Acute effects of dynamic versus foam rolling warm-up strategies on physical performance in elite tennis players

Abstract

To date, there is a lack of information about the optimal conditions of the warm-up to lead to a better performance in elite tennis players. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different warm-up protocols (dynamic vs. self-myofascial release with foam rolling) on neuromuscular variables associated with physical determinants of tennis performance. Using a crossover randomised experimental design, eleven professional men tennis players (20.6 ± 3.5 years) performed either a dynamic warm-up (DWU) or a self-myofascial release with foam rolling (SMFR) protocol. DWU consisted of 8 min of dynamic exercises at increasing intensity and SMFR consisted of 8 min of rolling on each lower extremity unilaterally. Just before (baseline) and after completing warm-up protocols, players performed a countermovement jump (CMJ), the 5-0-5 agility test, a 10-m sprint test and the Straight Leg Raise and Thomas tests to assess range of motion. Compared to baseline, the DWU was more effective to reduce the time in the 5-0-5 test than SMFR (-2.23 vs. 0.44%, respectively, p = 0.042, η p 2 = 0.19). However, both warm-up protocols similarly affected CMJ (2.32 vs. 0.61%, p = 0.373, η p 2 = 0.04) and 10-m sprint time changes (-1.26 vs. 1.03%, p = 0.124, η p 2 = 0.11). Changes in range of motion tests were also similar with both protocols (p = 0.448–1.000, η p 2 = 0.00–0.02). Overall, both DWU and SMFR were effective to prepare well-trained tennis players for highly demanding neuromuscular actions. However, DWU offered a better preparation for performing change of direction and sprint actions, and hence, in high-performance tennis players, the warm-up should include dynamic exercises.

Acute Effect of Short Intensive Self-Myofascial Release on Jump Performance in Amateur Athletes: A Randomized Cross-Over Study

“…Thus, further studies are warranted. Based on the current literature, athletes should focus on specific preparation before participating in their desired discipline [ 50 ].…”

Positional transversal release is effective as stretching on range of movement, performance and balance: a cross-over study

“…Results from previous investigations on the effects of MFR on jumping performance provide disagreeing evidence, highlighting that MFR can either enhance it or be similar to dynamic warm ups, but could also result in a performance reduction if applied for more than 1 min [ 70 – 72 ]. In addition, as described in the previous paragraph, also in MFR studies vertical jumps are more frequently employed to assess lower limb performance.…”

Traditional and Modified 5-0-5 Change of Direction Test: Normative and Reliability Analysis

“…There was only a 1.79% difference between subelite and novice athlete times. Interestingly, only one group of researchers used elite males as their participants (34). The elite group was made up of 11 subjects with an average performance of 2.75 seconds, which was the same for subelite athletes and only 1.79% faster compared to novice athletes.…”

“…Like the traditional 5-0-5 COD test, we cannot comment on the interaction between sex and sport as no research groups have reported male and female COD times in the same sport for the modified 5-0-5 COD test. Nevertheless, 6 out of the 9 studies that reported performance data have involved tennis athletes (16,17,21,34,41,43). This makes sense as the movement patterns of the modified 5-0-5 COD test are very similar to movements performed during a tennis match.…”