Age and sex-related upper body performance differences in competitive young tennis players

Abstract

Objective The aims of this study were to analyze the shoulder functional profile of young male and female tennis players and to establish the relationship among physical variables and serve speed. Methods A total of 128 Spanish tennis players (Under-13 (n = 32/32 males/females) and Under-15 (n = 36/28 males/females), were tested during National training camps. Tests included passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, medicine ball throws (MBT), and serve speed. Age and sex pairwise comparisons were carried using the Hedges’ g index ( d g ). Results Results showed age and sex effects on serve speed and all MBT, with males showing greater changes (1.51≤ d g ≤1.98) with age than females (0.92≤ d g ≤1.35; p <0.05). U15 males showed higher ( p <0.05) absolute shoulder IR and ER strength than U13, with only significant differences between males and females in the U15. Regarding ROM, U15 males showed a decreased IR ROM compared to U13 ( d g = -0.84; p <0.05) and higher significant IR bilateral deficit ( d g = 0.51; p <0.05). The distances obtained in the different MBT were the variables more correlated to serve speed. Conclusion The present results suggest that shoulder strength, medicine ball throws and serve speed increased along with age in young elite tennis players of both sexes. However, a decreased range of motion and bilateral deficit for glenohumeral internal rotation is evident in male under-15 tennis players. Muscle strength, power and shoulder range of motion are key factors for serve speed in young tennis players.

Physical Fitness in Young Padel Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Young padel players described a healthy body composition status (fat mass ~14–18% in boys and ~20–28% in girls and BMI < 25 kg·m −2 ) below BMI and fat mass cut-off points related to health risk [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Certainly, regular padel practice seems not to have an impact on adiposity compared with other racket sports such as tennis [ 28 ], badminton [ 47 ], or table tennis [ 48 ], but might be enough to protect against unhealthy levels of body composition and mitigate the alarming increase in overweight and among youths [ 10 ]. Adherence to regular physical activity through childhood is essential to promote healthy growth and development [ 49 ].…”

“…For the overhead MBT, players stood in a line with their feet side-by-side, facing the throwing direction with the ball back behind the head and threw vigorously forward without moving the feet. For the side MBT, players stood sideways to the starting line and simulated a forehand-backhand stroke tossing the ball as far as possible without crossing the line [ 28 , 29 ]. Each player made two throws per side with 30 s rest.…”

“…In this sense, other authors proposed using a more practical and specific agility test for padel [ 27 ], which merits further examination. Similarly, in addition to the overhead medicine ball throw, the assessment of swinging actions by rotational medicine ball throws would be advisable to describe strength performance in racket sports such as padel [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Injury and training history are associated with glenohumeral internal rotation deficit in youth tennis athletes

“…More precise, these physiological adaptations often result in a decreased internal rotation (IR) range of motion (RoM) of the shoulder joint combined with a decreased total range of motion (TRoM) of the dominant compared to the non-dominant limb [ 8 ]. This glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD), however, is associated with an increased risk for shoulder injuries [ 9 – 13 ] and might have an impact on the performance of youth tennis players [ 14 ]. An increased shoulder RoM may be, contrarily, protective against injuries [ 2 ].…”

Key Physical Factors in the Serve Velocity of Male Professional Wheelchair Tennis Players

“…Some studies conducted by national tennis associations have used a battery of physical tests to know the evolution of their athletes [ 20 , 21 ], as well as to establish relationships between the measurements [ 13 , 22 , 23 ]. In general, anthropometric measurements, strength, speed, agility, endurance and flexibility are usually included in these tests.…”