Recreational Tennis Players Research Articles

The effect of court surfaces on physiological responses and game activities of recreational senior tennis players

The effect of court surfaces on physiological responses and game activities of recreational senior tennis players

Does Playing Tennis with a Low-Compression Ball Effect Psychophysiological Responses and Match Characteristics in Recreational Adult Players?

This study aimed to compare the effects of playing tennis using low-compression balls (Lc-Balls) and standard balls (St-Balls) on psychophysiological responses and match characteristics among recreational adult tennis players. Participants (N = 24; age: 20.5 ± 1.3 years) were randomly matched to play two singles matches over three sets: one match was played with a Lc-Ball and one match was played with a St-Ball, resulting in twenty-four matches. Heart-rate responses and match characteristics were assessed during each match. Post-match measures included retrospective assessments of perceived exertion, ratings of enjoyment towards physical activity, and ratings of mental effort and mood. Results showed higher psychophysiological responses and more intensive play during the game when playing with the Lc-Ball (p ≤ 0.05, d values ranging from 0.24 to 1.93 [small to very large effect]). Further, playing with a Lc-Ball related to reporting a lower rating of perceived exertion (p = 0.00, d = 0.90 [moderate effect]) and greater physical enjoyment (p = 0.00, d = 1.73 [large effect]). Playing with the St-Ball was associated with higher unpleasant mood responses including depression, tension, anger, and fatigue. In conclusion, the results suggest that using the Lc-Ball may lead to better match performance with higher enjoyment in the tennis match-play in recreational adult tennis players.

Common Wrist-Extensor Tendon and Pectoralis Muscle Stiffness in Healthy Recreational Tennis Players.

Imbalances in upper-extremity soft tissue stiffness may play a role in the development of shoulder and elbow musculoskeletal injuries in tennis players. Ultrasound shear wave elastography provides quantifiable and specific data regarding muscle stiffness. The purpose of this study was to compare tendon and muscle stiffness in healthy tennis players to nontennis players. Cross-sectional study. The shear wave modulus, measured in kilopascals, was obtained for the dominant pectoralis major, pectoralis minor, and common wrist-extensor tendon using 2-dimensional shear wave elastography ultrasound imaging (GE Logiq S8, L9 linear transducer). Independent t test was run to compare age, body mass index, and the activity index score between both groups. Within-day intrarater reliability was assessed using a within-examiner intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC [3, 1]) with 95% confidence intervals. A multivariate general linear model was run to compare the mean differences between the tennis and nontennis players for each of the soft tissues. Twenty-six individuals (13 tennis players and 13 nontennis players) were recruited. Within-day ICCs were very good (ICC > .78 for the pectoralis musculature) and excellent (ICC > .94 for the common wrist extensor). Common extensor tendon stiffness was significantly higher in tennis players compared to nontennis players (mean difference = 114.8 [61.8], confidence interval, -22.8 to 252.5kPa for the dominant arm [P = .039]). Mean pectoralis major and minor stiffness differences were not significant (P > .214). Common wrist-extensor stiffness in healthy recreational tennis players is higher than those who do not play tennis. Therefore, clinicians may need to facilitate a greater soft tissue stiffness response with resistance training when rehabilitating recreational tennis players as compared to those not playing tennis. Additional normative data on a larger sample of recreational tennis players should be collected.

The effects of different music types on tennis performance among recreational players.

It is known that different types of music used during sports performance has different psycho-physiological effects. In this context, this study aimed to reveal the effect of different types of music on ITN test performance in tennis players. A total of 35 recreational tennis players voluntarily participated in the study. In the research, the ITN test performance of tennis players was measured in three different conditions with 48-hour intervals, these being without music, with motivational music, and with sedative music. The Freidman test was used in the analysis of the data that did not show a normal distribution, and the Repeated Measures ANOVA test was used in the analysis of the data that showed a normal distribution. According to the main findings of the study, it was determined that motivational music increased the ITN test performance of tennis players, while sedative music decreased their ITN test performance (p< .05). Additionally, it was determined that motivational music increased the groundstroke depth scores of tennis players, while sedative music decreased groundstroke depth scores (p< .05). In addition to this, it was determined that volley depth, groundstroke accuracy, and serve scores increased through motivational music (p< .05), whereas sedative music had no effect (p> .05). As a result, it was determined that the ITN test performances of tennis players can be increased through the psycho-physiological effect of motivational music. It can therefore be concluded that the use of motivational music during training and matches (between sets and/or time breaks) of tennis players can increase their shooting performance.

Effects of 4 Weeks of Variability Training on Forehand Approach Precision and Velocity in Recreational Tennis Players.

This study aims to analyze the effects of a training program based on practice variability on the speed and accuracy of the tennis forehand approach to the net shot. The study sample consisted of 35 players of both genders, 22 men and 13 women (age 44 ± 10.9years, height 1.73 ± 0.8cm, and weight 74.7 ± 8.4kg). Players were randomly distributed into two groups (control group = 18 and experimental group = 17). Both training groups worked a total volume of 4weeks, seven sessions, and 15min per session of forehand approach shot. Control group performed traditional training while experimental group trained with variability using wristband weights. The data obtained showed a large Group × Time interaction in the accuracy of the forehand approach shot, F(1, 16) = 28.034, p < .001, η2 = .637. Only the experimental group increased significantly in the accuracy after the program (51.4%, effect size = 1.3, p < .001), while no changes were achieved regarding hitting speed (1.2%, effect size = 0.12, p = .62). The control group did not improve in any of the tested variables. These results indicate that variability of training using wrist weights is a valid option to improve forehand approach shot accuracy in recreational-level players. Although stroke speed was not increased, this type of training may be interesting as accuracy and technical control is commonly the main goal of training at this level.

The Relationship Between Groundstrokes Performances and Sweet-Spot Scores in Recreational Level Female Tennis Players

Bu araştırma rekreatif seviye kadın tenis oyuncularında forehand ve backhand vuruş performansları ile sweet-spot skorları arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmaya yaşları 21-24 arasında değişen toplam 18 kadın gönüllü olarak katılmıştır. Sweet-Spot performanslarının belirlenmesinde ZEPP-2 Tenis Sensörü, Forehand ve Backhand Vuruş performansının belirlenmesinde ise Uluslararası Tenis Federasyonu tarafından uygulanan ITN (International Tennis Number) testindeki “Yer Vuruşu Derinliği” ve “Yer Vuruş Hassasiyeti” bölümlerinde yer alan test prosedürü kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 25.0 paket programın kullanılmıştır. Test bölümlerinden; ITN 1 (r=0.073; p&amp;gt;0.05) ve ITN 2'de (r=0.230; p&amp;gt;0.05) forehand vuruş ve sweet spot skoru değişkenleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmamıştır. Benzer şekilde, ITN 1 (r=0.265; p&amp;gt;0.05) ve ITN 2'de (r=0.408; p&amp;gt;0.05) backhand vuruş ile sweet spot değişkenleri arasında da anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmamıştır. Sonuç olarak, teniste sweet-spot skorunun vuruşlar üzerinde etkili olabileceğinin düşünülmesine rağmen çalışmanın bulguları sweet spot skorunun forehand ve backhand vuruşlarında isabet için tek başına yeterli bir parametre olmadığı sonucunu göstermektedir.

Comparison of Grip Strength, Forearm Muscle Activity, and Shock Transmission between the Forehand Stroke Technique of Experienced and Recreational Tennis Players Using a Novel Wearable Device.

Upper limb tennis injuries are primarily chronic, resulting from repetitive overuse. We developed a wearable device which simultaneously measures risk factors (grip strength, forearm muscle activity, and vibrational data) associated with elbow tendinopathy development resulting from tennis players' technique. We tested the device on experienced (n = 18) and recreational (n = 22) tennis players hitting forehand cross-court at both flat and topspin spin levels under realistic playing conditions. Using statistical parametric mapping analysis, our results showed that all players showed a similar level of grip strength at impact, regardless of spin level, and the grip strength at impact did not influence the percentage of impact shock transfer to the wrist and elbow. Experienced players hitting with topspin exhibited the highest ball spin rotation, low-to-high swing path brushing action, and shock transfer to the wrist and elbow compared to the results obtained while hitting the ball flat, or when compared to the results obtained from recreational players. Recreational players exhibited significantly higher extensor activity during most of the follow through phase compared to the experienced players for both spin levels, potentially putting them at greater risk for developing lateral elbow tendinopathy. We successfully demonstrated that wearable technologies can be used to measure risk factors associated with elbow injury development in tennis players under realistic playing conditions.

Validity of the SwingVision Application In Recreational Adult Tennis Players

Validity of the SwingVision Application In Recreational Adult Tennis Players

Effects of Modified Outsole Patterns in Tennis Shoes on Frictional Force and Biomechanical Variables of Lower Extremity Joints

(1) Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of four different outsole patterns on frictional force and lower extremities during tennis-specific movements. (2) Methods: Four tennis shoes with different widths of outsole treads were manufactured for this study (A: all thin, B: all thick, C: laterally thin and medially thick, D: medially thick and laterally thin). The frictional force was measured during a mechanical test. Eleven male recreational tennis players participated in the study. The data were collected using sixteen infrared cameras and a force plate for a biomechanical test. (3) Results: During the mechanical test, there was a significant difference between the shoes in the forward and sideward Coefficient of Translational Friction (CoF) and clockwise rotational friction (p &lt; 0.05). There were significant differences in the maximum ankle internal rotation angle during braking motion (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, a significant difference in the maximum internal rotation moment of the ankle was found during forward braking motion (p &lt; 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, the difference in the outsole tread width (0.6 mm) affected mechanical frictional force, but this phenomenon was less influenced by the adaptation of the lower extremity joint’s movement in a tennis-specific motion. Finally, the difference in the outsole pattern affects the rotational movement and moment of the ankle joint. Thus, any slight change in friction by modified outsole patterns of tennis shoes requires close attention to develop the functional requirements for tennis performance.

The Use of Recovery Methods in Professional and Recreational Tennis Players

Top-level athletes use a large number of recovery methods for achieving the best possible results. Current literature points to the presence of positive effects in using recovery methods in relation to the improvement of sports performance, as well as to results. The aim of this study was to research the types and frequency of recovery methods utilisation between professional and recreational tennis players. The research included a total of 80 professional and recreational male and female tennis players (average age 24.1±12.1 years old), among which 44 (55%) male respondents and 36 (45%) female respondents. A standard anonymous survey questionnaire on the methods and means of recovery was used. The results point to the existence of a significant difference between the respondents from the professional and recreational playing categories in the types and frequency of recovery methods. Likewise, a higher frequency of utilising selected recovery methods was proven in professional tennis players. The largest difference was found for dietary supplementation (3.5±1.5 vs. 1.7±0.9; p&amp;lt;0.001), then for use of Kinesio Tape (2.3±1.1 vs 1.1±0.4; p&amp;lt;0.001), as well as for massages which were more often used by professionals in comparison to recreational tennis players (3.3±1.1 vs. 2.2±1.1; p&amp;lt;0.001). A better understanding of the types and frequency of utilising recovery methods, particularly from the aspect of differences between professional and recreational tennis players, is of great importance, both for tennis players, as well as for their accompanying staff members (i.e. coaches, physical therapists, parents, etc.).

Elite Tennis Players Experiencing High-Arched Supination and Cuboids Dropped Foot Syndromes in Daily Normal Gait.

Many studies have focused on the plantar pressure characteristics of specific movements and footwork in tennis. However, little research has been conducted for exploring the foot characteristics among tennis professionals’ daily habitual paces. This study aims to examine the pressure profiles associated with foot posture and balance abilities of elite tennis players during normal gait to understand how foot loading patterns result from habitual paces that may be derived from intensive tennis training and competition. A cross-sectional comparative study is conducted on 95 male college elite tennis players (mean age: 20.2 ± 1.2 years) and 100 male recreational tennis players (mean age: 19.8 ± 0.9 years). Bipedal plantar pressure distributions (PPDs) associated with arch index (AI) and centers of gravity balance are explored through the plantar pressure device. The foot posture is estimated to determine the rearfoot postural alignment. During the midstance phase of walking with a normal gait, the bipedal AI values of the elite group are significantly lower, indicating that they have high-arched feet. Additionally, the elite group experienced higher PPDs at the lateral regions of their longitudinal arches and heels and relatively lower PPDs at the medial portions of both feet. Rearfoot postural alignment resonance analysis of the PPDs suggests that the elite group experienced foot supination associated with cuboid dropped. Moreover, the right foot bears heavier centers of gravity balance in the present study. The elite tennis players in the study are categorized as having high-arched supination with cuboids dropped when performing daily habitual paces. This finding warrants further investigation into the correlation between possible injuries and daily habitual paces that may result from tennis’ intensive training and competition.

Impact of HIIT Sessions with and without Cognitive Load on Cortical Arousal, Accuracy and Perceived Exertion in Amateur Tennis Players.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises, with and without cognitive load, on the accuracy, critical flicker fusion threshold (CFFT), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) on recreational tennis players. A total of 32 players of tennis at recreational level (25 men and 7 women) were enrolled in this cross-sectional the study. Participants had to perform, randomly, two HIIT sessions. In one of them, cognitive load was induced by conducting an incongruent Stroop during rests. After training accuracy of tennis serve, CFFT, and RPE were measured. Results showed that accuracy after baseline and HIIT without cognitive load were significantly higher than after HIIT with cognitive load. RPE significantly increased (p-value < 0.001) after HIIT sessions in both, with and without cognitive load. However, significant differences were not observed between the two sessions in the RPE (p-value = 0.405). Furthermore, differences were not obtained in the CFFT neither within nor between sessions (p-value > 0.05). Therefore, HIIT with and without cognitive load increased the RPE in recreational tennis players. Furthermore, HIIT sessions with cognitive load significant altered tennis serve accuracy.

Effects of backhand stroke styles on bone mineral content and density in postmenopausal recreational tennis players: a cross-sectional pilot investigation

BackgroundOne-handed backhand (OB) and two-handed backhand (TB) styles are commonly used in tennis, but only TB generates loadings on the non-dominant arm and a greater extension torque on the rear leg, leading to a greater axial torque involving rotation of the hip and trunk. The current study investigated whether those effects can further affect bone area (BA), bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) in postmenopausal recreational tennis players.MethodsBA, BMC and BMD of the lumbar spine, hip and distal radius were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in TB, OB, and swimmers’ group as a control (SG) (all participants self-reported for at least 5 years of exercise history, n = 14 per group). Muscular strength was assessed with a hand dynamometer. Among these three groups, the BA, BMC and BMD of distal radius and muscle strength were assessed using one-way ANOVA, and those of the lumbar region and the hip joint were tested by one-way ANCOVA.ResultsTB showed higher BMC and BMD for both lumbar spine and femoral neck than SG (all, p < 0.05). Both OB and TB showed greater BMD inter-trochanter than SG (both, p < 0.05). OB demonstrated greater inter-arm differences in the distal radius, which involved 1/3 distal for BMC and mid-distal radius for BMD compared to the TB and SG (all, p < 0.05). In addition, greater inter-arm asymmetry of grip strength was found in OB compared to TB and SG (both, p < 0.05).ConclusionFor postmenopausal women, performing two-handed backhand strokes, leads to higher BMC and BMD in the non-dominant arm, the lumbar region, and hips, indicating potential benefit to maintain bone health and strength. Whether this result leads to reducing the risk of osteoporosis needs to be investigated in further research.

Effects of Combined HIIT and Stroop on Strength Manifestations, Serve Speed and Accuracy in Recreational Tennis Players

Background: The importance of the serve in tennis players’ performance is well known but no previous studies have analyzed the effects of both physical and cognitive fatigue on the speed and accuracy of the serve. This study analyzed the effect of a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with and without cognitive load on serve speed and accuracy, spirometry, and strength manifestation. Methods: 32 recreational players (25 men and 7 women; aged 21.40 ± 1.52 years) performed a HIIT and a HIIT with a Stroop in recovery phases before performing a series of tennis services. Speed and accuracy of the services, spirometry, and strength manifestations were registered. Results: The main findings of the study showed that strength manifestations and spirometry were not affected by either protocol. A decrease in serve speed was observed in both protocols (p &lt; 0.001) but service accuracy did not show impairments (p = 0.66). Conclusion: A combination of physical and mental fatigue may decrease serve speed but will not affect strength manifestations or spirometry negatively. These results could be caused by a response of the central nervous system to maintain the accuracy of the ball in presence of fatigue.

Balance dynamics are related to age and levels of expertise. Application in young and adult tennis players.

In tennis, coaches consider balance fundamental for the acquisition of skilled motor performance. However, the potential relationship between balance and tennis expertise and performance has not been explored yet. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between balance and tennis performance using linear and non-linear parameters through 1) the comparison of tennis players of different ages and levels of expertise, and 2) analyzing the relationship between balance and tennis serving speed and accuracy. One hundred and six recreational and expert male tennis players took part in the study (age range 10-35 years old). Temporal dynamics of postural control during a balance task on an unstable surface were analyzed through the mean velocity and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFAV) of center of pressure (COP). Tennis serve performance was quantified by measuring accuracy and speed. Traditional variables measuring balance performance only showed differences according to age but not to sport performance. COP showed a reduction of auto-correlated variability (reflected by DFAV) with age but mainly in expert players. COP dynamics was the only balance parameter discriminating sport expertise and it was related to age. Balance dynamics exhibited by expert tennis players DFAV results support the idea that, along the years, sport experience induces balance adaptations characterized by a higher ability to perform postural adjustments. These results also reinforce the use of non-linear analysis to reveal subtle balance adaptations produced by sport practice. Finally, the lack of correlations suggests that balance, measured with scattering variables, in a non-specific task is not a main determinant of sport performance in tennis serve.

Padrão de lesão musculosquelética em Jogadores de Padel - o impacto das Lesões do Cotovelo

The specificities of paddle tennis as a racket sport may influence the lesion pattern. The aim of this study is to characterize the profile of musculoskeletal lesion in Paddle players and analyze its impact on absenteeism and medical treatment needs. The results point to the elbow being the most frequent lesion location. The frequency of epicondylalgia is similar to the one reported in recreational tennis players, but the formal diagnosis of lateral elbow tendinopathy is seldom established. Absenteeism due to sport related injury is significant.

Acute Tennis Injuries in the Recreational Tennis Player.

Background:Epidemiological studies on tennis injuries are mainly conducted in either elite professional or junior players. Injury patterns might differ in the recreational tennis player.Purpose:To investigate acute injuries in the recreational tennis–playing population with an additional focus on acute injuries that require surgical treatment.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A retrospective data analysis was conducted among patients who sustained an acute tennis injury between January 2013 and December 2018 and who had treatment administered at a single university hospital. Demographic data, diagnosis, body region of the trauma, injury mechanism, and treatment methods were recorded. Data were evaluated using descriptive statistics.Results:A total of 449 patients sustained 467 injuries (148 female, 301 male; mean age, 43.6 years; range, 8.2-84.4 years). The injuries occurred throughout the year, with an increased prevalence in the summer months. Injuries occurred in the lower extremity in 59%, the upper extremity in 30%, and the head and trunk in 11%. The main reason for an injury was a twist of a specific joint (n = 194) or a fall (n = 102). Harmless contusion or strains were the most common injury (49%). Ankle sprains were the most common serious injury, occurring in 11% of patients. Fractures occurred in 54 cases (12%). Overall, 9% of patients were treated surgically (fractures, n = 13; meniscal tears, n = 8; Achilles tendon ruptures, n = 6), and surgery was advised to another 1% who did not receive surgery at the study hospital.Conclusion:Typical acute injuries in recreational tennis players differ from acute injuries in elite and junior players, with an increased fracture occurrence. The main causes of acute tennis injuries are falls and twists, with 10% of injuries needing surgical treatment, mainly for fractures, meniscal tears, and Achilles tendon ruptures.

Does Shoulder Girdle Strengthening Exercises have an Effect on Grip Strength in Adolescent Recreational Tennis Players? A Randomised Controlled Trial

Does Shoulder Girdle Strengthening Exercises have an Effect on Grip Strength in Adolescent Recreational Tennis Players? A Randomised Controlled Trial

Concurrent validity, inter-unit reliability and biological variability of a low-cost pocket radar for ball velocity measurement in soccer and tennis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyse the (i) concurrent validity, (ii) inter-unit reliability, and (iii) biological variability of a low-cost device called Pocket radar. Eleven men recreational soccer players performed 6 kicks to a soccer ball, whereas 13 men recreational tennis players conducted 10 shots to a tennis ball. All executions were simultaneously measured by two Pocket units and the Stalker radar (reference criterion). The within-subject variation among the executions was used for the biological variability analysis. The level of agreement and magnitude of errors included the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), bias, and the smallest detectable change (SDC). A good agreement (ICC ≥ 0.98, r ≥ 0.98) and very low magnitude of error (SDC ≤ 7.70 km·h−1, bias ≤ 3.19 km·h−1) were found between both Pocket units and the Stalker, in soccer and tennis. Inter-unit analysis found limited technical errors (SDC ≤ 5.49 km·h−1, bias ≤ -0.93 km·h−1) and nearly perfect agreement (ICC = 0.99, r ≥ 0.98) in both sessions. These technical errors were lower than the variations due to the biological variability, in soccer (SDC = 2.47 km·h−1 vs. SDC ≥ 8.6 km·h−1) and tennis (SDC = 5.49 km·h−1 vs. SDC ≥ 21.95 km·h−1). These findings suggest the Pocket radar as a valid and highly sensitive tool for BV measurement.

Clustered cardiometabolic risk and arterial stiffness of recreational adult tennis players.

Recent evidence highlights racquet sports as being associated with a substantially reduced risk of CVD mortality. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate clustered cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and arterial stiffness in recreational adult tennis players. Forty-three recreational tennis players (T) and a matched group of 45 healthy, active non-tennis (NT) players, mean age (±SEM) 41.6±1.8 years participated in this cross-sectional comparative study. Measurements included emerging and traditional CMR factors with pulse wave analysis/velocity utilised to assess indexes of arterial stiffness. Clustered cardiometabolic risk was calculated using two composites: CMR1 (central aortic systolic blood pressure, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, percentage body fat, HDL-C and maximal oxygen uptake) and CMR2 (brachial systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, TC:HDL-C, percentage body fat, HbA<inf>1c</inf> and maximal oxygen uptake). Analysis of covariance, controlling for age, revealed T had significantly lower (healthier) CMR1 scores than NT (EMM±SEM, T: -0.48±0.3 vs. NT: 0.50±0.3, P=0.03). Similarly, T also demonstrated lower clustered CMR2 scores (EMM, T: -0.66±0.4 vs. NT: 0.59±0.4, P=0.04). Augmentation index of the pulse pressure wave, normalised to heart rate 75 bpm (AIx75), was lower in T vs NT (EMM, T: 10.7±1.7% vs. NT: 12.7±1.6%; P=0.03), when controlling for age and gender. Tennis appears to be a suitable and effective physical activity modality for targeting cardiometabolic and vascular health and should be more frequently advocated in physical activity promotion strategies.