Wheelchair 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.

Activity Identification, Classification, and Representation of Wheelchair Sport Court Tasks: A Method Proposal.

Monitoring player mobility in wheelchair sports is crucial for helping coaches understand activity dynamics and optimize training programs. However, the lack of data from monitoring tools, combined with a lack of standardized processing approaches and ineffective data presentation, limits their usability outside of research teams. To address these issues, this study aimed to propose a simple and efficient algorithm for identifying locomotor tasks (static, forward/backward propulsion, pivot/tight/wide rotation) during wheelchair movements, utilizing kinematic data from standard wheelchair mobility tests. Each participant's wheelchair was equipped with inertial measurement units-two on the wheel axes and one on the frame. A total of 36 wheelchair tennis and badminton players completed at least one of three proposed tests: the star test, the figure-of-eight test, and the forward/backward test. Locomotor tasks were identified using a five-step procedure involving data reduction, symbolic approximation, and logical pattern searching. This method successfully identified 99% of locomotor tasks for the star test, 95% for the figure-of-eight test, and 100% for the forward/backward test. The proposed method offers a valuable tool for the simple and clear identification and representation of locomotor tasks over extended periods. Future research should focus on applying this method to wheelchair court sports matches and daily life scenarios.

Social and Psychological Effects of Tennis on Disabled Individuals

Disability has traditionally been mainly conceptualized individually or medically. In a social perspective disability can be identified as a 'disadvantage or limitation of activity' caused by a contemporary social organization that takes little or no account of persons with physical disabilities and excludes them from participation in social activities. This study focuses on the effects of sports, specifically tennis, on disabled individuals. In this respect, the research purposes to examine the social and psychological impacts of tennis on disabled individuals. The phenomenology technique, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. 17 wheelchair tennis players, 10 men and 7 women, who played in the International Wheelchair tennis tournaments held in Antalya between 16 November and 5 December 2023, participated in the research. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the thematic analysis. The data obtained from the study were themed under the umbrella of life routine, social and psychological impact, with the coding made as a result of the interviews. Under the theme of life routine, it was seen that issues such as personal development, sense of accomplishment, getting life in order, holding on to life, accepting disability, and health literacy were emphasized. Socialization, social support, commitment, new friendships, and communication skills stand out as values coded under the social impact theme. Self-confidence, happiness, coping with pressure and stress, controlling emotions, focusing, and feeling valuable are the subheadings of the psychological impact theme.

High-Intensity Interval Training and Physiological Demands in Wheelchair Tennis Players: A Pilot Study

High-Intensity Interval Training and Physiological Demands in Wheelchair Tennis Players: A Pilot Study

Do Paralympic athletes suffer from brittle bones? Prevalence and risk factors of low bone mineral density in Paralympic athletes

BackgroundBone health may be a concern in Paralympic athletes, given the presence of multiple risk factors predisposing these athletes to low bone mineral density (BMD). Objective: We aimed to assess the prevalence of low BMD among Paralympic athletes participating in various sport disciplines, and to identify potential risk factors for low BMD. MethodsSeventy Paralympic athletes, of whom 51 % were wheelchair-dependent, were included in this cross-sectional study. BMD of the whole-body, lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Comparisons between groups were conducted by one-way ANOVA, and regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for low BMD. ResultsThe prevalence of low BMD (Z-score < −1.0) was highest at femoral neck (34 %), followed by total hip (31 %), whole-body (21 %), and lumbar spine (18 %). Wheelchair-dependent athletes had significantly lower BMD Z-scores compared to the non-wheelchair-dependent athletes at whole-body level (−0.5 ± 1.4 vs 0.2 ± 1.3; P = 0.04), total hip (−1.1 ± 1.2 vs 0.0 ± 1.1; P < 0.01), and femoral neck (−1.0 ± 1.3 vs −0.1 ± 1.2; P < 0.01). At the lumbar spine, low BMD was completely absent in wheelchair basketball and tennis players. Regression analyses identified body mass, wheelchair dependence, and type of sport, as the main risk factors for low BMD. ConclusionsIn this cohort of Paralympic athletes, low BMD is mainly present at the hip, and to a lesser extent at the whole-body and lumbar spine. The most prominent risk factors for low BMD in Paralympic athletes are related to mechanical loading patterns, including wheelchair use, the type of sport, and body mass.

The Effect of Rehabilitative Exercises on Improving Physical Abilities in Individuals with Mild Shoulder Tendonitis among Wheelchair Tennis Players

التهاب الاوتار في الكتف من الإصابات الشائعة للاعبي الكراسي المتحركة والتي تحدث نتيجة للعادات والحركات الخاطئة والغير صحيحة وتحدث ايضاً بشكل متكرر في الرياضات الي تتطلب تحريك الذراع فوق الرأس مما يؤدي الى اضعاف الوتر أذ ان مفصل الكتف يعمل في كل الاتجاهات عندما تعاني الأوتار المحيطة بمفصل الكتف من الضعف وكثرة تكرار الحركة والضغط المسلط على العضلة اذ يطلق عليه التهاب اوتار الكتف والتي تحتاج الى فترة طويلة للشفاء للعودة للممارسة النشاط الرياضي وفي اغلب الاحيان تبعد اللاعب عن ممارسة التمارين وبسبب قلة تنوع البرامج التأهيلية في التمرينات العلاجية للالتهاب اوتار الكتف ارتأت الباحثتان لأعداد تمرينات تأهيلية متنوعة لإصابة التهاب اوتار الكتف البسيط محاولتا الإفادة منها في تحسين القدرات البدنية وتعزيز نسبة الشفاء ومساعدة المعالجين لإعداد المناهج التأهيلية وتوظيف نتائجها لخدمة الاصابات الرياضية للأطراف العليا للحد من الإصابة اذ هدف البحث الى اعداد تمرينات تأهيلية للمصابين بالتهاب اوتار الكتف البسيط في تحسين بعض القدرات البدنية للاعبي تنس الكراسي المتحركة وقد تم اعتماد المنهج التجريبي بتصميم المجموعة الواحدة نظرا لملائمته لطبيعة المشكلة وتم تحديد عينة البحث بالطريقة العمدية وهم من المصابين في اللجنة البارالمبية العراقية والذي يمثلون مجتمع البحث نفسه البالغ عددهم (6) مصابين من اصل (10) وبعد عدة مراجعات قامت بها الباحثتان لعيادة الدكتور صفاء حسيب أخصائي المفاصل والإصابات الرياضية بتاريخ 2022/12/1 الى 2023/1/29 تم تحديد درجة الإصابة وهي من الدرجة المتوسطة اذ تم وضع التمرينات التأهيلية على اساس درجة الإصابة وقد تحققت الباحثتان من نتائج الدراسة باستعمال الحقيبة الاحصائية SPSS حيث اثبتت النتائج ايجابية التمرينات المتنوعة ومدى فعاليتها في تحسين القوة العضلية والمدى الحركي والشفاء وكما توصلتا الى عدة استنتاجات وكانت أهمها: ان البرنامج التأهيلي كان له اثر ايجابي في تحسين القدرات وتخفيف الألم، وهذا ما يحقق احد اهداف التنمية المستدامة للامم المتحدة في العراق (الصحة الجيدة). وتوصي الباحثتان بضرورة الاهتمام بالتمرينات التأهيلية التي تهدف الى تقوية عضلات مفصل الكتف .

The effect of rebound exercises on the development of some physical abilities of tennis players on wheelchairs

&#x0D; Muscular strength is an essential element in skillful performance in training and competitions, with a difference in the degree of reliance on it in sports, including the game of tennis. Specialists in the field of sports training agree on the importance of both explosive power and the power distinguished by speed, as the player who possesses explosive power in the serve stroke as well The serve repulsed the ball from the opponent, "as the strength distinguished by speed plays an important role as one of the basic characteristics of the physical preparation components that characterize sports activities such as serving, serving blocking, agility, and changingIn the light of the study conducted by the researchers and the following recommendations:1-Applying the proposed approach to its effectiveness and positive impact on wheelchair tennis players in the special preparation stage2-.Focusing on reflexive exercises when developing experimental curricula, because of their positive impact on physical capabilities.3-Paying attention to performing flexibility and stretching exercises before and after each training unit.&#x0D; &#x0D;

High-Intensity Interval Training Specific Programming: Effects on Wheelchair Tennis Players’ Reactive Agility

Background: The programming of wheelchair tennis physical exercises to improve reactive agility needs to be studied more deeply. The training method must be adjusted to the characteristics of the movement of the match technique, the energy system and the type of disability. The appropriate training method is high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, HIIT is still common. Objectives: This study aims (1) to compile HIIT-specific programming, (2) to test the effectiveness of HIIT specific programming on reactive agility. Method: This is a research development with a 4D approach. The sample was 20 wheelchair tennis athletes, male and female, aged 28-36 years, weighing 60-70 kilograms. The material experts were eight nationally licensed trainers and two academics with Doctoral degrees in tennis scientific specifications. Instruments used in this study were spider run test and Guttman scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed by CVR and Friedman formulas. Stage (1) define, conducting a study of relevant articles as a basis for finding problems; stage (2) design, designing HITT specific programs, arranging questionnaires for material expert instruments; stage (3) development, refining program arrangement, and assessing programs, by experts, with Delphi techniques; stage (4) dissemination, disseminating programs and conducting effectiveness tests. Results: It is known that the assessment items from 10 material experts show the content validity of 1.00. It is known that the effectiveness test of significance value is 0.000 0.05. Conclusion: HITT specific program has good content validity, and the effectiveness test can be said to have a significant difference in increasing the reactive agility of wheelchair tennis athletes.

Training Wheelchair Tennis Players: A Strength and Conditioning Approach

ABSTRACT The sport of wheelchair tennis has experienced significant growth in the United States, both at the grassroots and professional arenas. Much of this growth is due to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) taking control over the Paralympic side of the sport in 1998, followed by full integration of wheelchair tennis into the various business units of the organization in 2021. This led to the availability of greater resources benefiting USTA Player Development and high performance athletes. One of the most apparent benefits is using strength and conditioning USTA as the national professionals to improve athletic performance and decrease injury prevalence. Wheelchair tennis coaches and strength and conditioning professionals have collaborated to design innovative adaptations and accommodations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to highlight the significant business and organizational progress made by the USTA as the National Governing Body for the sport of tennis, as well as to address practical strategies to develop and implement wheelchair players' specific strength and conditioning needs.

Six inertial measurement unit-based components describe wheelchair mobility performance during wheelchair tennis matches

The aim of this explorative study was to determine the key inertial measurement unit-based wheelchair mobility performance components during a wheelchair tennis match. A total of 64 wheelchair tennis matches were played by 15 wheelchair tennis players (6 women, 5 men, 4 juniors). All individual tennis wheelchairs were instrumented with inertial measurement units, two on the axes of the wheels and one on the frame. A total of 48 potentially relevant wheelchair tennis outcome variables were initially extracted from the sensor signals, based on previous wheelchair sports research and the input of wheelchair tennis experts (coaches, embedded scientists). A principal component analysis was used to reduce this set of variables to the most relevant outcomes for wheelchair tennis mobility. Results showed that wheelchair mobility performance in wheelchair tennis can be described by six components: rotations to racket side in (1) curves and (2) turns; (3) linear accelerations; (4) rotations to non-racket side in (4) turns and (5) curves; and finally, (6) linear velocities. One or two outcome variables per component were selected to allow an easier interpretation of results. These key outcome variables can be used to adequately describe the wheelchair mobility performance aspect of wheelchair tennis during a wheelchair tennis match and can be monitored during training.

The Main Physical Factors in the Serve Accuracy of Wheelchair Tennis Players

The Main Physical Factors in the Serve Accuracy of Wheelchair Tennis Players

Case-study: Energy expenditure of a world class male wheelchair tennis player during training, Grand Slam and British Open tournaments measured by doubly labelled water

The assessment of total energy expenditure (TEE) is imperative to ensure appropriate fuelling during competition and training, although the current lack of TEE research in para sport make the prescription of nutritional strategies challenging. This study aimed to assess TEE of an elite wheelchair tennis (WT) player during training and competition of the highest level. One male WT player (age 23.6 years; career high World No. 1; body mass 65.7 kg; VO2max, 45.3 ml.kg−1.min−1) participated. Prior to the assessment, VO2max and maximum heart rate, resting metabolic rate, 10 m sprint speed and upper body skinfold measurements were made. Doubly labelled water assessed TEE during a 19-day period which included the Wimbledon Championships (5 days-3 matches), training (8 days) and the British Open (BO) (6 days-7 matches). Throughout data collection, the participant continued their usual training and preparation. During Wimbledon, TEE was 3118 kcal·d−1: 60.3 kcal·kg−1 FFM: PAL 2.0 and during BO was 3368 kcal·day−1: 65.1 kcal·kg−1 FFM: PAL 2.2. Mean daily activity was 124 mins and 132 mins, respectively. During training, TEE was 3177kcal·day-1: 61.4kcal·kg-1 FFM: PAL 2.0: mean daily activity was 138 mins. These findings show the TEE of an elite WT player captured during a period of training and high-level competition, alongside data outlining the physiological profile of a world-class para-athlete.

Ice Slurry Ingestion Lowers Thermoregulatory Strain in Wheelchair Tennis Players During Repeated Sprint Intervals in the Heat.

To examine the efficacy of per-cooling via ice slurry ingestion (ICE) in wheelchair tennis players exercising in the heat. Eight wheelchair tennis players undertook sprints (4 sets of 10 × 5s over 40min) in a hot environment (∼32 °C), interspersed by 3 boluses of 2.67g·kg (6.8g·kg total) ICE or drinking temperate water (control condition). Athletes performed an on-court test of repeated sprint ability (20 × 20m) in temperate conditions immediately before and 20minutes after the heat exposure, and time to complete each sprint as well as intermediate times were recorded. Gastrointestinal and weighted mean skin and forehead temperatures were collected throughout the heat exposure, as were thermal sensation, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration. Sweat rate was calculated from body mass changes and fluid/ice intakes. Compared with the control condition, ICE resulted in a significantly lower gastrointestinal temperature (95% CI, 0.11-0.17 °C; P < .001), forehead temperature (0.58-1.06 °C; P < .001), thermal sensation (0.07-0.50 units; P = .017), and sweat rate (0.06-0.46L·h-1; P = .017). Skin temperature, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were not significantly different between conditions (P ≥ .598). There was no overall change preheating to postheating (P ≥ .114) or an effect of condition (P ≥ .251) on repeated sprint times. ICE is effective at lowering objective and subjective thermal strain when consumed between sets of repeated wheelchair sprints in the heat. However, ICE has no effect on on-court repeated 20-m sprint performance.

Muscular strength training and its effect on strength endurance and speed in wheelchair tennis players

The primary aim of this study was to prepare muscular strength exercises to develop the endurance of the arms and the speed for wheelchair tennis players. The players of the Iraqi national team of wheelchair tennis constituted the research community for the present study. A total of 5 players registered in the records of the Iraqi Federation of Racquet Games, who were training and competing in the sports season 2020/2021, were recruited as the participants of the study. A total of 24 training units were included in the study with two units/week for total of 12 weeks. The researchers concluded that the muscular strength training significantly improved the strength endurance and the speed of the wheelchair tennis players.

A Scoping Review on Shoulder Injuries of Wheelchair Tennis Players: Potential Risk-Factors and Musculoskeletal Adaptations.

Wheelchair tennis players are prone to develop shoulder injuries, due to the combination of wheelchair propulsion, overhead activities and daily wheelchair activities. A methodical literature search was conducted to identify articles on shoulder complaints in wheelchair tennis, wheelchair sports and tennis. The aims were to identify (1) type of shoulder complaints; (2) possible risk factors for the development of shoulder injuries; (3) musculoskeletal adaptations in the shoulder joint in wheelchair tennis players. Fifteen papers were included in this review, five on wheelchair tennis, three on wheelchair sports and seven on tennis. Type of shoulder complaints were acromioclavicular pathology, osteoarthritic changes, joint effusion and rotator cuff tears. Possible risk factors for the development of shoulder injuries in wheelchair tennis are overhead movements, repetitive activation of the anterior muscle chain and internal rotators, as well as a higher spinal cord injury level. Muscular imbalance with higher values for the internal rotators, increase in external range of motion, decrease in internal range of motion and reduced total arc of motion were the most common proposed musculoskeletal adaptations due to an unbalanced load. These presented risk factors and musculoskeletal adaptations might help researchers, coaches and wheelchair tennis players to prevent shoulder injuries.

Sprint performance and force application of tennis players during manual wheelchair propulsion with and without holding a tennis racket.

The objective of this exploratory research is to study the impact of holding a tennis racket while propelling a wheelchair on kinetic and temporal parameters in a field-based environment. 13 experienced wheelchair tennis players with disabilities (36.1 ± 8.2 years, 76.8 ± 15.3 kg, 174.8 ± 17.1 cm) classified between 30/8 and first series performed two 20 m sprints in a straight line, on a tennis court: one while holding a tennis racket and the second without a tennis racket. They used their own sports wheelchair. Potential participants were excluded if they had injuries or pain that impaired propulsion. Maximal total force, maximal propulsive moment, rate of rise, maximal power output, push and cycle times and maximal velocity were measured. Sprinting while holding a tennis racket increased the cycle time by 0,051 s and push time by 0,011s. Sprinting while holding a tennis racket decreased the maximal propulsive moment, maximal power output, rate of rise and maximal velocity during propulsion by 6.713 N/m, 151.108 W, 672.500 N/s and 0.429 m/s, respectively. Our results suggest that the biomechanical changes observed associated with racket propulsion are generally in a direction that would be beneficial for the risk of injury. But sprinting holding a racket seems to decrease players propulsion performance. Working on forward accelerations with a tennis racket would be a line of work for coaches.

Measuring Upper Limb Kinematics of Forehand and Backhand Topspin Drives with IMU Sensors in Wheelchair and Able-Bodied Table Tennis Players.

To better understand the biomechanics of para-table tennis players, this study compared the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joint kinematics among able-bodied (AB) and wheelchair players in different classifications. Nineteen participants (AB, n = 9; classification 1 (C1), n = 3; C2, n = 3; C3, n = 4) executed 10 forehand and backhand topspin drives. Shoulder abduction/adduction, elbow flexion/extension, wrist extension/flexion, respective range of motion (ROM), and joint patterns were obtained using inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. The results showed clear differences in upper limb kinematics between the able-bodied and wheelchair players, especially in the elbow and wrist. For the para-players, noticeable variations in techniques were also observed among the different disability classes. In conclusion, wheelchair players likely adopted distinct movement strategies compared to AB to compensate for their physical impairments and functional limitations. Hence, traditional table tennis programs targeting skills and techniques for able-bodied players are unsuitable for para-players. Future work can investigate how best to customize training programs and to optimize movement strategies for para-players with varied types and degrees of impairment.

Sensors for Wheelchair Tennis: Measuring Trunk and Shoulder Biomechanics and Upper Extremity Vibration during Backhand Stroke.

This study was the first to compare the differences in trunk/shoulder kinematics and impact vibration of the upper extremity during backhand strokes in wheelchair tennis players and the able-bodied players relative to standing and sitting positions, adopting an electromagnetic system along with wearable tri-axial accelerometers upon target body segments. A total of 15 wheelchair tennis players and 15 able-bodied tennis players enrolled. Compared to players in standing positions, wheelchair players demonstrated significant larger forward trunk rotation in the pre-preparation, acceleration, and deceleration phase. Significant higher trunk angular velocity/acceleration and shoulder flexion/internal rotation angular velocity/acceleration were also found. When able-bodied players changed from standing to sitting positions, significant changes were observed in the degree of forward rotation of the trunk and shoulder external rotation. These indicated that when the functions of the lower limbs and trunk are lacking or cannot be used effectively, “biomechanical solutions” such as considerable reinforcing movements need to be made before the hitting movement. The differences between wheelchair tennis players and able-bodied players in sitting positions could represent the progress made as the wheelchair players evolve from novices to experts. Knowledge about how sport biomechanics change regarding specific disabilities can facilitate safe and inclusive participation in disability sports such as wheelchair tennis.

An analytical study of (Smart Tennis Sensor) technical data and its relationship to the serving accuracy of wheelchair tennis players.

The study aimed to describe and analyze the technical data (Smart Tennis Sensor) for transmission accuracy in wheelchair tennis players and to identify the relationship between the technology data (Smart Tennis Sensor) and transmission accuracy in wheelchair tennis players. The researchers used the descriptive method of analysis and associative relationships . The research sample was selected from players with a local classification registered with the Wheelchair Tennis Association for the year (2020) in the intentional manner of (8 players) representing (25%) of the research community with a weight (63.8+1.26) kg, a height (171.2+1.09) meters, and an age (29.7+1.39) years. The researchers used the statistical bag (SPSS) to obtain the results of the research through: arithmetic mean, standard deviation, percentage law, torsion coefficient, and simple correlation coefficient. The results of the research showed a correlation between Smart Tennis Sensor data and transmission accuracy in wheelchair tennis players .The researchers recommended the adoption of this technique during training for wheelchair tennis players as this information gives instant feedback to the variables of each stroke and thus guide the player to the best performance

Influence of hard, artificial grass and clay court surfaces on wheelchair tennis players' mobility-a case study

Wheelchair mobility is an important factor for success in wheelchair tennis. Tennis matches can be played on different surfaces, so the aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of court surface on wheelchair tennis mobility. Four male wheelchair tennis players (age = 33.75 &#177; 12.33 years) performed two tests (20 m sprint and agility t-test) on three official court surfaces (hard, artificial grass and clay). Photocell gates were used to record time and ascertain sprint and turn ability of the wheelchair tennis players. ANOVA test with post hoc pairwise comparisons were conducted to compare the mean differences among surfaces. Following the analysis, the wheelchair tennis players moved faster on hard or clay surfaces than on artificial grass although no statistically significant differences in the 20 m sprint and agility t-test between each of the three surfaces were found (p &gt; 0.05). Moreover, the surface seems to affect mobility more, with respect to turns than in linear locomotion, although more research is needed on this aspect. The playing surfaces may need to be an extra variable in planning performance related activities such as techniques and tactics.