Relationships among repeated sprint tests and aerobic fitness in adolescent tennis players

Abstract

Th e aim of this study was to determine the performance indices (ideal sprint time -IS, total sprint time -TS, and performance decrement -PD) of two repeated sprint test (RST) and to examine their relationships with the aerobic fi tness of young tennis players. Fift een young (age 14.7±1.0 yrs) tennis players performed three tests: an aerobic power test (20 m shutt le run), and two diff erent RST protocols (12×20 m and 12×10 m runs). Peak heart rate was signifi cantly higher in the 20 m protocol compared to the 10 m protocol while no signifi cant diff erence was found in the PD of the two RST protocols. Signifi cant positive correlations were found between the ISs and the TSs (r=0.946 and r=0.932, respectively), but not between the PDs of the two RST protocols. Signifi cant negative correlations were found between TS and IS and aerobic fi tness during the 10 m protocol (r=-0.594 and r=-0.595, respectively) and the 20 m protocol (r=-0.757 and r=-0.716, respectively), but not between PD and the aerobic fi tness in both RST protocols. Both short and long RST protocols represent similar anaerobic capabilities. In addition, the aerobic energy system serves as a signifi cant factor in both RST protocols. However, it seems that the involvement of the aerobic system is more signifi cant in the long than in the short repetition RST protocol.

Association of Selected Fitness Variables with Perceived Performance Levels in Lawn Tennis Players

“…Performance decrement (PD) score was calculated as a measure of fatigue index which is as follows: PD = [(TS/IS) × 100] – 100 where, TS: Total time, calculated as the sum total of all 12 sprints; IS: Ideal time, calculated as the fastest time among all the sprints multiplied by 12. 18…”

“…Total time, calculated as the sum total of all 12 sprints; IS: Ideal time, calculated as the fastest time among all the sprints multiplied by 12. 18…”

The importance of aerobic fitness for tennis: training and testing (part 2)

“…The goal of RST is to improve the Repeated sprint ability (RSA). One study in tennis showed significant correlations between performances in RSA tests and VO2max (Tsiprun et al, 2013). The aerobic energy system is an important determinant in recovery rate from intense activity and assists in power output maintenance during the RST.…”