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Lambrich J, Muehlbauer T. The role of increased post-impact ball speed on plantar pressure during open and square stance groundstrokes in female tennis players. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:129. [PMID: 38858727 PMCID: PMC11163741 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is firmly established that achieving a high ball speed during the execution of groundstrokes represents a relevant factor for success in tennis. However, little is known about how plantar pressure changes as post-impact ball speed is increased during open and square stance groundstrokes. The objective of the study was to determine how tennis players change the plantar pressure in each foot when they execute open versus square stance forehand groundstrokes in order to increase post-impact ball speed. METHODS Fifteen healthy female tennis players with ITN 2 or better (mean age: 22.7 ± 7.8 years) participated in this study. The players performed open and square stance longline forehand groundstrokes (topspin) at the following four post-impact ball speed levels: 80 km/h, 90 km/h, 100 km/h, and vmax. Flexible pressure-detecting insoles were used to measure plantar pressure in each foot [i.e., dominant (equals the stroke arm) and nondominant]. RESULTS The repeated measures ANOVA showed significant stance style × foot dominance interactions and post-hoc analyses revealed larger maximal and mean forces during open compared to square stance for the dominant but not non-dominant foot. Further, the ball speed × stance style × foot dominance interaction reached the level of significance and post-hoc analyses showed increased/decreased mean forces in the dominant/non-dominant foot during the square but not open stance when players increased their post-impact ball speed. CONCLUSION Larger values in the open stance, but post-impact ball speed-adjusted values in square stance indicate different advantages in both styles, suggesting their situation-specific application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lambrich
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences, Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg- Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences, Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg- Essen, Essen, Germany
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Arrigoni P, Cucchi D, Beltrame G, Ribolzi R, Ceccarelli C, Zaolino C, Ellenbecker T, Randelli PS. 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. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 2024; 32:29-36. [PMID: 38226669 DOI: 10.1002/ksa.12016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to use image analysis recordings to measure the carrying angle of elite male tennis players during the forehand stroke, with the hypothesis that elite tennis players overstress their elbow in valgus over the physiological degree in the frontal plane just before ball contact on forehand groundstrokes. METHODS The carrying angle of male tennis players ranked in the top 25 positions in the ATP ranking was measured on selected video frames with the elbow as close as possible to full extension just before the ball-racket contact in forehands. These frames were extracted from 306 videos professionally recorded for training purposes by a high-profile video analyst. All measures were conducted by three independent observers. RESULTS Sixteen frames were finally included. The mean carrying angle was 11.5° ± 4.7°. The intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.703, showing good reliability of the measurement technique. The measured carrying angle was lower than what has been observed in historical cohorts using comparable measurement methodology, suggesting a possible instant varus accommodation mechanism before hitting the ball. CONCLUSIONS The observed decrease in the carrying angle is a consequence of an increase in elbow flexion position dictated by the transition from a closed to open, semi-open stances. As the elbow flexes during the preparation phase, it is less constrained by the olecranon and its fossa, increasing the strain on the medial collateral ligament and capsule structures. Moving towards full extension before the ball-racket contact, the elbow is dynamically stabilised by a contraction of the flexor muscles. These observations could provide a new explanation for medial elbow injuries among elite tennis players and drive specific rehabilitation protocols. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Arrigoni
- Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Cucchi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Giulia Beltrame
- Scuola Di Specializzazione in Ortopedia e Traumatologia Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Romeo Ribolzi
- Scuola Di Specializzazione in Ortopedia e Traumatologia Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Zaolino
- Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
| | - Todd Ellenbecker
- Medical Services, ATP Tour, Ponte Vedra Beach, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- Rehab Plus Sports Therapy Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Pietro S Randelli
- Clinica Ortopedica, ASST Centro Specialistico Ortopedico Traumatologico Gaetano Pini-CTO, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Applied Biomechanics, Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Research Center for Adult and Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases (RECAP-RD), Università Degli Studi Di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Lambrich J, Muehlbauer T. Biomechanical analyses of different serve and groundstroke techniques in tennis: A systematic scoping review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290320. [PMID: 37590226 PMCID: PMC10434869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This systematic scoping review aims to summarize findings regarding kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic analyses of different characteristics (i.e., type/direction and stance style) of the tennis serve and groundstroke. A systematic search of the literature was performed on the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SportDiscus from their inception date till May 2023. A descriptive analysis of results was conducted. The literature search identified a total of N = 899 records, 23 of which met the inclusion criteria and were analysed in this review. A total of 229 participants aged 18 to 62 years participated in the studies. The studies revealed varying results, ranging from significantly lower/higher values to no significant differences between serve/groundstroke characteristics. These inconsistent results may most likely be attributed to discrepancies in the methodological approach such as players' age (18-62 years), sex (i.e., men only or both sexes), and performance level (i.e., recreational, intermediate, or advanced) as well as the applied measurement devices (i.e., force plate or pressure-detecting insoles; motion capture system, high-speed video recordings, or IMU sensors) and used outcomes (i.e., measured or estimated force etc.). Future research is needed to provide a comprehensive biomechanical analysis of different serve/groundstroke characteristics. Specifically, it is recommended to compare different tennis serve and groundstroke types/directions and stance styles in female and male age-matched players with diverging performance levels (i.e., recreational, intermediate, advanced) using combined (i.e., kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic) biomechanical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Lambrich
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Fernandez-Fernandez J, Canós-Portalés J, Martínez-Gallego R, Corbi F, Baiget E. Effects of different maturity status on change of direction performance of youth tennis players. Biol Sport 2023; 40:867-876. [PMID: 37398953 PMCID: PMC10286620 DOI: 10.5114/biolsport.2023.121324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the maturational status (i.e., peak height velocity [PHV]) differences in neuromuscular performance (i.e., vertical jump, linear sprint, change of direction (COD) using different tests, and change of direction deficit [CODD]) of young tennis players. One hundred and two tennis players (70 boys and 52 girls; age 13.9 ± 2.0 years, body mass 53.3 ± 12.7 kg, height 163.1 ± 11.9 cm) participated in the study and were divided into Pre-PHV (n = 26), Circa-PHV (n = 33) and Post-PHV (n = 43) groups. Testing included speed (5, 10, and 20 m), COD tests (i.e., modified 5-0-5, pro-agility and hexagon), and bilateral/unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ). Pre- and Circa-PHV players presented lower levels of performance in jumping ability (i.e., both bilateral and unilateral CMJs; P < 0.001; ES: 0.85 to 0.98), linear sprints (5 to 20 m; P < 0.05 to < 0.001; ES: 0.67 to 1.19) and COD ability tests (modified 5-0-5 test, pro-agility and hexagon) compared to the Post-PHV players. Moreover, Pre-PHV players presented lower CODD% (p < 0.05; ES: 0.68-0.72) than Post-PHV for both forehand and backhand sides, and Circa-PHV showed lower values in the CODD of the rolling situation to the forehand side (p < 0.05; ES: 0.58). Among the COD tests, the pro-agility test seems to be a simple, easy-to-implement and reliable test, which can provide interesting information about the COD with higher entry speeds. Moreover, specific training strategies related to the PHV and focused not only on the neuromuscular training and COD workouts, but also on maximizing motor skill proficiency, should be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Fernandez-Fernandez
- Department of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Universidad de León, Spain
- AMRED, Human Movement and Sports Performance Analysis, Universidad de León, Spain
| | - Jose Canós-Portalés
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Corbi
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Ernest Baiget
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Lester M, Peeling P, Girard O, Murphy A, Armstrong C, Reid M. From The Ground Up: Expert Perceptions of Lower Limb Activity Monitoring in Tennis. J Sports Sci Med 2023; 22:133-141. [PMID: 36876180 PMCID: PMC9982527 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Understanding on-court movement in tennis allows for enhanced preparation strategies to improve player readiness and performance. Here, we explore expert physical preparation coaches' perceptions of elite training strategies for preparation and performance in tennis, with special reference to lower limb activity. Thirteen world renowned tennis strength and conditioning coaches were interviewed in a semi-structured method that explored four key topic areas of physical preparation for tennis: i) the physical demands; ii) load monitoring practice; iii) the direction of ground reaction forces application during match-play; and iv) the application of strength and conditioning for tennis. Three higher-order themes emerged from these discussions: i) off-court training for tennis should be specific to the demands of the sport, ii) the mechanical understanding of tennis lags our physiological approach, and iii) our understanding of the lower limb's contribution to tennis performance is limited. These findings provide valuable insights into the importance of improving our knowledge relevant to the mechanical demands of tennis movement, whilst highlighting important practical considerations from leading tennis conditioning experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lester
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Tennis Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Peeling
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Western Australian Institute of Sport, Perth, Australia
| | - Olivier Girard
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Cameron Armstrong
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Tennis Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Machar Reid
- School of Human Sciences (Exercise and Sport Science), The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Tennis Australia, Melbourne, Australia
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Perri T, Reid M, Murphy A, Howle K, Duffield R. Differentiating Stroke and Movement Accelerometer Profiles to Improve Prescription of Tennis Training Drills. J Strength Cond Res 2023; 37:646-651. [PMID: 36165877 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Perri, T, Reid, M, Murphy, A, Howle, K, and Duffield, R. Differentiating stroke and movement accelerometer profiles to improve prescription of tennis training drills. J Strength Cond Res 37(3): 646-651, 2023-This study compared the movement- and stroke-related accelerometer profiles and stroke counts between common on-court tennis training drills. Ten, junior-elite, male tennis players wore a cervical-mounted global positioning systems, with in-built accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer during hard court training sessions ( n = 189). Individual training drills were classified into 8 categories based on previous research descriptions. Manufacturer software calculated total player load (tPL), while a prototype algorithm detected forehand (FH), backhands (BH), and serves and then calculated a stroke player load (sPL) from individual strokes. Movement player load (mPL) was calculated as the difference between tPL and sPL. Drill categories were compared for relative ( . min -1 ) tPL, sPL, mPL, and stroke counts via a 1-way analysis of variance with effect sizes (Cohen's d ) and 95% confidence intervals. Highest tPL . min -1 existed in accuracy and recovery or defensive drills ( p < 0.05), with lowest tPL·min -1 values observed in match-play simulation ( p < 0.05). For sPL·min -1 , accuracy drills elicited greater values compared with all other drill types ( p < 0.05), partly via greater FH-sPL·min -1 ( p < 0.05), with lowest sPL·min -1 existing for match-play ( p < 0.05). Accuracy, open, and recovery or defensive drills result in greater BH-sPL·min -1 and BH . min -1 ( p < 0.05). Serve-sPL·min -1 is highest in technical and match-play drills ( p < 0.05). Higher mPL·min -1 existed in accuracy, recovery or defensive, 2v1 net, open, and 2v1 baseline ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, mPL·min -1 in points drills was greater than technical and match-play simulation drills ( p < 0.05). Higher hitting-based accelerometer loads (sPL·min -1 ) exist in accuracy drills, whereas technical and match-play drills show the lowest movement demands (mPL·min -1 ). These findings can aid individual drill prescription for targeting movement or hitting load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Perri
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Tennis Australia, Melbourne, Australia; and
| | | | | | | | - Rob Duffield
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Exploring lumbo-pelvic functional behaviour patterns during osteopathic motion tests: A biomechanical (en)active inference approach to movement analysis. INT J OSTEOPATH MED 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijosm.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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