Reaction time, first-step quickness, lateral (side steps), and forward speed over short distances are important parameters for tennis performance. The aims of this study were: (i) to diagnose the presence of laterality in tennis lateral movements and (ii) to compare the effects of plyometric training (PT), tennis-specific drills training (TDT), and combined training (CT) on performance in tennis-specific movements and power/strength of lower limbs. Sixty-four novice tennis players (21.1 +/- 1.3 years) were equally (n = 16) assigned to a control (C), PT, TDT, or CT. Training was performed 3 times/week for 9 weeks. Testing was conducted before and after training for the evaluation of reaction time (single lateral step), 4-m lateral and forward sprints, 12-m forward sprints with and without turn, reactive ability, power, and strength. There was a significant difference in lateral speed (side-steps) between the 2 sides (P < 0.05). PT, TDT, or CT improved the 4m lateral and forward sprints (P < 0.05). PT and CT improved also the reaction time of the "slow" side (P < 0.05), whereas TDT and CT improved the 12-m sprint performances with and without turn (P < 0.05). Power and strength improved in most tests after PT and CT. Lateral and forward sprints were correlated (r = -0.50 to -0.75; P < 0.05) with power/strength. In conclusion, PT improved fitness characteristics that rely more on reactive strength and powerful push-off of legs such as, lateral reaction time, 4-m lateral and forward sprints, drop jump and maximal force. TDT improved all 4-m and 12-m sprint performances, whereas CT appeared to incorporate the advantage of both programs and improved most tests items. Tennis coaches should be aware that each training regimen may induce more favorable changes to different aspects of fitness.

The association of expertness in speciWc motor activities with a higher ability to sustain a constant application of force, regardless of muscle length, has been hypothesized. Ten highly skilled (HS group) young tennis and handball athletes and 10 sedentary (S group) individuals performed maximal and submaximal (5, 10, 20, 50, and 75% of the MVC) isometric wrist Xexions on an isokinetic dynamometer (Kin-Com, Chattanooga). The wrist joint was Wxed at Wve diVerent angles (230, 210, 180, 150, and 1300). For each position the percentages of the maximal isometric force were calculated and participants were asked to maintain the respective force level for 5 s. Electromyographic (EMG) activation of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and Extensor Digitorum muscles was recorded using bipolar surface electrodes. No signiWcant diVerences were observed in maximal isometric strength between HS and S groups. Participants of HS group showed signiWcantly (P < 0.05) smaller force coeYcient of variability (CV) and SD values at all submaximal levels of MVC at all wrist angles. The CV and SD values remained unaltered regardless of wrist angle. No diVerence in normalized agonist and antagonist EMG activity was observed between the two groups. It is concluded that long-term practice could be associated with decreased isometric force variability independently from muscular length and coactivation of the antagonist muscles.

The purpose of this study was to examine effects of lower limb strength training on physical conditioning and kinematic characteristics of instep kicking in 16 young amateur soccer players who participated in initial and final laboratory tests. In addition to their standard preseason soccer program, 8 players comprised the experimental group, who performed an 8-wk. strength-training program. Maximal and relative isometric force of the lower limbs were significantly improved. Moreover, toe and ankle linear velocity during ball contact, ball velocity, as well as ankle, knee and hip angular velocities of the kicking leg were significantly increased. It is concluded that conditioning and kinematic indices of the kicking performance could be improved after strength training of the lower limbs.

No abstract

To examine torque variability in 2 antagonistic muscles 20 individuals performed maximal and submaximal (5, 10, 20, 50 and 75% of Maximal Voluntary Contraction, MVC) isometric wrist flexions and extensions (5 s) at 5 different angles (230, 210, 180, 150 and 130°). The EMG activity of Flexor Carpi Ulnaris (FCU) and Extensor Digitorum (ED) was recorded and quantified as the integral of EMG. Participants showed higher maximal isometric torque (32.43±11.17 vs. 17.41±3.84 Nm) and lower coefficient of variability during wrist flexion compared to extension. The normalized agonist EMG increased across higher levels of torque for both wrist muscles. Interestingly, the coactivation of ED during wrist flexion was greater compared to the coactivation of FCU during wrist extension at 50 and 75% of MVC, regardless of wrist angle (f.e.: at 180° and 75% of MVC the normalised EMG of ED as antagonist was 14.84±5.18% vs. 9.33±6.94 of the FCU). It is concluded that a stronger isometric wrist flexion is more steadily produced, with greater coactivation compared to a weaker wrist extension, independently from muscle length and torque level. Even if the relative contribution of antagonists to the resultant torque is to be considered, altered activation patterns responsible for differences in force fluctuations could be suggested.