The Effects of Exercises with Elastic Bands on Selected Elements of Physical Fitness in Middle-Aged Amateur Tennis Players

Abstract

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of elastic band exercises programme in assisting the training of amateur tennis players. Material and Methods. Study participants comprised 22 male amateur tennis players (participating in a minimum of two training sessions per week) aged 40-60. The participants were divided into two equal groups. Subjects from Group 1 were engaged in elastic band exercises after the main training. Prior to each intervention, the movement range of the shoulder joint and the velocity and precision of the service were measured (via the ITF test). The measurements were repeated after four weeks. Group 2 (control) underwent the same measurements but they did not perform any additional exercises. Differences between the results of individual measurements were determined using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs test, and differences between the groups were determined using the Mann–Whitney U test, with a level of significance of p ≤ 0.05. Results. Group 1 showed a significant improvement in service precision (p < 0.001). In Group 2, the results of both measurements were similar. Group 1 showed a lower service speed at the beginning, but after four weeks the progress was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Group 1 also showed a significant improvement in the movement range of the shoulder joint, albeit only on their dominant side. Conclusions. The elastic band exercises may improve the velocity and precision of the service in tennis. The use of the aforementioned method to assist in the training of tennis players seems justified.