CONDITIONING, FITNESS & HEALTH page
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*Adelsberg, S. "The tennis stroke: an EMG analysis of selected
muscles with rackets of increasing grip size." American Journal
of Sports Medicine 14.2 (1986):139 42.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of different
racket grip sizes on the muscle activity of the forearm and shoulder.
Telemetry EMG was used to assess the muscle activity of the anterior
deltoid and the forearm extensor muscles during the forehand and
backhand strokes of tennis in a selected group of test subjects.
The EMG activity of the subjects' anterior deltoid muscle and
the forearm extensor muscle group was recorded with the subjects
using racket grip sizes of 4 1/4, 4 1/2, 4 3/4 inches. A specific
pattern of sequence phasing was seen in all subjects, and amplitude
ratio between the muscles was constant. Changes in grip size demonstrated
a change in amplitude of both the anterior deltoid and the forearm
extensor muscle group.
*Armstrong, Larry. "Evaluation of fluid-electrolyte balance
associated with tennis match play." USTA Research Grant,
1992. Information available from Dr. Larry Armstrong, Univ. of
Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06268.
The author examined Division I male and female college tennis
players for three days in a hot, humid environment to determine
fluid-electrolyte loss and intake, rehydration requirements. Results
include recommendations for planning training sessions and tournament
play, and for reducing the risk of heat illness.
*Balduini, F.C. "Abdominal and groin injuries in tennis."
Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):349 57.
Although abdominal and groin injuries are not unique to the game
of tennis, the very mechanics of the ground stroke and overhead
volley predispose participants in this sport to the chronic pain
and frustration of these injuries. Careful consideration must
be given not only to the muscular anatomy of the region but also
to the visceral and neurologic anatomy. A patient, controlled
program of rehabilitation, emphasizing flexibility and subsequent
strengthening, must be stressed if recurrence is to be avoided.
*Bergeron, M.F., et al. "Tennis: a physiological profile
during match play." International Journal of Sports Medicine
12.5 (1991):474 79.
Heart rate (HR), hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood glucose, and plasma
concentrations of lactate, cortisol, and testosterone were monitored
in 10 male subjects (Division I, 20.3 +/ 2.5 yrs, VO2max: 58.5
+/ 9.4 ml.kg 1.min 1) during singles tennis and a treadmill test.
During the on court session, HR was 144.6 +/ 13.2 beats.min 1
for the 85 min of play. Plasma lactate rose 50% from a post warmup
value of 1.6 +/ 0.6 mmol.l 1 to 2.3 +/ 1.2 mmol.l 1 during play
(p greater than 0.05). Blood glucose slightly decreased (8%, p
greater than 0.05) from a pre exercise value of 4.6 +/ 0.8 mmol.l
1 as a result of the 10 min warmup. This was followed by a 23%
rise (p less than 0.05) from 4.2 +/ 1.0 mmol.l 1 to 5.2 +/ 0.6
mmol.l 1, measured after the first 30 min of play. Blood glucose
subsequently remained steady at slightly above the pre exercise
value. Plasma cortisol rose (9%, p greater than 0.05) during the
warmup and subsequently decreased (p less than 0.05) from a post
warmup value of 558.2 +/ 285.2 nmol.l 1 to 337.1 +/ 173.3 nmol.l
1 (a 40% decrease), and remained decreased during recovery. Plasma
testosterone rose 22% (p less than 0.05) from pre exercise to
recovery (13.5 +/ 3.8 nmol.l 1 and 16.5 +/ 2.6 nmol.l 1, respectively).
Although tennis is characterized by periods of high intensity
exercise, the overall metabolic response resembles prolonged moderate
intensity exercise.
*Bigiliani, L.U., et al. "Repair of rotator cuff tears in
tennis players." American Journal of Sports Medicine 20.2
(1992):112 17.
Twenty three tennis players with a symptomatic full thickness
rotator cuff tear underwent anterior acromioplasty and rotator
cuff repair. There were 8 small tears (less than 1 cm), 5 moderate
tears (1 to 3 cm), 2 large tears (3 to 5 cm), and 8 massive tears
(greater than 5 cm). The dominant shoulder was involved in all
patients and all were unable to play tennis before surgery. Eleven
patients experienced a traumatic event that caused an injury,
6 while playing tennis, and 12 patients had a gradual onset of
symptoms. At average follow up of 42 months, 19 patients (83%)
achieved a good result, were pain free, and were able to play
tennis at their presymptomatic competitive level. Three patients
(13%), all with massive tears, had a satisfactory result and were
able to play tennis, although at a lower competitive level secondary
to weakness. One patient (4%), who also had a massive tear, had
an unsatisfactory result and was unable to play tennis.
*Blackwell, John Royse. "Grip pressure, wrist kinematics
and forearm electromyograms of expert and novice tennis players
performing the backhand stroke." PhD Diss. Univ. of Iowa,
1991. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1992. Order No. 9212854.
Humeral epicondylitis, often referred to as tennis elbow (TE),
is a soft tissue injury with pain at the humeral epicondyles.
Mechanisms related to TE development are unclear. However, it
is generally accepted that lateral TE is due to overload of the
extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle. The incidence of lateral
TE is greater in unskilled than skilled players, and due to previous
qualitative reports, differences in the behavior patterns of these
groups were hypothesized. The purposes of this project were to
investigate whether grip pressure, wrist angular motion, and forearm
electromyograms (EMG) differentiate skilled and unskilled players,
and to discuss these differences in relation to tennis elbow development.
Skilled and unskilled tennis players performed the backhand groundstroke.
Measured variables included: (i) grip pressure integral values,
(ii) wrist angular kinematic trajectories, and (iii) wrist flexor
and extensor EMG.
Results showed no group difference in grip pressure integral values.
However, skilled subjects tended to increase their grip rapidly
prior to ball racket impact, whereas unskilled subjects tended
to use a more static grip. Skilled players showed greater wrist
extensor EMG after impact than the unskilled group and both groups
showed greater wrist extensor EMG than flexor EMG overall. Unskilled
subjects were in wrist flexion and ulnar deviation (adduction)
while flexing and adducting the wrist at ball racket impact. Skilled
subjects were in wrist extension and radial deviation (abduction)
while extending and adducting at impact. Unskilled subjects exhibited
rapid wrist flexion due to ball racket impact whereas skilled
subjects exhibited wrist extension. These data imply that unskilled
subjects may be more susceptible to injuries of the wrist extensor
muscles because these muscles are at long lengths and lengthening
at impact. These conditions place relatively greater loads on
the musculo tendinous units and subject the wrist extensor muscles
to potentially damaging eccentric contractions. Implications for
tennis instruction aimed at reducing the incidence of tennis elbow
were discussed.
*Blackwell, John Royse, and K.J. Cole. "Wrist kinematics
differ in expert and novice tennis players performing the backhand
stroke: implications for tennis elbow." Journal of Biomechanics
27.5 (1994): 509 16.
Investigators have suggested that the greater prevalence of lateral
humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow, TE) in novice tennis players
compared to expert players may reflect the novice players' use
of faulty mechanics for the backhand stroke. We investigated the
wrist kinematics (flexion/extension), grip pressures, and wrist
muscle electromyographic activity in novice (N = 8) and expert
(N = 8) tennis players performing the backhand stroke. Experts
performed the backhand stroke with the wrist extended (re: neutral
alignment of the forearm and hand dorsum). Collision of the ball
and racket occurred with the wrist extended on average of 0.41
rad (about 23 degrees from neutral alignment) in the expert players;
moreover, their wrists were moving further into extension at impact.
In contrast, novice subjects struck the ball with the wrist flexed
0.22 rad (about 13 degrees) while moving their wrists further
into flexion. Wrist extensor EMGs showed similar levels of activity
during the 500 ms interval before ball racket impact, whereas
expert subjects displayed greater EMG levels after contact, consistent
with the accompanying wrist extension. The wrist kinematic and
EMG data together show that the novice subjects eccentrically
contracted their wrist extensor muscles throughout the stroke.
We argue that conditions exist for novice subjects that assist
stretch of wrist extensor muscles upon collision of the ball and
racket. The resulting eccentric contraction of wrist extensor
muscles may contribute to lateral TE in novice players, given
previous research indicating that eccentric muscle contraction
facilitates muscle fiber injury.
*Bollen, S.R., et al. "Stress fractures of the ulna in tennis
players using a double handed backhand stroke." American
Journal of Sports Medicine 21.5 (1993):751 2.
*Booth, A., et al. "Testosterone, and winning and losing
in human competition." Hormones and Behavior 23.4 (1989):556
71.
Testosterone and cortisol were measured in six university tennis
players across six matches during their varsity season. Testosterone
rose just before most matches, and players with the highest prematch
testosterone had the most positive improvement in mood before
their matches. After matches, mean testosterone rose for winners
relative to losers, especially for winners with very positive
moods after their victories and who evaluated their own performance
highly. Winners with rising testosterone had higher testosterone
before their next match, in contrast to losers with falling testosterone,
who had lower testosterone before their next match. Cortisol was
not related to winning or losing, but it was related to seed (top
players having low cortisol), and cortisol generally declined
as the season progressed. These results are consistent with a
biosocial theory of status.
*Bracker, Mark, et al. "Low back pain in a tennis player."
Physician and Sportsmedicine 16.4 (1988): 75-79+.
A case in which a middle-aged tennis player suffering from low
back pain was discussed by a group of physicians. The diagnosis,
treatment, and management of the case are presented in this report.
*Buckley, J.P., and D.G. Kerwin. "The role of the biceps
and triceps brachii during tennis serving." Ergonomics 31.11
(1988):1621 29.
*Butch, C.A. "The incidence of injuries in intercollegiate
tennis players." MS Thesis. Northeastern Univ., 1983. Available
from Northeastern Univ., Boston, MA 02115
The incidence of injuries sustained by men and women tennis players
in the Northeastern U.S. during 2 years was studied. The incidence
of injury at the intercollegiate level, the types of injuries,
and the classification of information according to body parts
was investigated. The source used to collect data included a Tennis
Injury Report Form for every injury relating to tennis. Results
showed that the most common injuries were sprains and strains
which occurred in the ankle, shoulder, and knee joints. Data also
provided information on the high reoccurrence rate of ankle, shoulder,
and knee injuries, which suggested that treatment and rehabilitation
of injuries may not have been fully completed before the players
resumed practice or a match.
*Capek, P., and J. Holcroft. "Traumatic ischemia of the hand
in a tennis player: successful treatment with urokinase."
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 4.2 (1993):279
81.
*Chandler, T.J., et al. "Flexibility comparisons of junior
elite tennis players to other athletes." American Journal
of Sports Medicine 18.2 (1990):134 36.
Flexibility measurements were obtained in 86 junior elite tennis
players and compared to the flexibility measurements of 139 athletes
involved in other sports. The measurements obtained included sit
and reach flexibility, quadricep flexibility, hamstring flexibility,
gastrocnemius flexibility, shoulder internal rotation, and shoulder
external rotation. All measurements except sit and reach flexibility
were obtained goniometrically. Tennis players were significantly
tighter in sit and reach flexibility, dominant shoulder internal
rotation, and nondominant shoulder internal rotation. They were
significantly more flexible in dominant shoulder external rotation
and nondominant shoulder external rotation. The flexibility differences
found in tennis players suggest adaptations to the musculoskeletal
demands of their sport. These results suggest that a sport specific
flexibility program may be necessary for junior elite tennis players
in order to promote maximum performance and help prevent flexibility
related injuries.
*Chandler, T.J., et al. "Shoulder strength, power, and endurance
in college tennis players." American Journal of Sports Medicine
20.4 (1992):455 58.
Twenty four college tennis players were tested for bilateral shoulder
internal/external rotation strength on a Cybex 340 isokinetic
dynamometer; hey were positioned supine with the glenohumeral
joint abducted to 90 degrees. Subjects produced significantly
(P less than 0.01) more torque in internal rotation at 60 and
300 deg/sec in the dominant arm compared to the nondominant arm.
Subjects also produced significantly more power in internal rotation
at 60 deg/sec in the dominant arm. No significant differences
between the dominant and nondominant arms were seen in internal
rotation power at 300 deg/sec or in the internal rotation endurance
ratio. No significant differences were seen in external rotation
on any measurement. By significantly increasing the strength of
the dominant shoulder in internal rotation without subsequent
strengthening of the external rotators, muscle imbalances may
be created in the dominant arm that could possibly affect the
tennis player's predisposition to injuries caused by overloading
of the shoulder joint. This study suggests that external rotation
strengthening exercises should be implemented in tennis conditioning
programs to maintain muscle strength balance, and possibly reduce
the chance of overload injury.
*Crews, Debra. "Physiological, psychological and perceptual
characteristics of junior tennis players." USTA Research
Grant, 1990. Information available from Dr. Debra Crews, Univ.
of North Carolina, Greensboro, NC 27412.
The author studied the characteristics which are most closely
associated with the best performance among young tennis players
in order to develop appropriate training programs for athletes
of this age.
*Dalziel, R., and P. Dixon. "Tennis injuries." Australian
Family Physician 20.7 (1991):931+.
An unfit tennis player is more likely to suffer an injury. The
tennis player should be well prepared physically and possess a
sound technique. Attention should be paid to playing gear to minimize
the possibility of injury.
*Deutsch, E., S.L. Deutsch, and P.S. Douglas. "Exercise training
for competitive tennis." Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):417
27.
This article reviews the muscle physiology underlying various
forms of activity, as well as the adaptive responses induced by
specific forms of training, and thus provides a rational basis
for the design of a training program for competitive tennis.
*Dunlap, Patricia. "Addressing competitive stress in junior
tennis players." Journal of Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance 62.1 (1991): 59-63.
A PRECEDE (Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Causes In Education
Diagnosis And Evaluation) model was used in assessing the health
needs of nationally ranked junior tennis players. The objective
of this study was to reduce stress illness in high-level competition.
*Dwyer, Colleen Marie. "A comparison of an isotonic and an
isokinetic weight training program on performance of the tennis
serve." MA Thesis. Univ. of North Carolina, 1983. Available
from Microform Publications, 1243 Univ. of Oregon, Eugene, OR
97403. Order No. PE2657f.
*Edinger, J.D., et al. "Daytime functioning and nighttime
sleep before, during, and after a 146 hour tennis match."
Sleep 13.6 (1990):526 32.
Two adult males (ages 31 and 35 years) were studied while they
participated in a week long marathon tennis match under conditions
of extreme sleep restriction (4 5 h reductions per night). Polysomnographic
monitoring was conducted on the two nights prior to the marathon,
continuously throughout the match, and on two recovery nights.
In addition, measures of daytime sleepiness, mood state, and cognitive
performance were obtained during the course of the study. Despite
undergoing marked sleep restriction, both players continued to
obtain their usual (baseline) amounts of slow wave sleep throughout
the marathon. Both players showed a gradually increasing tendency
toward daytime dozing across the first few days of the marathon.
This tendency decreased on the fifth day but increased again on
the sixth day of the match. Also, both players showed a pre to
postmatch decline on some cognitive measures. However, the players
differed markedly in their ratings of sleepiness, mood ratings,
recovery sleep patterns, and endurance with respect to the demands
of the match. Results appear to be consistent with previous laboratory
studies in documenting the primacy of the "slow wave sleep
drive." Given the marked differences observed between the
players, research designed to identify factors that predict response
to sleep loss seems to be warranted.
*Edwards, Jeffrey E. "Quantification and fractionation of
oxygen consumption during tennis match play using a miniaturized
oxygen uptake telemetry system." USTA Research Grant, 1990.
Information available from Dr. Jeffrey Edwards, c/o USTA, 7310
Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149.
The author studied the oxygen consumption of a tennis match to
determine the appropriate level of aerobic fitness for tennis.
The study was conducted without interfering with the players'
on-court tennis activities so as to obtain truly tennis-specific
data.
*Edwards, Ronald Frank. "The effect of two resistance training
programs on cross-court forehand groundstroke skill in tennis."
MS Thesis. California State University, Fullerton, 1989. Ann Arbor:
UMI, 1990. Order No. MA1336941.
The effects of two circuit weight training programs on performance
of the cross-court forehand groundstroke in tennis were compared.
Forty-five male and female student volunteers age 18-48y, from
beginning and intermediate tennis classes, participated in the
study. Subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 15 subjects:
a control group, a lower/mid body or a total body circuit weight
training program. Exercises were performed on an isotonic Centurion
Multi-Station machine manufactured by Universal Gym, Inc. 3 times
a week over a 9 week period. The intensities (60-90%) in both
exercise programs were cycled identically throughout the week,
and gradually increased throughout the training period. All subjects
were pre-tested and post-tested for speed and accuracy of the
forehand groundstroke using a modified Hewitt's Tennis Achievement
Test and Avery-Richardson Tennis Service Test. An analysis of
covariance between the pre-test and post-test mean difference
scores reveals no significant difference between the treatment
groups and the control group or between treatment groups in skill
performance.
*Ellenbecker, T.S., G.J Davies, and M.J. Rowinski. "Concentric
versus eccentric isokinetic strengthening of the rotator cuff.
Objective data versus functional test." American Journal
of Sports Medicine 16.1 (1988):64 69.
Twenty two male and female college varsity tennis players trained
for 6 weeks, one group using eccentric isokinetic internal and
external shoulder rotation, and the second group using concentric
isokinetic internal and external shoulder rotation. Subjects pretested
and posttested both concentrically and eccentrically, so that
training overflow and specificity could be examined. Three maximally
hit tennis serves made before and after training, which were analyzed
by high speed cinematography to obtain ball velocity, served as
a functional performance measurement. Statistical analysis of
peak torque (newton meters) and peak torque to body weight ratio
have revealed significant concentric strength gains (P less than
0.005) in the concentric as well as the eccentric training groups.
Eccentric strength gains were demonstrated by the concentric training
group at selected speeds (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.005)
but were not generated in the eccentric group at the P less than
0.05 significance level. Functional test analysis shows an increase
in maximal serve velocity at a significance level of P less than
0.005 in the concentric training group, with no significant (P
greater than 0.01) increases in the eccentric group.
*Elliott, B.C. "Biomechanics of the serve in tennis. A biomedical
perspective." Sports Medicine 6.5 (1988):285 94.
Epidemiological studies have indicated that the serve, arguably
the most important facet of the game of tennis, is also the most
likely stroke to cause injury, particularly to the elbow and back.
A review of the kinematic and kinetic studies on the service action
fails to clearly identify the reason(s) for these injuries. Data
from these studies does, however, allow possible causes of injury
to be postulated. Electromyographic data from the prime mover
muscles involved in the serve have shown that muscle action was
greater for beginners, whose muscles were active for longer periods
than those of advanced players. Ground reaction forces associated
with different serving techniques were small compared to those
recorded from activities involving running or jumping. The potential
to cause injury seems to be related to high internal forces (combination
of muscle and joint reaction forces), particularly where these
forces are associated with poor technique and high segment accelerations.
These situations occur when the racket moves behind the body and
the vertebral column is laterally flexed and hyperextended. The
pronation of the forearm and the forces associated with the swing
to the ball, the impact and the early follow through are also
factors that have the potential to cause injury. The action of
serving induces strains and pressures upon the body. A sensible
approach to the number of serves, particularly when practising
(overuse), appropriate physical preparation and a technique that
does not introduce excessive forces to selected body parts (misuse)
will greatly reduce the potential for injury from this activity.
*Feit, E.M., and R. Berenter. "Lower extremity tennis injuries.
Prevalence, etiology, and mechanism." Journal of the American
Podiatric Medical Association 83.9 (1993):509 14.
A retrospective investigation was undertaken to determine the
prevalence of tennis related lower extremity injuries in the San
Francisco Bay area. A total of 376 participants at various Bay
area tennis clubs completed a questionnaire before registering
for tournament play. The results obtained from the survey indicate
that 91.2% of this population had an injury to the lower extremity.
A discussion of the etiology and mechanism of the various lower
extremity injuries is presented.
*Gecha, S.R., and E. Torg. "Knee injuries in tennis."
Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):435 52.
Racquet sports involve sharp, side to side movements and impose
significant valgus and rotatory stresses on the knee. Most knee
injuries are indirect as a result of these acute stresses and
overuse. Some of the more common racquet sport injuries include
tennis leg, jumper's knee, patello femoral pain, meniscal injuries,
bursitis, and tendinitis.
*Gregg, J.R., and E. Torg. "Upper extremity injuries in adolescent
tennis players." Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):371
85.
The majority of adolescent tennis players will have their playing
temporarily interrupted by an injury, with lower extremity problems
predominating. Although upper extremity injuries occur less frequently,
they tend to be more troublesome. Injuries discussed in this article
include "King Kong arm," slipped capital humeral epiphysis,
"Osgood Schlatter disease" of the shoulder, tennis elbow,
stress synovitis and elbow flexion contracture, and friction burns
and collagen stress fractures of the rotator cuff.
*Groppel, Jack L., and R.P Nirschl. "A mechanical and electromyographical
analysis of the effects of various joint counterforce braces on
the tennis player." American Journal of Sports Medicine 14.3
(1986):195 200.
Biomechanical data on most bracing and protective equipment systems
is lacking. To better understand the clinical success of counterforce
bracing, a biomechanical analysis of braced and unbraced tennis
players (serve and backhand strokes) was undertaken. Three dimensional
cinematography and electromyographic techniques were used. Three
commonly used counterforce braces (lateral elbow, medial elbow,
and radial ulnar wrist) were compared with the unbraced condition.
The overall results basically reveal positive biomechanical alterations
in forearm muscle activity and angular joint acceleration dependent
upon the brace and joint area analyzed.
*Groppel, Jack L., and E. Paul Roetert. "Applied physiology
of tennis." Sports Medicine 14.4 (1992):260 8.
Studies in anthropometry showed that more research is needed in
the area of physical development and its relationship to playing
tennis. Muscle activity patterns have been studied for the different
strokes, although more data are available relative to the service.
During the service, skilled tennis players were found to display
more consistent muscular activity with shorter periods of activation,
implying a higher level of coordination than less skilled players.
In profiling players, positive correlations were found between
tournament play and a number of fitness parameters. More research
is needed to develop assessment measures that are tennis specific.
Also, longitudinal studies will provide greater insight into player
profiles. The general consensus on fitness development was that
tennis players should incorporate flexibility, strength and endurance
training in their programmes to minimise asymmetry and injuries,
while simultaneously enhancing performance. Tennis was found to
have both aerobic and anaerobic components, with the predominant
energy supply coming from phosphagen energy system. These findings
suggest training programmes should be designed specific to the
actual energy and muscular demands of the game. The need for further
research in all areas certainly still exists in order to gain
a better understanding of the game.
*Hageman, C.E., and R.C. Lehman. "Stretching, strengthening,
and conditioning for the competitive tennis player." Clinics
in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):211 28.
For an athlete to be competitive at the highest levels of tennis,
he or she must possess an optimal level of flexibility, strength,
and cardiovascular conditioning. He or she also must be at a maximum
level in areas including upper and lower extremity selective endurance,
isolated muscular strength patterns of repetitive activities,
and agility. To achieve this, a great deal of time and effort
must be spent off the tennis court strengthening the appropriate
muscle groups and improving overall agility and pattern responses.
It is hoped that these programs will allow the American junior
tennis player to return to a level competitive with the rest of
the world.
*Hatze, H. "The effectiveness of grip bands in reducing racquet
vibration transfer and slipping." Medicine and Science in
Sports and Exercise 24.2 (1992):226 30.
The effectiveness of cushion grip bands in reducing impact shock
and vibration transfer, and slipping in tennis racquets has been
investigated. The results also apply, in principle, to badminton
and squash racquets, and to golf clubs. An artificial arm (manusimulator)
replicating the structure and all the important properties of
the real human arm (shoulder, upper and forearm, hand, soft tissue
and muscle simulators, etc.) was used together with a standard
tennis racquet for the investigation. Laser beams were employed
for precision adjustment of the spatial racquet position and the
ball impact location. The impact velocity was standardized at
20 m.s 1 +/ 1.2%, while the impact point was located 32.5 +/ 2
mm distal to the sweet spot (the nodal point of the fundamental
transverse vibration mode) on the racquet long axis. The grip
circumference for the 26 different grip bands tested was controlled
at 116 +/ 1 mm (grip size 5), and the adjustable manusimulator
grip pressure was kept at preset values. Impact shock and post
impact racquet vibrations were determined by manusimulator accelerometry,
while slipping resistance was measured by friction methods. The
major finding was that cushion grip bands do statistically significant
(at P = 0.05) reduce impact shock and vibration transfer in tennis
racquets, albeit to varying degrees depending on the brand. At
present, there is no clear indication whether these reductions
are, in fact, biologically relevant. Very large differences were
found to exist between the various grip band types as regards
the reduction of slipping.
*Ishikawa, H., et al. "Osteochondritis dissecans of the shoulder
in a tennis player." American Journal of Sports Medicine
16.5 (1988):547 50.
*Jette, M., et al. "Ambulatory blood pressure and Holter
monitoring during tennis play." Canadian Journal of Sport
Sciences 16.1 (1991):40 44.
The effect of tennis play on blood pressure, heart rate response,
and rhythm disturbances was evaluated in 21 men 39 to 61 years
of age (M = 49.5 +/ 6.7 yrs). A Holter monitor was utilized for
continuous ECG recording during tennis play and a portable ambulatory
blood pressure recorder (Spacelabs) was used to measure blood
pressures and heart rates periodically during tennis matches.
The results indicated that blood pressure response to tennis (singles),
although an activity of moderate aerobic intensity, can exert
significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure
even in those persons who are normotensive at rest. Excessive
body weight, and particularly abdominal deposition, appears associated
with an increase in diastolic blood pressure to exercise. Few
heart rhythm disturbances of consequence were uncovered. A simple
submaximal step test such as the Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test,
with ECG monitoring, could assist in detecting those individuals
susceptible to an exaggerated blood pressure response and to heart
rhythm disturbances at exercise.
*Kamien, M. "A rational management of tennis elbow."
Sports Medicine 9.3 (1990):173 91.
Tennis elbow is due to a torque injury or sudden overstretching
of tendons which insert into the epicondyles of the humerus. The
predominant lesion is an enthesopathy a pathological lesion at
the insertion of tendon into bone. The most common site is at
the lateral epicondyle and this is 3 times as frequent as at the
medial epicondyle. Approximately 50% of tennis players can expect
to get a tennis elbow at some time during their playing lifetime.
In one third of the players this will be severe enough to interfere
with their tasks of daily living. The major unresolved question
about the aetiology of tennis elbow is why it has its peak incidence
between the ages of 40 and 50 years and why 90% of players then
have no further recurrence. Making sense of the literature on
the treatment of tennis elbow is difficult because there are few
studies that have used the acceptable epidemiological techniques
of the prospective randomised controlled trial or case controlled
study.
