CONDITIONING, FITNESS & HEALTH page
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Most papers are based on a collection of highly selected cases
which represent the more intractable end of the tennis elbow spectrum
and their reported results have been inconsistent. Tennis elbow
is largely a self limiting condition. The prime aim of treatment
should be based on Hippocrates' first tenet of medicine first
do no harm. Therapy should start with the simple and conservative
before progressing to the more complex and invasive therapies.
It should be acceptable to the patient, cost effective and where
invasive therapy is recommended, the potential benefits should
clearly outweigh the risks. The principles of therapy for tennis
elbow are to relieve pain, microbleeding and inflammation, promote
healing, rehabilitate the injured arm and try to prevent recurrence.
The most effective modalities of treatment are found to be cryotherapy
in the acute stage then nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs and
heat in its various modalities including ultrasound. This is combined
with rest which is best defined as the absence of painful activity.
Injection of a depot preparation of cortisone is effective although
patient reports are not as flattering as those of doctors. There
is no advantage and in fact considerable disadvantage in using
more than 2 such injections. Therapies such as acupuncture and
chiropractic have not been evaluated. Nevertheless they cause
no harm, may result in good and should be tried before resorting
to more invasive therapy. Rehabilitation should run parallel to
treatment.
*Kelley, J.D., et al. "Electromyographic and cinematographic
analysis of elbow function in tennis players with lateral epicondylitis."
American Journal of Sports Medicine 22.3 (1994): 359 63.
Lateral epicondylitis occurs frequently in tennis players and
appears to be caused by tears in the extensor aponeurosis. The
purpose of this study was to compare the electromyographic activities
of 5 muscles in players with lateral epicondylitis with those
of injury free players during the single handed backhand tennis
stroke. Finewire electrodes were placed into the extensor digitorum
communis, extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis, pronator
teres, and flexor carpi radialis muscles in competitive tennis
players; 8 players had lateral epicondylitis and 14 had normal
upper extremities. The backhand stroke then was recorded on high
speed film and synchronized with the electromyographic signal.
The injured players had significantly greater activity for the
wrist extensors and pronator teres muscles during ball impact
and early follow through. This activity increase may have been
caused by the abnormal mechanics evident on film, including a
"leading elbow," wrist extension and an open racquet
face near the time of ball impact, and ball contact in the lower
half of the strings. These mechanics not only result in a lower
level of play but also leave the wrist extensors and the pronator
teres muscles vulnerable to injury. This is the first study that
documents increased activity in muscles that have been previously
injured.
*Kibler, W.B., and Jeff Chandler. "The effect of conditioning
on performance parameters injuries in elite youth tennis players."
USTA Research Grant, 1990. Information available from Drs. Kibler
and Chandler, Univ. of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506
The authors studied the physiological changes in addition to monitoring
injuries that occur in elite youth tennis players in order to
determine the fitness levels for injury prevention and performance
enhancement.
*Kibler, W.B., C. McQueen, and T. Uhl. "Fitness evaluations
and fitness findings in competitive junior tennis players."
Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):403 16.
Elite tennis players, as well as a large number of active recreational
players, are involved in a sport that applies high repetitive
loads that can create tension overload situations in certain key
anatomic areas of the body and add to possible overload situations
in other areas of the body. This results in patterns of inflexibility
and weakness that can be demonstrated on a tennis specific musculoskeletal
exam, and that can be correlated with areas of increased injury
occurrence. These players report conditioning programs that are,
for the most part, inadequate to confer total conditioning of
all the muscular parameters important in playing tennis. All of
these factors, in addition to the frequency and type of playing,
contribute to the occurrence of the overload injuries noted. These
aspects need to be addressed in a preventative program for injury
reduction. We do not believe that major changes in the way that
tennis is played should be implemented until the effects of a
proper preventative conditioning program are evaluated. The "ideal"
conditioning program has not yet been found. While the exact composition
of the program is in doubt, our studies allow us to recommend
flexibility, strength, and endurance training for all athletes
playing tennis at frequent intervals. This program should be guided
by the findings on the preparticipation exam.
*Knudson, Duane V. "Factors affecting force loading on the
hand in the tennis forehand." Journal of Sports Medicine
and Physical Fitness 31.4 (1991):527 31.
The effect of preimpact hand forces and impact location on the
postimpact force loading on the hand in the tennis forehand drive
was examined. Force sensing resistors and strain gauges were mounted
on a midsized tennis racket. Three dimensional cinematography
was used to reconstruct the motion of the ball, racket, and upper
extremity of two varsity tennis players. One subject performed
fifteen strokes using his normal grip while another performed
sixteen, eight with a normal grip and eight with a significantly
firmer grip. Postimpact peak forces on the hand were significantly
(p less than 0.01) related to force at the base of the index finger
in preparation for impact and the distance the ball impacted from
the longitudinal axis of the racket. Impact location and preimpact
force on the hand were found to account for 66% of the variability
of postimpact peak force loading in the tennis forehand drive,
and are important factors related to force loading in the tennis
forehand. Smaller grip forces and rackets minimizing the effect
of off center impacts should be considered as intervention to
reduce the risk of tennis elbow.
*Kraemer, William J. "The effects of periodized vs. non-periodized
resistance training on biomechanical and physiological variables
in tennis." USTA Research Grant, 1990. Information available
from Dr. William Kraemer, Penn State Univ, University Park, PA
16802
The author conducted research to determine if physiological and
biomechanical differences exist between periodized and non-periodized
resistance training programs over an entire scholastic year. This
project resulted in the publication of Strength training for tennis:
a practical guide to strength training by the USTA in 1993. Kramer,
A.M., and D.V. Knudson. "Grip strength and fatigue in junior
college tennis players." Perceptual and Motor Skills 75.2
(1992):363 66.
Change in grip strength over 30 trials was documented in two samples
of junior college tennis players to assess possible fatigue. Eight
men and eight women performed 30 maximum grip strength tests with
25 sec. rests between trials. Significant positive correlations
(.38 and .53 for men and women) were observed between grip strength
and trials. In practical terms, grip strength did not change over
30 trials in these tennis players. The data suggested that the
repetitive gripping patterns used by these players in tennis play
resulted in consistent maximum grip strengths across 30 trials.
*Leach, R.E., and A. Abramowitz. "The senior tennis player."
Clinics in Sports Medicine 10.2 (1991):283 90.
Mature athletes playing tennis can sustain both acute and chronic
injuries. A number of the injuries are related to a gradual loss
of flexibility and strength. Much of this is reversible with properly
directed conditioning and rehabilitative programs.
*Lehman, R.C. "Shoulder pain in the competitive tennis player."
Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):309 27.
Shoulder pain in the elite tennis player is of the overuse variety
and is usually attributable to impingement symptoms. Nonoperative
approaches favor the quickest return to competitive tennis, and
when surgery is necessary, arthroscopic procedures are preferred.
*Lehman, R.C. "Surface and equipment variables in tennis
injuries." Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):229 32.
Alterations in equipment can reduce the incidence and severity
of overuse injuries in the competitive tennis player. Changes
in racquet variables, court surface, footwear, and string tension
play an important part in treatment of both upper and lower extremity
injuries. Adequate time for rehabilitation is needed to prevent
reinjury when returning to competition.
*Love, Page. "Nutrition assessment of junior elite tennis
players: body composition measurements, energy needs estimation,
and dietary intake evaluation." USTA Research Grant, 1991.
Information available from Dr. Page Love, c/o USTA, 7310 Crandon
Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149.
The author attempted to develop body composition norms for junior
tennis players. The study proposed specific nutrition education
guidelines junior tennis players can use to meet their optimal
nutritional status for competitive tennis play.
*Luethi, Simon Markus. A biomechanical analysis of short-term
pain and injuries in tennis. PhD Diss. Univ. of Calgary, 1983.
Available from Univ. of Calgary, Calgary, Canada T2N 1N4
*Malec, Luzanna A. Anaerobic and aerobic capacity of selected
Southern California female collegiate skilled and unskilled tennis
players. MS Thesis. California State Univ., Fullerton, 1982. Ann
Arbor: UMI, 1982. Order No. 1318573.
The anaerobic and aerobic capacity of ten skilled and ten unskilled
collegiate female tennis players were compared in this study.
Open circuit method of gas analysis during a graded exercise test,
and the Margaria-Kalamen Power Test were used to measure the various
physiological parameters.
*Marks, M.R., S.S. Haas, and S.W. Wiesel. "Low back pain
in the competitive tennis player." Clinics in Sports Medicine
7.2 (1988):277 87.
The etiologies of low back pain and the biomechanics and pathology
of the lumbar spine as they relate to tennis stroke mechanics
have been reviewed, and a treatment protocol has been presented.
A recent survey of the Men's Professional Tennis Tour is the only
article found that discusses low back pain in tennis players;
the orthopaedic and sports medicine literature is otherwise devoid
of any relevant studies. Because this one survey indicates that
38 per cent of 143 tennis players missed at least one tournament
because of low back problems, it seems obvious that an epidemiologic
study on low back pain in racquet sports is vital to a more thorough
understanding of the problem.
*McCann, P.D., and L.U. Bigliani. "Shoulder pain in tennis
players." Sports Medicine 17.1 (1994):53 64.
Shoulder pain is a common complaint amongst tennis players. The
anatomy of the shoulder girdle is complex and defining the exact
pathology that accounts for shoulder pain in tennis players can
be difficult. Impingement syndrome and glenohumeral instability
are the 2 most common causes of shoulder pain in tennis players.
Tennis players with impingement syndrome typically present with
pain, especially during overhead strokes and serves. The impingement
test helps to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment focuses on restoring
any motion and strength deficits and anterior acromioplasty with
repair of rotator cuff tears for patients who do not respond to
nonoperative care. Tennis players with instability present with
pain and a sensation of shoulder 'slipping'. Treatment emphasises
rotator cuff and scapular muscle strengthening and surgical stabilisation
of the capsulo labral complex for patients who fail a rehabilitation
programme. Prevention of injury in tennis players depends on maintaining
flexibility, strength and synchrony among the glenohumeral and
scapular muscles.
*McElgun, T.M., and R.G. Cavaliere. "Sequential bilateral
rupture of the plantar fascia in a tennis player. Journal of the
American Podiatric Medical Association 84.3 (1994): 137 41.
*Mero, A., L. Jaakkola, and P.V. Komi. "Neuromuscular, metabolic
and hormonal profiles of young tennis players and untrained boys."
Journal of Sports Sciences 7.2 (1989):95 100.
This study compared the neuromuscular, metabolic and hormonal
profiles of trained prepubescent tennis players and an untrained
group. The boys in the experimental group (n = 9; mean age +/
S.D. = 11.4 +/ 0.5 years) had participated in tennis training
for 2.3 +/ 1.0 years and the boys in the control group (n = 9;
mean age +/ S.D. = 10.9 +/ 0.4 years) were normal active volunteers.
The tennis players were found to be physically more active than
the controls when the comparison was made for either 1 year (4.9
+/ 1.8 vs 2.6 +/ 2.5 times per week; P less than 0.05) or for
1 week (3.4 +/ 1.2 vs 0.4 +/ 0.5 times; P less than 0.001) preceding
the tests. Choice reaction time was significantly (P less than
0.01) shorter in the experimental group (258 +/ 16 ms) than in
the control group (344 +/ 81 ms). Dropping height in the best
drop jump was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in the tennis
players (0.46 +/ 0.19 m) than in the control boys (0.27 +/ 0.10
m). The tennis players had significantly lower oxygen consumption
at the 'anaerobic threshold' than the controls (P less than 0.05).
There were no significant differences between the groups in serum
hormone levels. The small differences that existed may have been
caused by active participation in sport by the tennis players.
*Mitchell, Joel. "The effect of ingestion of a carbohydrate
beverage on performance, energy, and fluid status during a tennis
match." USTA Research Grant, 1990. Information available
from Dr. Joel Mitchell, Texas Christian Univ., Ft. Worth, TX 76129
The author studied and evaluated whether carbohydrate beverages
are more beneficial to tennis players than water for energy, performance,
and proper fluid levels.
*Moorman, C.T., III, et al. "So called trigger ankle due
to an aberrant flexor hallucis longus muscle in a tennis player:
a case report." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American
Volume) 74.2 (1992):294 95.
*Morgans, LeLand F., et al. "Heart rate responses during
singles and doubles tennis competition." Physician and Sportsmedicine
15.7 (1987): 67-71+.
This study monitored the heart rates of 17 adult male tennis players
during singles and doubles competition. Results revealed that
subjects playing singles games reached an average of 61 percent
of their maximal heart rate. In doubles competition, subjects
reached only 33 percent of maximal heart rate.
*Morris, M., et al. "Electromyographic analysis of elbow
function in tennis players." American Journal of Sports Medicine
17.2 (1989):241 47.
Muscle activity about the elbow during tennis strokes in nine
professional and collegiate level players was studied using indwelling
EMG and high speed photography. Eight muscles were evaluated for
the serve, forehand, and backhand strokes. The serve was divided
into six stages and the ground strokes into four stages. EMG tracings
were subjected to analog to digital conversion and a relative
measure of quantity was obtained. Analysis of variance and Turkey
tests were then done to assess statistical significance (P less
than 0.05). The ground strokes showed low activity in all muscles
tested during the preparation phase. During the acceleration phase,
both the backhand and forehand showed a generalized increase in
all muscle activity. Both strokes showed marked activity of the
wrist extensors and, in addition, the forehand showed high activity
in the brachialis and biceps.
In the follow through phase, there was a generalized decrease
in muscle activity. The serve showed low activity in all muscles
tested during the wind up phase. The wrist extensors increased
their activity in the cooking phase, with marked activity in late
cooking. The pronator teres and the triceps showed increased activity
in the acceleration phase. Follow through phase showed low muscle
activity except for the biceps, which increased in late follow
through. In conclusion, the muscles of the elbow help stabilize
the elbow as a unit during the ground strokes in these high level
players. Power in the serve comes from increased activity in the
triceps and pronator teres. The predominant activity of the wrist
extensors in all strokes may be one explanation for predisposition
to injury.
*Mulherin, W.B. "Treating injuries in tennis." Journal
of the Medical Association of Georgia 81.6 (1992):317 21.
*Murakami, Y. "Stress fracture of the metacarpal in an adolescent
tennis player." American Journal of Sports Medicine 16.4
(1988):419 20.
*Murphy, R.J. "Heat problems in the tennis player."
Clinics in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):429 34.
Any athlete, regardless of the sport or exercise, should allow
an appropriate period to get in condition before exerting maximal
effort. Athletes should be encouraged to observe environmental
conditions and sharply curtail or postpone activity if the humidity
reaches 95 per cent at any temperature. In addition, athletes
should expose as much skin as possible to the air, and remain
well hydrated before, during, and after exercise.
*Nirschl, R.P. "Prevention and treatment of elbow and shoulder
injuries in the tennis player." Clinics in Sports Medicine
7.2 (1988):289 308.
Tennis injuries are common in both the upper and lower extremities.
The most common, and often most difficult, upper extremity injuries
are shoulder tendinitis and tennis elbow (lateral and medial).
Key considerations in the treatment of tendinitis include an understanding
of the injury process and the resultant character and quantity
of the pathologic spectrums. Tendon degeneration rather than tendon
repair is the primary pathologic entity secondary to intrinsic
muscle tendon overload. For best treatment results, the protocols
of treatment, both surgical and nonsurgical, must be individualized.
*Noteboom, T., et al. "Tennis elbow: a review." Journal
of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 19.6 (1994):357 66.
Tennis elbow is a common yet sometimes complex musculoskeletal
condition affecting many patients treated by physical therapists.
The purpose of this article is to review the anatomy, clinical
examination, differential diagnosis, conservative care, and surgical
treatment for tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. Particular
attention is given to determining the precise pathological cause
of lateral epicondylitis, with consideration of intrinsic and
extrinsic factors associated with this condition. This information
should assist health care practitioners who treat patients with
this disorder.
*Pinzur, Michael S. "Wrist pain associated with 'fractured'
handle weights in a tennis racket." Physician and Sportsmedicine
16.7 (1988): 120-22.
Three case studies of tennis players with vague wrist pain while
hitting a tennis ball showed unremarkable physical examination
results. X-rays taken of the tennis rackets they used, however,
showed fractures in the handle weights. Replacement of the rackets
relieved all symptoms.
*Ponton, Dennis. "Nutrient intake of tennis players: recommendations
and practices." USTA Research Grant, 1990. Information available
from Dr. Dennis Ponton, State Univ. of New York College at Buffalo,
Buffalo, NY 14222
The author examined whether tennis-specific nutrient recommendations
exist, and, if so, if they correlate with waht competitive tennis
players actually follow as a dietary plan.
*Priest, J.D. "The shoulder of the tennis player." Clinics
in Sports Medicine 7.2 (1988):387 402.
A depression of the exercised shoulder was found among highly
trained tennis players, and in other athletes employing the overhand
motion. This deformity is attributed to stretching of the shoulder
elevating muscles, and to hypertrophy of the racket holding extremity.
Most symptoms in the shoulders studied were in the region of the
rotator cuff, and occurred upon strokes requiring abduction. Shoulder
dependency causes a relative abduction of the extremity, which
may result in impingement of the rotator cuff. Shoulder droop
may lead to thoracic outlet syndrome, and, in the athlete, may
simulate scoliosis.
*Prochaska, V., L.A. Crosby, and R.P. Murphy. "High radial
nerve palsy in a tennis player." Orthopaedic Review 22.1
(1993):90 2.
High radial nerve palsy occurred in a 47 year old athlete following
muscular overexertion. Surgical exploration showed a fibrous arch
coming from the long head of the triceps and causing entrapment
of the radial nerve. Radial nerve entrapment following muscular
overexertion has been reported to be caused by fibrous arches
coming from the lateral head of the triceps. Fibrous arches can
occur from either the lateral or long head of the triceps muscle.
The neuropathy that occurs can be irreversible.
*Rettig, A.C., and H.F. Beltz. "Stress fracture in the humerus
in an adolescent tennis tournament player." American Journal
of Sports Medicine 13.1 (1985):55 58.
*Ryu, R.K., et al. "An electromyographic analysis of shoulder
function in tennis players." American Journal of Sports Medicine
16.5 (1988):481 85.
Shoulder injuries in tennis players are common because of the
repetitive, high magnitude forces generated around the shoulder
during the various tennis strokes. An understanding of the complex
sequences of muscle activity in this area may help reduce injury,
enhance performance, and assist the rapid rehabilitation of the
injured athlete. The supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis,
middle deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii,
and serratus anterior muscles were studied in six uninjured male
Division II collegiate tennis players using dynamic electromyography
(EMG) and synchronized high speed photography. Each subject performed
the tennis serve and the forehand and backhand groundstrokes,
and each stroke was divided into stages. The tennis serve contains
four stages. Three stages characterize the forehand and backhand
groundstrokes. Our results indicate that the subscapularis, pectoralis
major, and serratus anterior display the greatest activity during
the serve and forehand. The middle deltoid, supraspinatus, and
infraspinatus are most active in the acceleration and follow through
stages of the backhand. The biceps brachii increases its activity
during cocking and follow through in the serve with a similar
pattern noted in the acceleration and follow through stages of
the forehand and backhand. The serratus anterior demonstrates
intense activity in the serve and forehand, thus providing a stable
platform for the humeral head and assisting in gleno humeral scapulothoracic
synchrony. The tennis serve and forehand and backhand groundstrokes
are accomplished by complex sequences of muscle activity that
incorporate contributions from the lower extremities and trunk
into smooth, coordinated patterns.
*Sachs, Michael L. "Injuries, physical factors and psychological
characteristics in intercollegiate tennis players: a counseling/prediction
model." USTA Research Grant, 1990. Information available
from Dr. Michael Sachs, Temple Univ., Philadelphia, PA 19122
The author examined whether a correlation exists between psychological
distress and injuries in intercollegiate tennis players.
*Shin, In Sik. The influences of string tension and frame stiffness
on racquet and ball motions, and on impact loads at the elbow
joint during the tennis backhand drive. PhD Diss. Univ. of Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign, 1989. Ann Arbor: UMI, 1990. Order No. 9011021.
The motion of the ball and frame during and just after impact
was inferred from the acceleration time change of an accelerometer
instrumented impactor pendulum, and the strain time change of
the frame during the clamped racket impact. The impulsive loads
acting on the elbow joint were estimated by adopting an inverse
dynamic analysis (impulse momentum equation) for the racket and
forearm during the backhand drive. The stiffness and string tension
conditions tested in the experiment were 5450 and 7540 N/m crossed
with 178,245, and 311 N, respectively for the two phases of tests.
Generally, the impulse of the first acceleration spike was not
consistently affected by the string tension and frame stiffness.
However, at the slowest impact speed, high string tension and
flexible frame significantly reduced the impulse on the ball.
This specific result was partly consistent with the impulse measured
in actual backhand drive impact where only the tighter string
reduced the impulse applied to the ball. Although the mean impulses
produced by the stiff frame were larger than those by flexible
frame at the tested string tensions, the difference was not significant.
The mean linear and angular impulses acting on the elbow joint
during backhand drive were 0.804 N $\cdot$ sec and 0.416 N $\cdot$
sec, respectively, with large variability in the measures. The
approximated peak impulsive force and moment was 144 N and 78
Nm respectively. The effect of different string tension and frame
stiffness on the impulsive loads at the elbow joint during backhand
drive was not significant. Recommendations. A lighter impactor
would improve the applicability of the impactor pendulum results
to actual racket and ball interaction. A set of 3 D impulse momentum
equations need to be developed for incorporation into 3 D motion
analysis.
*Simpson, K.J., et al. "Factors influencing rearfoot kinematics
during a rapid lateral braking movement." Medicine and Science
in Sports and Exercise 24.5 (1992):586 94.
Understanding the morphological, movement, and biomechanical characteristics
that influence rearfoot motion during lateral movements is necessary
for footwear design and for the determination of injury mechanisms.
The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to rearfoot
kinematics during a lateral braking movement. Seven highly skilled
male tennis players performed 24 trials of side shuffle movements
at various speeds. A rear view of the right leg performing a braking
step onto a force platform was filmed. The neutral O landing style
was most commonly demonstrated. Average movement velocity, foot
velocity at touchdown, and body mass were variables demonstrating
weak or nonsignificant correlations with the rearfoot parameters.
Although structural inversion was correlated significantly with
the maximum rearfoot angle and velocity (r = 0.52 and 0.69),
the results were affected by movement speed and sample size. The
biomechanical characteristics displayed the greatest influence
on the various rearfoot kinematic parameters. The magnitude of
the significant (P less than 0.0001) correlations generally decreased
in the following order: maximum horizontal and vertical force
gradients, corresponding times to the maximum gradient values,
maximum horizontal and vertical forces, and the corresponding
times to maximum forces. In conclusion, the gradient associated
parameters were the most useful biomechanical parameters for predicting
changes in rearfoot kinematics.
*Sinoway, L.I., et al. "Enhanced maximal metabolic vasodilatation
in the dominant forearms of tennis players." Journal of Applied
Physiology 61.2 (1986):673 78.
In an effort to evaluate potential peripheral adaptations to training,
maximal metabolic vasodilation was studied in the dominant and
nondominant forearms of six tennis players and six control subjects.
Maximal metabolic vasodilation was defined as the peak forearm
blood flow measured after release of arterial occlusion, the reactive
hyperemic blood flow (RHBF). Two ischemic stimuli were employed
in each subject: 5 min of arterial occlusion (RHBF5) and 5 min
of arterial occlusion coupled with 1 min of ischemic exercise
(RHBF5ex). RHBF and resting forearm blood flows were measured
using venous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography (ml X min
1 X 100 ml 1). Resting forearm blood flows were similar in both
arms of both groups. RHBF5ex was similar in both arms of our control
group (dominant, 40.8 +/ 1.2 vs. nondominant, 40.9 +/ 2.1).
However, RHBF5ex was 42% higher in the dominant than in the nondominant
forearms of our tennis player population (dominant, 48.7 +/ 4.0
vs. nondominant, 34.4 +/ 3.4; P less than 0.05). This intraindividual
difference in peak forearm blood flows was not secondary to improved
systemic conditioning since the maximal O2 consumptions in the
two study groups were similar (controls, 45.4 +/ 3.9 vs. tennis
players, 46.1 +/ 1.7). These findings suggest a primary peripheral
cardiovascular adaptation to exercise training in the dominant
forearms of the tennis players resulting in a greater maximal
vasodilatation.
*Sprigings E., et al. "A three dimensional kinematic method
for determining the effectiveness of arm segment rotations in
producing racquet head speed. Journal of Biomechanics 27.3 (1994):
245 54.
The contribution that a segment's anatomical rotations make to
racquet head speed depends on both the segment's angular velocity
and the instantaneous position of the head of the racquet with
respect to the segment's axes of rotation. Any analysis of racquet
swing technique that does not consider both of these factors simultaneously
is, at best, incomplete. With this in mind, a three dimensional
kinematic method was developed to determine the effectiveness
of the anatomical rotations of the upper arm, forearm, and hand
in producing racquet head speed. The method entailed developing
a system of vector equations for three dimensional upper limb
rotations that used displacement histories of 10 selected landmarks
as input. The required three dimensional displacement histories
were obtained using three cine cameras and the DLT approach. To
test the diagnostic capabilities of the method, a tennis serve
was selected for analysis. For the player and serve analyzed,
the greatest contribution to racquet head speed at impact was
produced by internal rotation of the upper arm (8 m s 1). Forearm
pronation, although exhibiting the fastest rotation at impact
(24 rad s 1), ranked only fourth in terms of its contribution
(4 m s 1) to racquet head speed. To test the performance of the
method, a comparison was made between the racquet head speed measured
directly from film and the racquet head speed computed by summing
all of the individual segment contributions to speed commencing
at the start of forward swing and ending at ball contact. The
results indicate that the method can successfully determine the
individual contributions that the different anatomical rotational
velocities of the arm segments make to the measured instantaneous
racquet head speed.
*Swank, Ann. "Physiological profile of male senior tennis
players: a comparison with age-matched controls." USTA Research
Grant, 1993. Information available from Dr. Ann Swank, Univ. of
Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292.
The author gathered data for an in-depth description of the male
senior tennis player and attempted to identify significant data
on the physiological characteristics of such. An analysis of the
research statistics was conducted to indicate differences in the
male senior tennis player and the controls in reference to strength,
flexibility, a healthier lipid profile, and enhanced aerobic capacity.
*Therminarias, A., et al. "Effects of age on heart rate response during a strenuous match of tennis." Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 30.4 (1990):389 96.
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