Relationship Between Range of Motion, Strength, Motor Control, Power, and the Tennis Serve in Competitive-Level Tennis Players: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The tennis serve is a complex skill requiring appropriate energy transfer to maximize serve speed. As the only independently powered shot in tennis, it is important to understand what characteristics contribute to a player's serve.

Hypothesis

Upper extremity and lower extremity power variables will be predictive of serve speed.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Level of evidence

Level 3.

Methods

A total of 42 competitive tennis players underwent range of motion, strength, motor control, power, and serve speed testing. Motion assessment was completed for shoulder external and internal rotation, trunk rotation, hip external and internal rotation, and ankle dorsiflexion. Strength was assessed for the rotator cuff, scapula, and hip musculature.

SUBMITTER: Palmer K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6116097 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep/Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature