Racquet string tension directly affects force experienced at the elbow: implications for the development of lateral epicondylitis in tennis players

Abstract

Background: Lateral epicondylitis (LE) occurs in almost half of all tennis players. Racket-string tension is considered to be an important factor influencing the development of LE. No literature yet exists that substantiates how string-tension affects force transmission to the elbow, as implicated in LE development. We establish a quantitative relationship between string-tension and elbow loading, analyzing tennis strokes using rackets with varying string-tensions. Methods: Twenty recreational tennis players simulated backhand tennis strokes using three rackets strung at tensions of 200 N, 222 N and 245 N. Accelerometers recorded accelerations at the elbow, wrist and racket handle. Average peak acceleration was determined to correlate string-tension with elbow loading. Results: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed when average peak acceleration at the elbow at 200 N string-tension (acceleration of 5.58 m/s 2 ) was compared with that at 222 N tension (acceleration of 6.83 m/s 2 ) and 245 N tension (acceleration of 7.45 m/s 2 ). The 200 N racket induced the least acceleration at the elbow. Conclusions: Although parameters determining force transmission to the elbow during a tennis stroke are complex, the present study was able to control these parameters, isolating the effect of string-tension. Lower string-tensions transmit less force to the elbow in backhand strokes. Reducing string-tension should be considered favourably with respect to reducing the risk of developing LE.

Karakteristik Lendutan Raket Tenis Akibat Kontak Dengan Bola

“…Penelitian perilaku raket tenis dengan bola telah dilakukan antara lain analisis balok fleksibel yang merujuk pada efekketegangan tali dan kekakuan rangka pada kinerja raket [11]. Penelitian lain adalah analisis mekanis raket dan bola tenis selama tumbukan berdasarkan metode elemen hingga [1], analisis getaran senar [12], pengukuran respon senar raket [13], pemodelan getaran dan penekanan [6], factor penyebab getaran [14], getaran dan transmisi gelombang kejut ke pergelangan tangan [15], impak, tegangan senar dan getaran raket berbahan komposit nano [16], perilaku dinamik raket dalam beberapa situasi pertandingan [17], pengaruh ketegangan raket terhadap gaya pada siku lengan [18], efek pegangan (grip) terhadap perilaku dinamik raket [19], dan getaran raket saat pukulan forehand [20].…”

A low carrying angle is measured in elite tennis players just before ball impact during the forehand, suggesting a dynamic varus instant accommodation moving towards full extension

“…Tennis is a biomechanically demanding sport, causing injuries on both the upper and lower extremities [1]. The quick, intense and repeated start-stop movements, during which players perform sudden changes of direction while running and striking a ball at high speeds induces high loading forces [2,3]. Even if cranial, ocular and lower extremities' injuries are frequent, the ones affecting the upper body are rather sport specific [4,5].…”