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Fitness testing in tennis: Influence of anthropometric characteristics, physical performance, and functional test on serve velocity in professional players.

ABSTRACT: The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between anthropometric variables, physical performance, and functional test with serve velocity regarding tennis players' level and to design regression models that effectively predict serve velocity. A sample of sixteen male tennis players participated in this study (national level = 8, professional level = 7). Anthropometric measurements (body mass, height, body mass index and body segments) and physical test (hand strength, countermovement jump, jump on serve, and serve velocity) and functional test (medicine ball throw overhead and shot put) were performed. No differences in anthropometrics and physical test were found between national and professional levels. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05, ranging for 0.603 to 0.932) was found between some anthropometrics measurements (body mass, height, arm, forearm, and leg segments), physical parameters (hand strength, countermovement jump) and functional test (medicine ball throw shot put and overhead) with serve velocity for all tennis players. Multiple regression analysis indicated that medicine ball throw shot put was the most important test to explain serve velocity (r2 = 0.869). The results showed how the combination of physical and anthropometric factors have an impact on serve velocity. In addition, a new functional fitness test (medicine ball throw shot put) is proposed as an alternative to traditional medicine ball throw overhead due to its high reproducibility (inter-trial reliability) and predictive validity values, as well as by multi-segmental coordination movement similar to tennis serve.

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Pay A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8629317 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Differences in variables of physical fitness and stroke performance by competition level (i.e., elite vs. sub-elite players) have not been systematically investigated yet. Thus, the objective of the systematic review with meta-analysis was to characterize and quantify competition-level dependent differences in physical fitness and stroke performance in healthy tennis players. A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus from their inception date till May 2022. Studies were included if they investigated healthy tennis players and reported at least one measure of physical fitness (e.g., lower extremity muscle power, endurance, agility, speed) or stroke performance (e.g., stroke velocity). Weighted standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated and reported according to their magnitude. The search identified a total of N = 12,714 records, 16 of which met the inclusion criteria. Competition-level dependent differences in physical fitness and stroke performance were investigated by 11 and 10 studies, respectively. For physical fitness, moderate (lower extremity muscle power: SMD = 0.53; endurance: SMD = 0.59; agility: SMD = 0.54) and small (speed: SMD = 0.35) effects were detected; all in favour of elite tennis players. However, sub-group analyses revealed an influence of players' age showing higher SMD-values for adult than for young players. Further, a large effect (SMD = 1.00) was observed for stroke performance again in favour of elite tennis players. Lastly, a larger but not significantly different association between physical fitness and stroke performance was observed for elite (r = 0.562) compared to sub-elite (r = 0.372) tennis players. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed better physical fitness and stroke performances in healthy elite compared to sub-elite tennis players. The greatest differences by competition level were shown in measures of lower extremity muscle power, endurance, and agility. Thus, training programs for sub-elite tennis players should place a special focus on these physical components.

Project description:BackgroundThe tennis serve is a complex skill requiring appropriate energy transfer to maximize serve speed. As the only independently powered shot in tennis, it is important to understand what characteristics contribute to a player's serve.HypothesisUpper extremity and lower extremity power variables will be predictive of serve speed.Study designCross-sectional study.Level of evidenceLevel 3.MethodsA total of 42 competitive tennis players underwent range of motion, strength, motor control, power, and serve speed testing. Motion assessment was completed for shoulder external and internal rotation, trunk rotation, hip external and internal rotation, and ankle dorsiflexion. Strength was assessed for the rotator cuff, scapula, and hip musculature. Motor control was evaluated through upper and lower extremity Y-balance testing. Power assessments were made using broad jump, single-leg hop, and seated unilateral shot put testing. Pearson correlation was conducted to assess associations of skill, height, and tested variables to serve speed. Significant variables were used in a stepwise linear regression model, with serve speed as the dependent variable. Variables are listed in relation to the participant's dominant arm.ResultsSkill, height, contralateral hip external rotation range of motion, nondominant arm Y-balance anterolateral reach, bilateral single-leg hops, and seated unilateral shot put throws for both arms demonstrated significant positive correlations to serve speed ( P < 0.05). Serve speed was predicted with 84% variance through skill, height, contralateral hip external rotation range of motion, ipsilateral single-leg hop, and the seated unilateral shot put throws.ConclusionThe ability to generate increased serve speed is multifactorial. The combination of skill, height, hip motion, and upper and lower extremity power may determine serve speed.Clinical relevanceThe findings suggest that motion, motor control, and power testing should be evaluated when working with this population to improve serve speed.

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Fitness testing in tennis: Influence of anthropometric characteristics, physical performance, and functional test on serve velocity in professional players.

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