite junior tournaments is crucial for career development and designing training plans in tennis. Further research should explore game statistics, dropout rates, additional variables, and fine-tuning of AI models to improve predictions and understanding of the sport.

Test of Validity, Reliability and Relevance of the "ITN 10.3 ITF Test" on the Level of Basic Technical Ability in Forehand and Backhand Groundstrokes for Tennis Players Aged 12 Years and Under

Several skill tests have been developed to assess the level of proficiency in forehand and backhand groundstroke techniques several decades ago, including the International Tennis Number (ITN) 10.3 Test by the ITF. However, the validity, reliability, and suitability of these tests may not necessarily be guaranteed when used to measure proficiency in these two techniques. This research aims to examine the level of validity, reliability, and relevance of the ITN 10.3 Test in relation to the proficiency level of forehand and backhand groundstroke techniques among junior tennis players aged 12 and below in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. This study is a quantitative descriptive research using a survey method. Data collection techniques involve tests and measurements. The population in this study consists of junior tennis players in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research sample was selected using purposive sampling technique, consisting of 30 male and female junior tennis players aged 12 and below in Yogyakarta. The research instrument uses the "ITN 10.3 Test" to measure the basic technical proficiency of forehand and backhand groundstroke. Validity test data analysis is performed by correlating the best results from the ITN 10.3 Test with the results of half-competition matches using Pearson Product Moment Correlation, reliability test using Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis technique, and relevance test is analyzed using T-Score scores. The research results show that the validity of the ITN 10.3 Test is -0.976. The test reliability is 0.982, and the test relevance is categorized as moderate, good, and very good at 69.99%. Thus, it can be concluded that the ITN 10.3 ITF Test can be used as a standardized assessment instrument to measure the proficiency level of forehand and backhand groundstroke techniques among junior tennis players aged 12 and below in DIY.

The role of increased post-impact ball speed on plantar pressure during topspin and slice longline forehand groundstrokes in female tennis players.

Performing groundstrokes is a fundamental skill for tennis players. However, little is known about changes in plantar pressure when post-impact ball speed is increased during topspin and slice groundstrokes. The objective of the present study was to examine how elite (International Tennis Number ≤ 2) female tennis players (N = 15, mean age: 22.7 ± 7.8 years) change their plantar pressure in the dominant (equals the stroke arm) and non-dominant foot when executing topspin and slice longline forehand groundstrokes in order to increase post-impact ball speed (i.e., 80km/h, 90km/h, 100km/h, vmax). The repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant ball speed × foot dominance interaction. Post-hoc analyses showed larger mean forces during topspin compared to slice groundstrokes for the dominant foot (p ≤ .026, d ≥ 0.34) but lower values for the non-dominant foot (p ≤ .050, d ≥ 0.28). Further, with increasing post-impact ball speed, increases in mean forces in both feet during topspin could be observed but only in the dominant foot during slice groundstrokes. Varying mean forces depending on the stroke type and foot dominance imply that specific physical exercises related to these two factors are necessary to optimise plantar pressure distribution.