Racquet Sports Research Articles

Glenohumeral Internal Rotation Deficit and Risk of Upper Extremity Injury in Overhead Athletes: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Context:Current perception dictates that glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) is a chronic adaptation that leads to an increased risk of pathologic conditions in the dominant shoulder or elbow of overhead athletes.Objective:To determine whether adaptations in glenohumeral range of motion in overhead athletes lead to injuries of the upper extremity, specifically in the shoulder or elbow.Data Sources:An electronic database search was performed using Medline, Embase, and SportDiscus from 1950 to 2016. The following keywords were used: GIRD, glenohumeral internal rotation deficit, glenohumeral deficit, shoulder, sport, injury, shoulder joint, baseball, football, racquet sports, volleyball, javelin, cricket, athletic injuries, handball, lacrosse, water polo, hammer throw, and throwing injury.Study Selection:Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Of those 17 studies, 10 included specific range of motion measurements required for inclusion in the meta-analysis.Study Design:Systematic review and meta-analysis.Level of Evidence:Level 4.Data Extraction:Data on demographics and methodology as well as shoulder range of motion in various planes were collected when possible. The primary outcome of interest was upper extremity injury, specifically shoulder or elbow injury.Results:The systematic review included 2195 athletes (1889 males, 306 females) with a mean age of 20.8 years. Shoulders with GIRD favored an upper extremity injury, with a mean difference of 3.11° (95% CI, –0.13° to 6.36°; P = 0.06). Shoulder total range of motion suggested increased motion (mean difference, 2.97°) correlated with no injury (P = 0.11), and less total motion (mean difference, 1.95°) favored injury (P = 0.14). External rotational gain also favored injury, with a mean difference of 1.93° (P = 0.07).Conclusion:The pooled results of this systematic review and meta-analysis did not reach statistical significance for any shoulder motion measurement and its correlation to shoulder or elbow injury. Results, though not reaching significance, favored injury in overhead athletes with GIRD, as well as rotational loss and external rotational gain.

Effect of plyometric training on jumping performance and agility in adolescent badminton players

Badminton is one of the most popular racquet sports in the world. The agility and vertical jump are important motor skills to hit a shuttlecock in badminton game. The purpose of this study was to investigate effect of plyometric training on vertical jump and agility in adolescent badminton players. Twenty adolescent (age, 12.5 ± 0.2 years) badminton players were randomly divided into two groups as plyometric group (PG) and control group (CG). All participants were tested to assess agility and vertical jump before (pre-test) and after 6-weeks training period (post-test). Agility performance was assessed with Illinois Agility Test. Vertical jump height was measured with squat jump test using a contact mat. The PG performed plyometric training twice a week, for 6 weeks. There was a significant difference between pre and post-test for squat jump test in both PG (26%) ( p = 0.00) and CG (10%) ( p = 0.016). However, squat jump height significantly increased in PG compared with CG ( p = 0.024). The agility significantly improved in PG (6%) ( p = 0.01), but not CG (2%) ( p = 0.294). Our results show that a six week plyometric training improved agility and vertical jump in adolescent badminton players. Badminton game requires fast changes in direction, vertical jumps, forward lunges around the court. Badminton coaches should take place plyometric exercises in training program.

Study Regarding the Types of Incidence of Lower Limb Injuries in Romanian Badminton Players

Badminton is a very complex sport that requires the players to have speed, strength, endurance, and dexterity during the game. It is one of the most demanding racquet sports. Because of the changes in direction and of the jumping, many badminton players suffer from injuries in their lower limbs. Most badminton players suffer from various leg and foot injuries, such as: sprains, strains, ligament tears, etc. The rate of injury in badminton is quite high, and it is important for the athletes to perform a good warm up and to use special equipment for this sport, in order to prevent such injuries.

Visual Motion Processing Subserves Faster Visuomotor Reaction in Badminton Players.

Athletes participating in ball or racquet sports have to respond to visual stimuli under critical time pressure. Previous studies used visual contrast stimuli to determine visual perception and visuomotor reaction in athletes and nonathletes; however, ball and racquet sports are characterized by motion rather than contrast visual cues. Because visual contrast and motion signals are processed in different cortical regions, this study aimed to determine differences in perception and processing of visual motion between athletes and nonathletes. Twenty-five skilled badminton players and 28 age-matched nonathletic controls participated in this study. Using a 64-channel EEG system, we investigated visual motion perception/processing in the motion-sensitive middle temporal (MT) cortical area in response to radial motion of different velocities. In a simple visuomotor reaction task, visuomotor transformation in Brodmann area 6 (BA6) and BA4 as well as muscular activation (EMG onset) and visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) were investigated. Stimulus- and response-locked potentials were determined to differentiate between perceptual and motor-related processes. As compared with nonathletes, athletes showed earlier EMG onset times (217 vs 178 ms, P < 0.001), accompanied by a faster VMRT (274 vs 243 ms, P < 0.001). Furthermore, athletes showed an earlier stimulus-locked peak activation of MT (200 vs 182 ms, P = 0.002) and BA6 (161 vs 137 ms, P = 0.009). Response-locked peak activation in MT was later in athletes (-7 vs 26 ms, P < 0.001), whereas no group differences were observed in BA6 and BA4. Multiple regression analyses with stimulus- and response-locked cortical potentials predicted EMG onset (r = 0.83) and VMRT (r = 0.77). The athletes' superior visuomotor performance in response to visual motion is primarily related to visual perception and, to a minor degree, to motor-related processes.

Effects of Altitude/Hypoxia on Single- and Multiple-Sprint Performance: A Comprehensive Review.

Many sport competitions, typically involving the completion of single- (e.g. track-and-field or track cycling events) and multiple-sprint exercises (e.g. team and racquet sports, cycling races), are staged at terrestrial altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2500m. Our aim was to comprehensively review the current knowledge on the responses to either acute or chronic altitude exposure relevant to single and multiple sprints. Performance of a single sprint is generally not negatively affected by acute exposure to simulated altitude (i.e. normobaric hypoxia) because an enhanced anaerobic energy release compensates for the reduced aerobic adenosine triphosphate production. Conversely, the reduction in air density in terrestrial altitude (i.e. hypobaric hypoxia) leads to an improved sprinting performance when aerodynamic drag is a limiting factor. With the repetition of maximal efforts, however, repeated-sprint ability is more altered (i.e. with earlier and larger performance decrements) at high altitudes (>3000-3600m or inspired fraction of oxygen <14.4-13.3%) compared with either normoxia or low-to-moderate altitudes (<3000m or inspired fraction of oxygen >14.4%). Traditionally, altitude training camps involve chronic exposure to low-to-moderate terrestrial altitudes (<3000m or inspired fraction of oxygen >14.4%) for inducing haematological adaptations. However, beneficial effects on sprint performance after such altitude interventions are still debated. Recently, innovative 'live low-train high' methods, in isolation or in combination with hypoxic residence, have emerged with the belief that up-regulated non-haematological peripheral adaptations may further improve performance of multiple sprints compared with similar normoxic interventions.

DEATHS IN ORGANISED SPORTS IN AUSTRALIA: A CASE SERIES REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL CORONIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM

BackgroundOrganised sports include individual water sports and athletic activities, team ball sports, team bat/stick sports and racquet sports. The causes of death, contributing factors and potential to prevent deaths in...

Efectos de la estimulación interfibrilar contrairritante musculoesquelética en epicondilalgias de jugadores de pádel amateurs. Estudio piloto

ObjectiveTo analyse the effectiveness of the musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique (MICS) in racquet sports players with epicondylalgia and active myofascial trigger points (MTrPs). Material and methodsThis is a pilot study designed as double-blind randomized clinical trial (prospective). It featured paddle or racquet sport players who met the following inclusion criteria: to be aged between 18 and 60 (inclusive), to have pain in the lateral epicondyle and to have a central active MTrP in the epicondylar musculature. The sample consisted of 68 subjects, of whom 61 completed the study; divided into 30 for the Intervention group (technique application) and 31 for the Control group (simple bandage). The primary variable was algometry (pain threshold to pressure on the MTrPs) and secondary variables were the VAS (visual analogue scale, 0-10) and the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation. ResultsAlgometry values and VAS values show that there was a decrease in pain in both groups, but no statistically significant differences between them. The comparison of the initial and final percentages VAS≥4 also do not show differences between groups, but improvement of both groups is statistically significant (P<.05). ConclusionsThe musculoskeletal interfibrillar counterirritattion stimulation technique applied in the central MTrPs of epicondylar muscles in subjects with epicondylalgia who play racquet sports/paddle does not seem to be more effective than the application of a simple bandage over the area.

Associations of specific types of sports and exercise with all-cause and cardiovascular-disease mortality: a cohort study of 80 306 British adults

Background/AimEvidence for the long-term health effects of specific sport disciplines is scarce. Therefore, we examined the associations of six different types of sport/exercise with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality...

Características físicas y antropométricas, y análisis de juego en jugadores de pádel de elite

Los objetivos de este estudio son, por un lado, determinar las características antropométricas y de fuerza (medida mediante test de hand-grip y salto vertical con brazos libres) comprándolo con otros deportes de raqueta, y por otro, analizar las características propias del juego durante el Campeonato de España de Pádel sub-23. Para ello 14 hombres (20,38 ± 1,92 años) y 12 mujeres (19,73 ± 2,37 años) participaron en este estudio. A todos ellos se les realizó unas mediciones antropométricas, y unos tests de fuerza de miembro superior (hand-grip) y de miembro inferior (salto vertical con brazos libres) antes y después de los partidos. Por último, se registraron los datos de analisis de juego durante dicho evento. Los resultados muestran que las características antropométricas de los jugadores de pádel difieren ligeramente de las de los jugadores de otros deportes de raqueta. Los valores de fuerza, no disminuyeron después del partido, no observándose ningún indicio de fatiga. Respecto al análisis de las características del juego, el pádel se caracteriza por tener menos tiempo activo que el tenis de mesa y el badminton, pero más tiempo activo que el tenis.

Traumatologie du joueur de tennis

Tennis is a racquet sport with approximately 10million licensees and 26million unaffiliated players in Europe. Tennis injuries represent 21% of those generated by rackets sports. Tennis players are subject to traumatic and microtraumatic pathologies. This epidemiological review of tennis-related injuries addresses their type and locations, the cause and time of absence, the demographic and gender differences, as well as the influence of technique of play and type of field on their impact.

Scapular Resting Position and Gleno-Humeral Movement Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Racquet Players: A Case-Control Study.

Background:Racquet sports, especially lawn tennis and badminton have been gaining popularity in Asian countries like India. With this increase in popularity, the injury rate in the sport has also increased.Objectives:The study will help detect the presence of gleno-humeral movement dysfunction and scapular resting position abnormality in asymptomatic racquet players, thus providing basis for screening the players and allow the clinician to determine if the asymmetry is a normal adaptation in the player or an abnormal change associated with injury.Materials and Methods:46 asymptomatic professional players were divided into a study group of 23 players (16 tennis and 7 badminton) and control group of 23 football players. Assessment of passive gleno-humeral range of motion and distance of spine and inferior angle of scapula from corresponding spinous process were measured bilaterally and between groups.Results:There was statistically significant reduction in range of internal rotation (62.17 ± 8.09), extension (39.78 ± 4.12) and an increase in the external rotation (106.95 ± 7.49) of dominant compared to non-dominant arm of racquet players and a statistically significant decrease in internal rotation (78.69 ± 10.24), extension (44.78 ± 3.19), adduction (37.39 ± 6.54) and an increase in external rotation (102.6 ± 5.19) of dominant arm of racquet players compared to football players. Study also showed statistically significant increase in the spino-scapular distance at the level of inferior angle of scapula (10.23 ± 1.43) on dominant side compared to non-dominant.Conclusions:The dominant side scapula of asymptomatic racquet players showed increased external rotation and elevation as compared to the non-dominant side. Also, reduced shoulder internal rotation, extension and adduction and gain in shoulder external rotation was observed on the dominant side of racquet players when compared to the control group.

All physical activity may not be associated with a lower likelihood of adolescent smoking uptake

ObjectiveResearch has documented that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of adolescent smoking uptake, yet it is unclear whether this relationship exists for all types of physical activity. We sought to determine whether certain types of physical activity are associated with a decreased or an increased risk of adolescent smoking uptake. MethodsIn this longitudinal cohort study, adolescents (n=1356) were surveyed every six months for four years (age 14–18years old). Smoking and physical activity were measured at each of the eight time-points. Physical activity that was negatively associated with smoking across the eight waves was considered positive physical activities (i.e., PPA; linked to not smoking such as racquet sports, running, and swimming laps). Physical activity that was positively associated with smoking across the eight waves were considered negative physical activities (i.e., NPA; linked to smoking such as skating, walking, bicycling, sport fighting, and competitive wrestling). ResultsAssociative Processes Latent Growth Curve Modeling revealed that each 30-minute increase in NPA per week at baseline was associated with a 4-fold increased odds of smoking progression (OR=4.10, 95% CI=2.14, 7.83). By contrast, each 30-minute increase in PPA at baseline was associated with a 51% decrease in the odds of smoking progression (OR=.49, 95% CI=.25, .93). ConclusionsThe type of physical activity that an adolescent engages appears to be important for the uptake of cigarette smoking among adolescents. These associative relationships warrant consideration in interventions to increase overall physical activity and those promoting physical activity to prevent smoking uptake.

Acute Effects of Carbohydrate Supplementation on Intermittent Sports Performance.

Intermittent sports (e.g., team sports) are diverse in their rules and regulations but similar in the pattern of play; that is, intermittent high-intensity movements and the execution of sport-specific skills over a prolonged period of time (~1–2 h). Performance during intermittent sports is dependent upon a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, both of which rely on muscle glycogen and/or blood glucose as an important substrate for energy production. The aims of this paper are to review: (1) potential biological mechanisms by which carbohydrate may impact intermittent sport performance; (2) the acute effects of carbohydrate ingestion on intermittent sport performance, including intermittent high-intensity exercise capacity, sprinting, jumping, skill, change of direction speed, and cognition; and (3) what recommendations can be derived for carbohydrate intake before/during exercise in intermittent sports based on the available evidence. The most researched intermittent sport is soccer but some sport-specific studies have also been conducted in other sports (e.g., rugby, field hockey, basketball, American football, and racquet sports). Carbohydrate ingestion before/during exercise has been shown in most studies to enhance intermittent high-intensity exercise capacity. However, studies have shown mixed results with regards to the acute effects of carbohydrate intake on sprinting, jumping, skill, change of direction speed, and cognition. In most of these studies the amount of carbohydrate consumed was ~30–60 g/h in the form of a 6%–7% carbohydrate solution comprised of sucrose, glucose, and/or maltodextrin. The magnitude of the impact that carbohydrate ingestion has on intermittent sport performance is likely dependent on the carbohydrate status of the individual; that is, carbohydrate ingestion has the greatest impact on performance under circumstances eliciting fatigue and/or hypoglycemia. Accordingly, carbohydrate ingestion before and during a game seems to have the greatest impact on intermittent sports performance towards the end of the game.

Anthropometric characteristics, physical fitness and motor coordination of 9 to 11 year old children participating in a wide range of sports.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate to what extent 9 to 11 year old children participating in a specific sport already exhibit a specific anthropometric, physical fitness and motor coordination profile, in line with the requirements of that particular sport. In addition, the profiles in children with a different training volume were compared and possible differences in training hours per week between children from a low, moderate, and high level of physical fitness and motor coordination were investigated.Methods and ResultsData of 620 children, 347 boys and 273 girls, who participated in the Flemish Sports Compass were used. Only the primary sport of each child was considered and six groups of sports (Ball sports, Dance, Gymnastics, Martial arts, Racquet sports and Swimming) were formed based on common characteristics. Measurements consisted of 17 tests. Independent T-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests revealed few differences between the groups of sports and the discriminant analyses with the moderate and low active group did not show any significant results (p > .05). However, when discriminating among the high active children, a 85.2 % correct classification between six groups of sports was found (Wilks’ Λ = .137 and p < .001). Finally, children performing under average on the tests spent significantly fewer hours in sport per week (2.50 ± 1.84 hours) compared to the children performing best (3.25 ± 2.60 hours) (p = .016) and the children performing above average (2.90 ± 1.96 hours) (p = .029) on physical fitness and motor coordination.DiscussionThe study showed that in general, children at a young age do not exhibit sport-specific characteristics, except in children with a high training volume. It is possible that on the one hand, children have not spent enough time yet in their sport to develop sport-specific qualities. On the other hand, it could be possible that they do not take individual qualities into account when choosing a sport.

Sprint performance under heat stress: A review.

Training and competition in major track-and-field events, and for many team or racquet sports, often require the completion of maximal sprints in hot (>30 °C) ambient conditions. Enhanced short-term (<30 s) power output or single-sprint performance, resulting from transient heat exposure (muscle temperature rise), can be attributed to improved muscle contractility. Under heat stress, elevations in skin/core temperatures are associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic loads in addition to decreasing voluntary muscle activation; there is also compelling evidence to suggest that large performance decrements occur when repeated-sprint exercise (consisting of brief recovery periods between sprints, usually <60 s) is performed in hot compared with cool conditions. Conversely, poorer intermittent-sprint performance (recovery periods long enough to allow near complete recovery, usually 60-300 s) in hotter conditions is solely observed when exercise induces marked hyperthermia (core temperature >39 °C). Here we also discuss strategies (heat acclimatization, precooling, hydration strategies) employed by "sprint" athletes to mitigate the negative influence of higher environmental temperatures.

Motives for adult participation in physical activity: type of activity, age, and gender.

BackgroundIn recent years, there has been a decline in physical activity among adults. Motivation has been shown to be a crucial factor in maintaining physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine whether motives for participation could accurately discriminate gender, age, and type of physical activity.MethodsA quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive research design was employed. The Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS) was used to assess motives for physical activity in 1,360 adults (703 males, 657 females) who had been exercising regularly for at least six months. The PALMS consists of 40 items that constitute eight sub-scales (mastery, enjoyment, psychological condition, physical condition, appearance, others’ expectations, affiliation, competition/ego). Respondents were divided into two age groups (young adults aged 20 to 40 years and middle-aged adults 41 to 64 years) and five types of activity (individual racing sports plus bowls, team sports, racquet sports, martial arts, and exercise).ResultsThe group discriminant function analyses revealed significant canonical functions correctly classifying the cases into gender (82%), age group (83%), team sport players 76%, individual racing sport plus bowls players 91%, racquet sport players 90%, exercisers 84%, and martial art players 91%. The competition/ego, appearance, physical condition, and mastery sub-scales contributed most to gender differences. Five sub-scales (mastery, psychological condition, others’ expectations, affiliation, and enjoyment) contributed most to the discriminant function for age. For type of activity, different sub-scales were the strongest contributors to the discriminant function for each type of PA.ConclusionThe findings in this study suggest that strong and important motives for participation in physical activity are different across type of activity, age, and gender in adults. Understanding the motives that influence physical activity participation is critical for developing interventions to promote higher levels of involvement.

Effect of Porosity of Badminton Shuttlecock on Aerodynamic Drag

Badminton is a popular racquet sport. Unlike any other racquet sports, the object in play – the shuttlecock – has highly unique flight characteristics. Badminton shuttlecock is high drag projectile that decelerates rapidly in-flight. Shuttlecock trajectory is highly skewed as it falls at a much steeper angle than it rises. The design of the shuttlecock introduces unique aerodynamic characteristics. Shuttlecocks usually come in various speed grades, ranging from faster to slower. These shuttlecocks share the same appearance but perform very differently. Synthetic or plastic shuttlecock is more economical alternative to feather shuttlecock. However, their aerodynamic behaviour is more complex than feather shuttlecocks. Despite the popularity, limited studies have been undertaken to understand the complex aerodynamic behaviour of both feather and synthetic shuttlecocks, especially the flow characteristics around the shuttlecocks. Hence, the main purpose of this study is to understand the complex flow behaviour around a series of synthetic and feather shuttlecocks. An experimental study was undertaken to understand the effect of skirt porosity on the drag coefficient.

Cardiorespiratory Responses to Table Tennis in Low-Fit Coronary Patients and Implications for Exercise Training

Racquet sports may evoke excessive aerobic and/or cardiac demands for many coronary patients with impaired cardiorespiratory fitness. We evaluated the cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic responses to table tennis in clinically stable patients with coronary disease. Low-risk cardiac men (n= 10, mean ± SD, age= 67.6 ± 8.8years) satisfying inclusion criteria (functional capacity ≤8 metabolic equivalents [METs] without evidence of impaired left ventricular function, significant dysrhythmias, signs and/or symptoms of myocardial ischemia, or orthopedic limitations), completed the study. Patients were monitored for heart rate (HR), blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion (6 to 20 scale), and electrocardiographic responses during a 10-minute bout of recreational table tennis. Metabolic data were directly obtained using breath-by-breath measurements of oxygen consumption. Treadmill testing in our subjects revealed an average estimated exercise capacity of 6.8 ± 1.4 METs. Aerobic requirements of table tennis averaged 3.2 ± 0.5 METs; however, there was considerable variation in the oxygen consumption response to play (2.0 to 5.0 METs). Peak HR and systolic blood pressure responses during table tennis were 98.0 ± 8.5 beats/min and 140.4 ± 16.2mm Hg, respectively. The average HR during table tennis represented 83% of the highest HR attained during treadmill testing. Rating of perceived exertion during table tennis averaged 10.6 ± 1.7, signifying "fairly light" exertion. In conclusion, table tennis represents a relatively safe and potentially beneficial leisure-time activity for cardiac patients with impaired levels of cardiorespiratory fitness. The average aerobic requirement of table tennis approximated prescribed exercise training workloads for most of our patients.

Esportes de raquete para deficientes intelectuais leves: uma proposta fundamentada na pedagogia do esporte

a prática dos esportes de raquetes ainda parece ser inexistente em diferentes instituições brasileiras de ensino, formais e não formais, e não são oportunizadas para pessoas com necessidades especiais. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é ofertar uma proposta pedagógica para a vivência destes esportes para alunos com deficiência intelectual leve. A proposta fundamentou-se em princípios como normalização, socialização e da diminuição do sentimento de preconceito. Ela está composta por itens descritos no manuscrito, que ser referem desde a apresentação desse esporte para os alunos até a consecução das atividades a serem desenvolvidas. Conclui-se que a proposta pedagógica é uma aproximação entre os esportes de raquete e alunos com deficiência intelectual, e que está alicerçada nas prerrogativas da Pedagogia do Esporte.

Agility performance in athletes of different sport specializations

Background: Data on agility skills in different populations using pre-planned, change of direction speed tests have previously been reported. However, there are no available data on the agility times of athletes specializing in different sports obtained from Reactive agility tests. Objective: The study compares agility time in groups of athletes of different sports where agility is one of the limiting factors of performance. Methods: Altogether 282 athletes of 14 sport specializations performed the Agility test. Their task was to touch, as fast as possible, with either the left or the right foot, one of four mats located outside each of the four corners of a 0.8 m square. The mats had to be touched in accordance with the location of a stimulus in one of the corners of a screen. The test consisted of 60 visual stimuli with random generation of their location on the screen and a time of generation of 500 to 2,500 ms. The result was a sum of the 32 best agility times. Results: The Agility test has been found to be sensitive in distinguishing groups of athletes of different sport specializations. Table tennis players, badminton players, fencers, tae-kwon-do competitors and karate competitors showed the best agility times (< 350 ms), followed by ice-hockey, tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and hockeyball players (350-400 ms), then aikidoists (400-450 ms), and finally judoists and wrestlers (450-500 ms). Conclusions: The best agility times are in athletes of racquet sports, followed by competitors of combat sports with reactions to visual stimuli, then players of ball sports, and finally competitors of combat sports with reactions to tactile stimuli. Since this is the first study testing agility skills using the Reactive agility test in athletes of different sport specializations, data obtained can be used for comparison of athletes within particular sports.